1988 | Point Loma, San Diego
During the regular semesters, I didn’t lead a lot of field trips; instead I encouraged my students to go out and photograph what they cared most about. The view camera class seemed to require extra encouragement though – setting out with the larger camera and tripod and getting under the cloth was different work at a new level. So I would choose challenging locations, then show ways to work in any terrain, looking first, then setting and checking a strong base against slippage and wind.
I did not often bring my big camera along, though I sometimes carried a few film holders of my own, just in case anyone asked me how I would take a picture there. Then I might move or adjust their camera a little and expose a sheet, so we could compare our results back in the lab. But since I was outdoors, I did carry a Leica.
So here is Anita Burkett, between efforts, getting to know her camera. Looking back, I see that I was getting to know mine as well.