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Photographer

Meet Bradley Cantrell

By | Art From the Hills, Artist, Photographer, Tweek Imaging | No Comments

Learn a little more about photographer Bradley Cantrell! We love working with this guy, and we think you’ll love his work.

​Probably our favorite thing about being printers is that we get to meet and work with really cool artists like Bradley Cantrell. Bradley is a super talented photographer who lives and works right here in Knoxville, TN. Bradley has an awesome show coming up at Pellissippi State in the Bagwell Center Gallery that will run from November 20-December 8. We were luckily enough to chat with Bradley this week about his work and motivation. Check out our conversation below!

  • When did you first pick up a camera and what was your motivation?
    • When I took a photography class in high school, I think 10th grade. I bought a point and shoot Canon.
  • Has your motivation changed from then to now? Has you gear changed from then to now?
    • Absolutely, obviously then it was for a class I didn’t really care about. Now I am trying to make art. My gear has definitely changed, I shoot lots of different film cameras, and currently am shooting Sony for digital.

  • What is your favorite camera or format to work with?
    •  My Hasselblad 500c medium format is probably my favorite camera I have.
  • Do you plan out a lot of your shots ahead of time, or just shoot as you see things? Favorite subject? What inspires you most?
    • I love to plan almost nothing, I think I get the best images when i’m not trying to. I love photographing people, and I find a lot of inspiration from movies.

  • When you’re shooting while traveling and snap one of a passer-by or something do they ever notice and say anything? Ever had any interesting reactions?
    • Yes, I was in Scotland and this lady was in the middle of the street feeding some birds, easily 200 birds it was surreal and as soon as I lifted my camera to photograph this scene she freaked out and ran over to me and my friends screaming at us, demanding we delete any photos of her. She was actually scaring some of the people with me so I had to tell her off! It was an experience. 
      • This story is awesome!

  • What is your favorite location that you’ve seen/photographed?
    • There was an Island in Scotland that was the most incredible place I have ever been or even seen. Lush green hills and a rocky coast to the ocean, not another person in sight. It was a place you see in movies and I never imagined I would step foot near. 

  • Black and white or color?
    • I never liked black and white until I started shooting film, that is such a tough decision but I would go with black and white.
  • Can you give us the details of your upcoming show?
    • The reception is Nov. 20th, 4-7pm. It is all photographs from a trip to south korea, 59 images total. it will be hanging until Dec. 8th

  • What brought you to Tweek?
    •  Emily Brewer messaged me about a special discount on prints, and probably a hundred prints later here we are. 
  • Would you recommend Tweek to other photographers?
    • Oh yes, I recommend Tweek to all my photographer friends. Excellent customer service, especially if you are local, and you guys actually care about what you are working on. 
      • Thanks buddy!

  • Current musical obsession: I’ve been stuck jamming The Killers and Manchester Orchestra’s new albums.
  • Favorite meal of the day: Breakfast, no doubt.
  • Coffee or Chocolate: Coffee

Check out Bradley’s website or his Instagram to see more of his work!

Meet Kyle Myles

By | Artist, Photographer, Tweek Imaging | No Comments

We love seeing the world through the eyes of others at Tweek. Sometimes that means we’re scanning your negatives, restoring your photos or printing them. For photographer, Kyle Myles, that often means helping him during the printing process. More recently we were helping him print a number of panoramic photos for a show in his hometown of Washington D.C. Often times we get to look into his life with his friends and his family when we print his work. We love printing Kyle’s work. Even more, we love sharing it on the blog today. So, here ya go. Learn more about Kyle Myles.

TI: When did you first pick up a camera and what was your motivation?

KM: I first picked up a camera around 2012 to document my friends that I was skateboarding with.

TI: Has your motivation changed from then to now? How so?

KM: I’m still documenting skateboarding but now I photograph everything else, and everyone else I know, as well.

TI: Has you gear changed from then to now? What did you start out shooting with? How old are you/did you start out pre-digital age?

KM: My first camera was a Sony Nex-5 and i’ve used a wide variety of cameras, both film and digital, ever since. I’m 27 now so I started well after digital came about.

TI: Tweek printed some panoramas for you that were pretty awesome…what were you shooting those with?

KM: Thank you! Those were shot with a Hasselblad XPan that a friend loaned to me.

TI: Do you do those very often or just when the scene is right?

KM: I would certainly shoot more panoramics if only I could afford an XPan. The wide open western landscape definitely lends itself to a aspect ratio like that.

TI: Favorite subject? Do you have to say your family?

KM: Family and friends for sure. I’ve realized lately that the majority of my work is centered around the people closest to me. I’m not particularly interested in documenting strangers, though I enjoy and admire the work of many photographers who do.

TI: Speaking of family…your niece and nephew must just see a camera as an extension of your face by now. How have their interactions with you and your camera changed over the years? Or have they? Do they put on a show for the camera at all or just act naturally all the time?

KM: They’ve seen me with a camera ever since I picked one up so I think they must see it as an extension of me by now. They’re the only people that I know who (most of the time) don’t put on a show when they see the camera. We’ll see how that dynamic changes as they grow but for the time being they’re generally in their own worlds and don’t pay my camera any mind.

TI: People or places/things? Do you prefer one over the other?

KM: I definitely prefer photographing the people in my life but sometimes a scene/landscape can hold just as much emotion or connection for me. I can’t explain what I might see in a scene that brings me to photograph it and I never know until I have gotten home whether it has translated or not.

TI: Black and white all the way? A few of your panos are in color…is that it?

KM: The majority of my work is definitely in black and white but i’ve been pushing myself lately to try and make more work in color. It’s been a challenge to say the least.

TI: Why are you such a fan of B&W?

KM: When I started shooting with film and developing it myself, I got into black and white for how easy/cheap it was process. After shooting that way for some time it became natural to see and photograph things with that in mind. I look at just as much color work as I do black and white but for me my preference for my own photography is still overwhelmingly black and white.

TI: Future of photography equipment…what do you see?

KM: I think DSLR’s are definitely on the decline as camera manufacturers are investing more into mirrorless technology and many users are looking for the best performance in the smallest package. That’s part of what makes the Sony A7(r,s), Fuji X and Leica M series so popular. As great a tool that the cell phone camera is, and I use mine just as frequently as any camera I own, I think there will always be a market for dedicated still and video cameras. I try not to think too much about equipment. The most important thing is to find a tool that works best for you and the way you work.

TI: I’m a big fan of clean, negative space and you do that really well. Did you start out seeing this way or did you just end up here?

KM: That’s something that has developed in my work over time. I find cluttered photographs too distracting and I try to give the key elements their own space to breathe

TI: Any shows coming up for you? Give us the details and tell us what we could see if we are able to go.

KM: I currently have an exhibition of panoramic images, made in California and Nevada, up at Hanks Cocktail Bar in Washington, DC. It runs through October 31st.

TI: What brought you to Tweek? How long have you worked with Tweek, and what keeps you coming back for each project?

KM: I was initially approached by my friend Emily Brewer to try out Tweek’s latest online platform about a year or so ago. I enjoy working with you all for the one on one experience (Tony is just a text or email away for any of my obsessive questions), the value for my money and the end result which has never disappointed me.

TI: Would you recommend Tweek to other photographers?

KM: Definitely, and I have on quite a few occasions.

TI: Current inspiration:

KM: The stack of books on my coffee table (Larry Towell is at the top of the pile) and whatever good work my friends make on a daily basis.

TI: Current musical obsession:

KM: Future Islands is the most recent played artist on my Spotify.

TI: Favorite meal of the day:

KM: Dinner, because its the one meal I never forget to eat.

TI: Coffee or Chocolate:

KM: Don’t do that to me…

 

Meet Emily Brewer!

By | Artist, Photographer, Tweek Imaging | No Comments

It has been a little while since we’ve introduced you fine folks to another Tweek artist. So, we’re here to quench your thirst today! You’ve seen Emily Brewer from time to time on our social media accounts but we thought it was time you learned more about what she does when she isn’t on our social media. She has a couple shows she’s a part of this summer in Knoxville so we’ve got the scoop on those as well. This gal has nothing short of an analogue film obsession and because of that she’s got some pretty fantastic work. Enjoy this little sneak peek in her world! And visit her show in Knoxville before August is over!

TI: Where do we start with you? What camera did you pick up first?

EB: Trying to think back to this first camera of many…I borrowed my Dad’s Minolta SLR back in high school for a short darkroom lesson during an art class, but my first proper camera was purchased at Blue Moon Camera in Portland, Oregon when I lived there way back in the day. I think I bought a Canon AE1.

TI: What draws you to photography? And what keeps you coming back for more?

EB: I think I’ve always been drawn to things that feel magical. Obviously, I realize everything has a scientific explanation and a few genius brains behind it, but think about it – we are using tiny little (and sometimes not so tiny) boxes of wood and metal and plastic with a roll or piece of film in it that captures life as we see it, and sometimes life as we don’t see it. Then we swish it around for a while in some chemicals and there’s an image that we can put in another box and shine light through it onto a chemical-coated paper that makes a photograph right before our eyes as we agitate a tray. It’s fascinating and magical and it feels great. That feeling is what keeps me coming back.

TI: We ask you that because we know you have a camera obsession. What is your current obsession?

EB: Oh man, the camera obsession. Current and long standing obsession is anything Leica. Tiny rangefinders, point & shoots, and half frames really have my heart right now. As well as anything 4×5. So one extreme or the other, basically.

TI: Explain your obsession. Why do you love trying new camera bodies or love acquiring them?

EB: Well, they all have their own nuances. It’s fun getting to know a camera. Each camera I use gives me a different feeling while I’m using it. I’m also an overly technical person (NERD!) so I kinda geek out on stupid tech specs and spend a lot of time researching, just because.

TI: Film or Digital?

EB: FIlm, hands down!

TI: If you could have an unlimited supply of any film what would it be?

EB: Why do you ask these hard questions?! How can I pick just one? If I am forced, I suppose Fuji Neopan. But HP5 & Tri-X are staples too, for affordability.

TI: Describe your favorite shooting environment.

EB: Old, dirty places or cities. Nighttime. Panama City Beach. Anywhere I haven’t been before.

TI: You’ve gotten into tintype photography. What do you love about it?

Remember that thing I said about the magic? Yeah. Plus, it’s pretty interesting that the photograph comes out essentially grain free. And there’s a risk of blowing things up with chemicals, so that’s always fun too.

TI: Your body of work has a good amount of environmental and portrait photography. Do you have a favorite?

EB: No favorites really. I enjoy both equally.

TI: Did you print these yourself in your darkroom?

EB: Yes, I do print them myself in my basement darkroom. I have also used the Knoxville Community Darkroom while mine was still under construction. My platinum prints were made in Portland, Oregon but I am set up to continue making these at home as well. The color prints are professionally printed (the old fashioned way) at my only and favorite camera store and lab – Blue Moon Camera in Portland, Oregon.

TI: Have you displayed your work enough to have a favorite way of hanging/displaying?

EB: I like tacking them up on my wall at home and staring at them until I hate them. Or until I’m bored with them. It motivates me to make more and better.

TI: What would be the content of your dream show?

EB: Interesting question. I don’t really “create” or plan my content, the content, in a way, finds me. I’d be happy to show anything and everything.


Current & Upcoming Shows featuring Emily Brewer:

Striped Light, 8/4-5: Introducing Emily’s new project TnTypes! Visit her site to schedule an appointment to get your very own tintype portrait made this weekend! How cool is that?!

White Oak Gallery, running thru August: Show will consist of silver gelatin prints, platinum prints, polaroid emulsion lifts, and optical color prints. It is in White Oak Gallery.


Current inspiration: All of my creative friends across the world – I’m constantly inspired by any and all other artists.

Current musical obsession: Andy Shauf / True Widow / After Care / Pinback / Title Fight

Favorite meal of the day: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner, Snack – all day food

Coffee or chocolate: Chocolate, and it better be small batch, fancy, expensive, dark, and have superfoods in it.

TI: How do you typically get your film images converted into digital format? Tweek maybe? 🙂 Why Tweek?

EB: Definitely Tweek. I can use quality scanners that have been around and appreciated for years. And I know my obsession for quality is matched by Tony and the rest of the Tweek team.

TI: Do you have a favorite scanner at Tweek? Why?

EB: I prefer using the Scitex Eversmart Pro because the scans have a special quality to them that I don’t see when using other scanners. It’s kind of one of those magical things that’s hard to explain.

TI: What makes you choose Tweek for printing larger format or multiple prints of images? What keeps you coming back for more?

EB: The paper options are enough reason alone. But I also know that Tweek’s attention to detail and quality can’t be found many other places.

 

Meet Matt Day

By | Artist, Photographer, Tweek Imaging, Uncategorized | No Comments

Hey you guuuyyys!!1

New regular occurrence happening here today. Starting now every month or so you can expect to get a look into one of Tweek’s artists’ lives on the blog! Pretty cool huh? This month we are starting that new trend with Matt Day.2

One thing we love about Matt is that he often allows Tweek to make prints for him. But even more what we love is the dedication Matt has to his craft and the community at large. After reading and doing a little more digging on this guy you’ll learn he never puts his camera down. And he has done so for so long that his camera has just become a part of him. Oh gosh, we’ve already said too much! We will stop talking so you can move on to the good stuff below. Read on my friends! Huge thanks to Matt for spending some time with all of us!!

TI: Where did this all start for you? What made you pick up a camera?

MD: It’s a bit of a long story, so I’ll try to keep it brief! In April of 2004, my brother was 17 years old and working on a local farm. He had been working there for years, but one day, he was attacked by one of the bulls on the farm, paralyzing him. While he was in the hospital recovering for some time that spring and summer, I was living with friends and family, back and forth. My mom was staying at the hospital with him, my dad was making trips to the hospital and working on getting our house adjusted to accommodate a wheelchair. They had to add on a room to our house. So their hands were full and I was still finishing up the school year, so I was staying different places. My aunt and uncle flew in from Florida to visit my brother and when they got here, they had a camera for me. They knew I was always playing around with video cameras and enjoyed that kind of stuff. They told me to take the camera and document his recovery and also document what I was doing so that when I see my parents and brother, I could show them photos of what I had been up to. Hanging out with friends, being a 13 year old kid. That sort of thing. So that’s what I started doing and 13 years later, I’m still doing the same thing.

TI: Are you shooting only film or a mix? Is there an obvious choice when you choose one over the other?

MD: I’m shooting a mix. For years, my only camera was a 35mm Minolta XG-M. Then I got a DSLR in 2008 and started shooting a mix of the two. Back in 2012, I became completely obsessed with film all over again. I was shooting every film, every format, every camera, etc. Since then, I’ve always had a mix of different cameras, film and digital, but this year I’ve slimmed things down just as a personal exercise. I wanted to simplify and focus on the work rather than the tools. I have a Leica M6 and Leica M262. They’re as similar as you can get, but one is film and one is digital. Those are my two cameras that I use for my daily documenting. When I’m shooting portraits, working with artificial light, I use a Nikon D750. I prefer using an SLR for portrait work and I also use this camera to record my YouTube videos. I enjoy shooting with my Leica cameras more, but there’s a tool for every job.

TI: Color or black and white? First thought! Don’t think about it! Now, why?

MD: Black and white, no doubt about it. Being a film shooter, I love the darkroom. I love developing my film, scanning my film, printing my film in the darkroom. It’s just a special process. But even when shooting digital, I try to shoot with the mindset that it will become a black and white edit 99% of the time. It’s just what I’ve grown to know and love. Color can be too distracting. Composition and light can quickly be overlooked because “Wow, look at the color of that sky!”

TI: We love your YouTube Channel. Lot’s of helpful tips there. Did you sense a need in the community that led to creating these videos? Just too much knowledge in that head of yours to keep it all in? Brief plug for your artist spotlights on your Podcasts as well. Equally enjoy that outlet.

MD: Thank you! I have a lot of fun with the YouTube channel and the podcast as well. And that’s exactly why I started it. I couldn’t find the videos I wanted to see so I made them myself. It started with just sharing info on film cameras because at the time, there wasn’t anything like that on YouTube. There are a ton of YouTube channels about film photography nowadays and I think it’s great. The more exposure film photography gets (pun fully intended) the more people that will be buying film. That’s a great thing. But now that there are so many film channels on YouTube, I’ve tried to structure mine differently. The videos I couldn’t find back in 2014 are now everywhere, so now I’m trying to make other videos that I can’t find. I just want my channel to be my own and share things from my perspective. That’s why I love other certain channels, they all have their own style and presentation.

TI: It looks like your favorite youtube subject is film photography with a smattering of other things – does subject matter get influence from what you are doing day to day or are you getting questions and requests?

MD: I try to take in requests as much as I can. Sometimes I get requests for things that just aren’t feasible or too time consuming, as I have a lot on my plate with family, work, etc. But I try to always be listening to the feedback so I can improve the channel. At the end of the day, I still want it to be a reflection of me. So if I’m shooting something entirely different than usual, I want to share it. I try to be as transparent as possible and just share my experiences as a photographer. To me, that’s relatable for people and gives them something they can hold on to.

TI: Speaking of film…where are you sending your film? Are you developing and scanning it yourself? Favorite scanners?

MD: I develop and scan everything myself. For about a year, I was sending everything to theFINDlab because I was working there at the time. Quick shoutout to them because they are absolutely incredible at what they do. Seeing an entire crew, top to bottom, working so well together was such an eye-opening experience for me. They care about their customers and they care about film. Because of those two things, they’re working tirelessly around the clock to help them both. It’s amazing. But now that I’m scanning at home again, I’m working with an old Epson V600, nothing fancy. I used to use a Pakon f135+ for my 35mm film and that thing is amazing for the speed, but prices skyrocketed and I took advantage of it and sold mine. Something about us film shooters, we’re always buying, selling, and swapping.

TI: So, you carry your Leica with you everywhere. You document most everything. What in the world are you doing with all of those images? You’re a closet scrapbooker aren’t you? Cardstock, special scissors that cut fancy edges, paste…that’s what you’re doing. How do you archive?

MD: My mom would love it if I was a scrapbooker because that’s her world. Haha. She’s got a room at her house that is specifically for scrapbooking and sewing. It’s wild. But for me, I’m just collecting the photos. Every day life, that’s what I’ve always gravitated towards and I think it’s because of how I started shooting. It’s what I learned to do. So I archive my images by year. Every year, I start a new film binder and I just add to them as I develop and sleeve the negatives. It’s a little daunting when I need to find a certain image, but I have a pretty good memory so I can usually remember by season or month and it doesn’t take me too long. For digital images, I archive by folders from each import. So at the end of the day, if I’ve shot any digital images that day, I add a folder of that day and import. THEN I BACK THEM UP ONTO ANOTHER HARD DRIVE. That’s an important step. Sorry for shouting.

TI: Do you feel like always having a camera is an extension of you? Do you feel like it creates a barrier from experiences in your life? Have you ever felt differently than you do now?

MD: Absolutely. It’s what I’ve always done and it’s just how I operate on a daily basis. I don’t think it creates a barrier because it’s something I’ve always been mindful of. There’s a time to take the photo and there’s a time to just let it be. To me, it’s entirely instinctual so I don’t have to think about it each time I grab the camera, I just trust my gut and go with it.

TI: Of course, Tweek wants to know, how do you feel about making prints of your work? How often are you doing that for yourself or your clients?

MD: Making a print is crucial. Whether it’s personal work or client work, holding the photograph in your hand is a big part of the process. There’s something special about it that you don’t get from viewing it online. For myself, I try to print as frequently as I can, as you guys know! I print big and small, it all depends on the photo. Even if I don’t plan on framing it and displaying it, there are some photos that I just want to see big in person and hold a huge print. I have boxes and boxes of prints to look back on.

TI: Do you sleep these days? How do you manage a family, family business, photography clients…? Do you have any secrets?

MD: My wife always jokes with me that I’m always tired and she’s not wrong. Haha. I have a full plate, but I like to keep it that way. Free time makes me anxious. I want to stay busy. I like to work, I like to learn, and I know how precious time is. Also, coffee.

TI: Why work with Tweek?

MD: I’ve worked with big box labs before, and while I was okay with the quality, there was never anything more than that. It was like going to Wal-Mart. I was just another customer and they were just another store selling the same stuff as the other big stores. Ever since working with Tweek, it feels like I’m going to my favorite local coffee shop and seeing friends there. The communication, the customer service, it’s an actual relationship. I get excited to place an order, to receive a call or email, it’s working with friends. To me, that goes a long way. On top of that, the options for prints and the attention to detail is top notch. I never had prints like this before I started working with Tweek.

Current inspiration: I’ve been studying more and more of Danny Clinch lately. Particularly his studio work.

Current musical obsession: The Dead South

Favorite meal of the day: Late night bowl of cereal.

Coffee or chocolate: Coffee!

  1. Goonies? Anybody?
  2. So many links could be used to connect you to his work. Like his YouTube channel, his Podcast, his Instagram, other interviews by big media outlets like this one

Float that Image!

By | Artist, Photographer, Tweek Imaging | No Comments

Not sure how to float your images on white? This post is dedicated to teaching you our floatin’ ways. Read on!

Hey ya’ll! Way to keep up your blog reading. You’re doing such a fine job!

So a couple of weeks ago we mentioned how much we loved Emily’s folio prints floating in a sea of white space…now you’ve got the itch to do something similar. We know. We do too. In honor of these creative desires we bring you another helpful tips post! This entry is what we would like to call: Print that Floater!

Floating Image: your image is smaller than your paper size therefore making it appear as though your image is floating in a sea of white space. It appears that way because, well, because it is literally printed in a sea of white space. As seen above in Kyle Myles’ photo.

Why would you do this you ask? Because, with the right image, it is so visually perfect. Because you’re needing to accommodate large and small images on the same page size in your portfolio. Because you’d rather spend a little bit more on your print and a lot less (a.k.a. About $30.00 depending on the mat size) on a custom mat for your frame. Because you just want to try something different. Because, as Emily says, “you want your image to breathe.” That’s why.

A couple of clients are interested in this idea and we have figured out an easy solution to make ordering easy. We have two options based on the program you use most or prefer. Here is what you’ll do in either Lightroom or Photoshop:

Lightroom:

  1. We’ve made easy to use templates1 that you can download here.
  2. Once you’ve downloaded the templates you’ll drag them into Lightroom.
  3. Import your images you’d like to float.
  4. Open the Print module of Lightroom.
  5. Select the template size and then select and drag your photo into the photo box.
  6. Choose ‘Print to File’ in the lower right corner to export your image as a jpeg or tiff.
  7. Upload at www.tweekimaging.com to print.

Photoshop (Watch this video or follow the instrutions below):

  1. Open your image in photoshop.
  2. Size your image to the size (Image > Image Size) you’d like it to be. Make sure your resolution is an acceptable size.2
  3. Update your canvas size (Image > Canvas Size) to the final print size.3
  4. Save as a jpeg or tiff file.
  5. Upload at www.tweekimaging.com to print.

Got it? If you have trouble or need more information please email or call us for some help! There are no dumb questions. Only dumb answers. Am I right?! Don’t let these extra steps scare you from trying something new! It will be super easy the next time you work on them and after you print an image this way you’ll be hooked.

We can’t wait to see what you send our way! Maybe we’ll even share it with our friends on the world wide web.4

  1. Feel free to make your own template…these are just some to get you started that we have had requests for in the past.
  2. This includes the resolution and dimensions you’d like the image to be inside of the white space. Resolution: 300 dpi is awesome, 200 dpi is great, 150 dpi is acceptable. Size (in inches): When sizing your photo make sure to do it in small increments to get better results. Here’s a great article if you’re a little confused. You can make your photo standard sizes or you can go with something based on your image itself. This is all up to you.
  3. Your canvas is the size of the whole piece. So say you are hoping to fill an 11×14 frame size…your canvas will be 11×14 and your image whatever size you’d like. Changing your canvas size does not effect your image resolution.
  4. Thank you again Al Gore for inventing this web we can share things on. What would we have done without you/it?!

Tweek goes to NOLA

By | Photographer, Tweek Imaging, What we are doing | No Comments

Where y’at?1

Today Tweek is taking you on a virtual trip. Don’t worry, it’s technically a business trip so you can count reading this as professional development. Y’heard?2 Mentally expense it.

A couple of months ago Tony got in the car with his Hasselblad XpanFuji XPro and iPhone and headed to the Deep South for about 36 hours. His final destination being New Orleans for the Scitex Eversmart Pro scanner we now have in our shop. Before we get to the Scitex and how awesome it is to have in our arsenal of equipment let’s take a quick trip with Tony.

First off, talk about a street photographer’s dream…. New Orleans has beautiful architecture, quirky shops, a fantastic gallery3 as Tony found, and a few characters4. You can’t go to NOLA without walking the streets, eating all the food, and experiencing some late night jazz. Tony’s first stop was the Bourbon House for a heaping plate of sea creatures…with a side of brown liquor. Then of course comes night-life. Like a true pro, Tony ventured out around 10pm. Have camera will travel. And by travel we mean walk the streets until the wee hours of the morning.

The next 12ish hours were spent sipping a Bloody Mary and sampling Beignets at the classic Cafe du Monde followed by a long walk to meet Richard Sexton for dinner at St. Roch Market5. You’ve really got to check out Richard’s site. Such an amazing body of work he has collected over the years. One other thing he collected was the Scitex scanner we mentioned earlier. Richard originally used the scanner for his film and especially for books he has published–one of those books centered around life in New Orleans.

The life of the Scitex in the Tweek studio won’t be terribly different than it’s previous life down south. Well, one thing is different. A significant portion of the body of the Scitex shattered while Tony lightly braced himself during set-up at Tweek. Plastic from 1998 doesn’t hold up so well we found out. However, our old Scitex that decided to bite the dust had all the working parts needed to combine the two machines and rebuild the skin. So, you may be wondering why we are so excited about a big heap of crumbling plastic from 1998. Don’t forget it isn’t crumbling any more and know that this beast scans film AND reflective art/prints up to 12×17 inches! How awesome is that?! Scitex scanners were used for offset printing files and originally cost tens of thousands of dollars. This thing produces beautiful film scans6 with resolutions as high as 8000dpi! Come on now!

Our Scitex is one of seven scanners at Tweek. One day we will get into the others but today we’re pumped to tell you about this 90’s fab scanner. We’re also pumped to take you on a little mental trip to NOLA. Sorry taste-o-vision hasn’t happened yet. Tony wishes he could share the tastes and sounds too. And don’t forget, as Tony says, “the best camera is the one you have.” Be it film or digital, take photos and then print them. You won’t regret it. We’re here to help you.

1According to Sunny Dawn Summers this is a New Orleans version of, “What’s up.” Taking our Southern nicity inspiration from the Deep South.

2Sunny says this means “Do you understand?” “Got it?”

3A Gallery certainly is a Gallery for Fine Art Photography. Tony purchased our Scitex from this photographer who is featured among others you may have heard of…Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier Bresson…. “I had no idea I was walking into greatness,” Tony spoke of the gallery.

4Tony may or may not have had a curse put on him after documenting one scene….We know for sure he was yelled at. Stark contrast to all the wonderfully welcoming folks in the city.

5St. Roch was a big hit with Tony. Talk about a comfort food feast…mac’n’cheese, baked oysters, salad…ok maybe the oysters and salad aren’t a comfort food for all of you but maybe you should consider it.

6See Tony’s Xpan shots…they were scanned with the Scitex.