Alec Soth, renowned for his evocative large-format photography, has employed a diverse range of camera equipment throughout his career, adapting his tools to suit the narrative and aesthetic demands of each project.
Here's an overview of the gear he's used:
Primary Camera Gear
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R.H. Phillips & Sons 8×10 Compact View Camera: Soth's signature camera, notably used in projects like Sleeping by the Mississippi and Niagara. He often pairs it with a 300mm Nikon lens, appreciating the unique rendering and depth it provides.
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| R.H. Phillip & Sons 8 x 10 Compact |
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K.B. Canham 8×10: Another large-format camera Soth has utilized, offering portability and precision.
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| K.B. Canham 8 x 10 |
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Lenses:
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Nikon 300mm: A standard lens for 8×10 format, providing a natural perspective.
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Nikon 800mm (convertible to 1200mm): Used for capturing distant subjects with compression.
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Schneider 210mm Super-Angulon: A wide-angle lens suitable for expansive scenes.
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Mamiya 6: A medium-format rangefinder camera employed in projects like Dog Days, Bogotá, valued for its compactness and image quality.
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| Mamiya 6 |
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Phase One LightPhase Digital Back: Utilized for editorial assignments requiring digital capture with medium-format quality.
Film and Shooting Approach
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Film: Soth predominantly uses Kodak Portra NC 400 and 160 films, known for their natural color rendition and fine grain.
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Shooting Style: His use of large-format cameras necessitates a deliberate and patient approach. Soth often sets up his camera only after establishing a connection with his subject, allowing for a more intimate and less intrusive photographic experience.
Digital and Alternative Formats
While Soth is celebrated for his large-format work, he has also explored other formats:
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Digital Photography: In projects like Songbook, Soth transitioned to digital capture, embracing the flexibility and immediacy it offers.
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35mm and Medium Format: Depending on the project's requirements, Soth adapts his equipment choice to best convey the intended narrative.