The Gandolfi Challenge

I was invited to take part in a fun competition which would be a feature in Amateur Photographer Magazine. The task,  for a chosen group of photographers was to split into two teams, each led by an accomplished professional, in this case they were Charlie Waite and Damien Demolder (Editor). The two teams of three each had one large format plate camera for the formal shots and digital SLR's for scouting.

We travelled to Balcome Viaduct in West Sussex with a very clear brief. To make a photograph on behalf of Network Rail of the Viaduct. The shot needed to be different from the usual. A new angle or a novel way to see the structure which would consider both the architecture and the surrounding countryside. The Viaduct is a very well known landmark and has been photographed thousands of times from all angles. It was our brief to find something new.

The four 'students', of which I was one were to switch on their muse and go scout to make digital test shots of the scenery and then link up with team leader and rest of the team to set up and photograph the selected scenes with the large format gear.

We had just 6 plates of ASA 3 paper negative, so our choices and camera set up had to be right first time.

It was an excellent learning experience that tested my craft and also taught me a new skill of using a large format plate camera. I shall be having another go as soon as I can it being such a methodical and rewarding process which really drills in the basic principles of photography.

Here is a link to the online gallery at Amateur Photographer Magazine Gandolfi Challenge Gallery AP Magazine

As I write the final decision on the winner is yet to be made, but in the mean time I will post my 5 digitally made sample shots of which at least one (the first here)  was made with the plate camera and submitted as a final shot. I will update here should I be successful.