Photographing Railroadiana
By Richard Barrett

This article covers the photography of relatively large items (lanterns and larger). We will publish a sheet on photography of small items in the future. For purposes here, we shall refer to photographing lanterns; however, the same techniques apply to any artifact of similar (or larger) size. These techniques can be used with most 35 mm single lens reflex cameras which have a normal focal length lens and a manual mode capability.

1. Go to an art supply store and purchase two 30" by 40" sheets of heavy white artboard. The ones I use have a pebbly finish on one side and a smooth finish on the other side. These will last you for years. Don't worry if they get a little dirt or soot on them over time. It doesn't show. One of these sheets will go under the item to be photographed. The other sheet will be stood up at a near 90 degree angle to the first to use as a backdrop. Make sure that the two pieces come together so that the camera does not see a seam.

2. The secret to making good quality pictures is to be able to use an f-stop of 16 or 22. However, the problem with using an f-stop of 16 or 22 is that you need a long shutter opening or a very fast film. A long shutter opening is a pain in the neck. It requires a tripod, a cable release and a very stable (no movement) setup. The easy way is to use a very fast film. I recommend the Kodak 3200 speed black and white film. With this film and some common household lights, you can achieve excellent results without having to use a cable release or tripod.

3. Take a look at your 35 mm single lens reflex camera. What is the minimum distance it will focus down to? If it's less than 30", you've got it made. My camera camera will focus down to about sixteen inches. You will need a light meter. Almost all of today's cameras have one built in. If not, a separate meter can be used. Put your camera on manual control. You want to control the exposure.

4. Now we need lights. I suggest those utility type lights available at any home center that have a cushioned spring-loaded fastener and a spun aluminum refector. If you don't already have some floating around the house, they are available for several dollars apiece at your local hardware store or home center.

5. Let's assume, for talking purposes, that you have all the items mentioned above sitting on your kitchen floor, and that you are going to use the kitchen table to photograph your lanterns. Lay one piece of art board flat on the kitchen table. Prop the other one up against the wall so that it is standing on end. Put your lantern on the art board about 18-30" away from where your camera lens will be when you take the picture.  Clamp a light to each of three kitchen chair backs (100 watt bulbs work great with the 3200 speed film). Place one light 45 degrees to the left and one light 45 degrees to the right. Put the third light at 120 degrees left (or right). Clamp this third light so that it is slightly higher than the item being photographed. The purpose of the third lamp is to highlight the outline of the lantern. All three lights should be two to three feet from your subject. Turn on all three lamps.

6. It's now time to put film in the camera. Set your f-stop at 16 or 22, set your film's ASA speed on the meter and use your meter to determine a trial shutter speed. For your first few sessions, use this shutter speed, as well as a shorter and longer shutter speed for each subject. Keep records of what you used so that you can determine what works best with your particular combination of film, lights, and subject matter. Shoot a roll or two of film.

7. Few of us develop and print our own photographs these days. That means you will probably use a commercial photo finisher. THESE GUYS ALMOST ALWAYS PRINT BLACK AND WHITE PICTURES OF NON-HUMAN SUBJECTS TOO DARK! There are two ways to counteract this. The first is to write a note on the photo finishing envelope when you drop off your film. Write something like "Please print for lantern detail, do not print too dark". This works about 75% of the time. When you get your prints back, examine them in the store before you leave. If your prints are not of good quality, look at the negatives. If your negatives are all washed out or all black, you goofed. You'll have to reshoot. However, if your negatives show a good range of "black and clear" and they are in focus, you should have gotten good prints. If you did not receive good prints hand them back to the counter person and tell them that they need to be re-done because they are too dark. They will redo your order at their cost.

8. Enjoy your prints. Put a set in a safe place to use for insurance purposes. And most importantly, share them with others through "Key, Lock and Lantern" magazine.

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