What’s In Your Kit? with One Love Photo

Posted on Monday, January 4, 2010 by Amanda

Do you ever look at a photograph and wonder what kind of camera or lens the photographer used to create such beautiful work? I often do and love finding out about what equipment other photographers carry around with them on a daily basis.

In “What’s In Your Kit?” I will be asking photographers to share what equipment they like to use and why.

What better way to start off than to introduce you to one of my favourite wedding photography companies, One Love Photo. Heather and Jon are a photography team who shoot weddings in Seattle. Heather and Jon’s work is a little bit special because they shoot a lot of film and most of the shots you see won’t be the typical, cheesy pics that many wedding shoots end up being. I just adore their work and was so happy when Heather answered my questions.

MB: What is your camera of choice?

Heather: Hasselblad

MB: Which lenses are your favourites to work with?

Heather: I love the 80 2.8 that came with my Hassy, although I often wish there was a faster lens for this camera. I would love to have a 1.2 on my Hassy, that would be something. I also enjoy using the proxar close up filters for tighter shots. When I am shooting with my Canon 5d I love the 35mm 1.4.

MB: Name a camera you love to just have fun with.

Heather: I think the Holga is a hoot and I love my bright orange Black Bird for travel pics.

Heather: I like the process of focusing a camera myself. I think it is during this focus process that I make important choices about composition. I use a waist level finder and enjoy looking down, since I photograph people it’s nice to not have the camera blocking my face while I photograph them. I also enjoy looking through the viewfinder and seeing the world backwards. I think it helps my right brain engage immediately.

I also just really love SQUARES, I just seem to have such stronger compositions and framing when working in a square format. I am not sure why, I guess some of us are squares and some of us are rectangles (kinda like apples and oranges). I also like waiting for the film and not having that immediate gratification.

One of Heather’s favourite quotes:

“I never have taken a picture I’ve intended. They’re always better or worse.”

- Diane Arbus

Heather has written some fabulous posts about her photography process:

Why She Loves Film

Film Is Not Dead

They Even Make Their Own Lenses

Check out their portfolio, blog, flickrstream and a little article written about their work here.

Go visit the One Love Photo blog and give them some love.

Thank you so much for sharing your equipment and love of film photography with us, Heather. It was so great to read about your work with the Hasselblad, a Mocking Bird favourite!

Frankie: The Photo Album
The Things We Do For Those We Love
The Photo Album Coming Soon
The Photo Album By Frankie

16 thoughts on “What’s In Your Kit? with One Love Photo”

Anna on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 1:23 PM said:

oh i love one love photo! what a great interview this is, amanda.
AMANDA on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 1:32 PM said:

:) Yes, their work is just gorgeous.
Thanks Anna.
chelsea on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 1:45 PM said:

what a great series!
Vicki on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 2:11 PM said:

I love this interview, Amanda! Great information and their photos are GORGEOUS. I’m finally meeting with Heather next week. :)

Hope you’re doing well, Amanda. xo
charlane on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 2:41 PM said:

oh, a hasselblad is my dream camera – what beautiful work
AMANDA on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 3:56 PM said:

Thanks Chelsea. :)
Vicki, I was wondering when that was going to happen. :)
Charlane, mine too!
Katie Neal Photo on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 6:13 PM said:

They are totally some of my fave photogs ever!
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This Lovely City on Monday, January 4, 2010 at 9:58 PM said:

Lovely Interview! I couldn’t adore Heather + Jon more. And their photos speak for themselves. XO.
Catherine on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 4:24 AM said:

Their work is amazingly beautiful ! Dreaming of a Blad too … I should start saving money ;o)
Bethany Hill on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 4:24 AM said:

Love this feature. They have a truly original company and I admire that greatly. You see a thumbnail of their work on Flickr and you just know it’s them, they have branded their own style. May they never be copycatted ;)
Heather on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 12:24 PM said:

Thank you to everyone for your lovely comments and to Amanda for asking us to be apart of this series. As a former photography teacher I love to share my insights on photography… so this was really fun for me!

I can’t wait to meet you in live person Vicki and Bethany thank you so much for your thoughtful words, they really struck a chord.
Stephanie on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 4:03 PM said:

Fantastic! I love Heather’s work and I love reading about what equipment photographers enjoy using and why. :)
AMANDA on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 5:21 PM said:

I’m so happy that the first of this little series has been so popular.
I have quite a few other photographers lined up for coming episodes.
Thanks again Heather. :)
vicki gannon on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 5:29 PM said:

hi there, i came across your blog today. not sure how. but i’m hooked. and inspired.
thank you thank you.
your work is amazing. your writing is amazing.
welcome to vancouver!
vicki
vicki gannon on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 5:41 PM said:

i just left a comment but gave the wrong website.
looking forward to future posts !!