The Shape of Cameras
I wanted to explore how engineering interacted with design, particularly in older cameras, where function strongly controlled form. The following three photos explore how iconic cameras were designed around their limitations, showcasing their balance between form and function.
1. The "Exploded View"
The exploded view is a very common technical drawing style, showing how the subject can be disassembled. I wanted to replicate this view, entirely in-camera, and without editing.
The set:
Black Plexiglas was used as a background for subtle reflections. Two strobes lit the top-left, and bottom-right, placed far enough away to not reflect on the material. Careful positioning of the strobes also meant scratches on the material would not appear in the photo.
2. Flash Bulb
Press cameras are a prime example of function over form- camera flashes were a tube of batteries with a bulb, and the cameras were a box with a lens on extending bellows.
The set:
Flash was lit with a flashlight (held by an assistant). Camera was lit from behind by a single strobe, and lit from the front by the reflected light from another strobe.
3. Single Lens Reflex
The single lens reflex camera was an incredible break-through in camera technology, allowing the photographer to see the exact image that would be captured. However, this functionality increased the size of cameras, and heavily effected their form.
The set:
The entire image was lit with a single strobe, I wanted to see the light project through the camera. Positioning the strobe was very complicated, as it could not be in frame, it needed to be centered, and needed to be directly overhead, not angled.
