We receive film from many interesting photographers around the globe. From time to time, we will show a selection of photo galleries including a short interview. Today’s guest: Klaus-Dieter Hohmann Klaus-Dieter Hohmann
1. What is your kind of photography?
My slogan is “Humans and More” (hard to translate: In German, the word “mehr”, which is “more” in English, sounds lie the word “Meer”, which means “the sea”). I love getting to know new people, their opinions and their philosophy. If I can convert these feelings into photography, I have reached my goal. I just like people, I like talking to them and I like photography. Apart from that, I shoot whatever comes up to my mind, and of course I shoot the sea (as my second home).
2. Which camera systems do you use? Why do you still use analog systems?
Many years ago I started photography, shooting roll film in the “Pouva Start”. After that, I shot a “Certina” and at the end of the 70s I gave Super8 a try. Since about four years I am – in addition to digital photography – back to film. I use it especially for portrait photography. For me the different impression of the pictures, the grain in contrary to the smooth, digital look and finally, the slower method of photography, makes the difference; especially since I mainly compose the image in the viewfinder already.
I currently use a Canon EOS 30 and a Yashica T5 for 35mm film. I shoot medium format with a Kiev60, a Pentacon six, and most recently a Pentax67. I take digital pictures with a Canon EOS 5D Mk II. I use only fixed focal lengths, since I am a fan of “inartificial” photography, and I like shooting wide open.
3. What are your favorite films?
In general I prefer B&W, Kodak T-Max and Tri-X, but I also like the warm colors of the Portra family. At the moment I am testing CineStill.
4. What do you expect from a film lab?
If you have no darkroom or lab at home, a professional lab is as important as the photograph itself. I expect a good quality film development and a better-than average scan of the negatives, with maximum details in the highlights and shadows. Color scans need to have natural, neutral colors and beautiful skin tones. The communication with the lab is also important for me, and of course their work should remain affordable for an amateur.
Thank you very much for the interview! All images © Klaus-Dieter Hohmann (http://kdh.model-kartei.de)
