"Beijing 2008 badminton games" by David Burnett   "Beijing 2008 badminton games" by David Burnett

THE TILT..What is it ? Part I The Invention: The technique has been around since the very early days of the large format camera where the front glass element could be moved independently of the other to create a sweet spot of focus. The technology has since then been made available for 35 mm cameras where a lens has an element in the front that moves independently of the other. The lens is frequently used in architectural photography to correct distortion. (Wikipedia) Tilt-shift photography as it applies to creating a 'toy-trainset' effect in scenery is catching on all over the world. Unnoticed, real-life situations are transubstantiated by way of manipulation of the focus: “Without any sort of hold on the perspective, people, houses and cars shrink to toy-size formats. On the left an example of David Burnett with his Combo. Follow this link if you want to know what's going on...

"Toy houses" by Mark Bigwood   "Toy houses" by Mark Bigwood

THE TILT..What is it ? Part II The shift and or tilt are nowadays merely used to blur certain parts of the image and or control depth of field (merely absence of DOF). Using the Aero Ektar wide open can result in astonishing views, forcing the viewer to the part of the scene that was seen by the photographer. A nice example of Matt Bigwood tells it all! Many digital photographers seem to be quite succesful with this technique also. Not exactly the same but it can be done with expensive tilt/shift lenses.

Aero Ektar in tilted position   Aero Ektar in tilted position. The image shows a combined tilt and rise movement. While adjusting continuous looking on your GG is necessary. View from above. Aero Ektar in swing position

THE TILT..What is it ? Part III The Speed Graphic not known as a camera with many movements can do exactly what we want in combination with the Aero Ektar. There are two types of tilt: Front forward tilt (Field cameras have also the Rear forward tilt) Front backward tilt (Field cameras have also the Rear back tilt) The Speed Graphic we use has only the backwards tilt on the front standard. This movement can be used to minimize DOF even further. The tilt can also be used together with the rise and the shift when called for. The backwards tilt is antithetical to most technical LF practice these days. The front tilt is mainly used to extend DOF with wide-angle lenses. Images with an immense Depth of Field are possible! Another important movement is the swing. This method will only work when you're focusing on the GG (Range Finder won't work). Next time you're feeling towards tilting, study the GG and see what happens. You have to tilt and refocus on the main subject in your image all the time. Practice, viewing,looking and focusing as often as you can. Eventually it will be come second nature, when you have a pre-conceived idea...have fun!

Tilted shot "dry Practice"   Tilted shot "dry Practice"

THE TILT..What is it ? Part IV Using the tilt for dramatic shots showing only a small line of DOF, will benefit from shooting down at an angle. However also straight forward will give the wanted result if you're studying the GG closely. Shown on the left is a shot of my grandchildren playing with a rubber-boat. Focusing on the center horizontal line of the boat and simultaneously adjusting the tilt angle gave the desired impression.

No Tilt   No Tilt used Tilted shot   Tilted shot "

THE TILT..What is it ? Part V Shown here are two shots taken from the same position. The upper image will show the result when shooting straight while focusing on the net in the playing field. The second image using the backward tilt and readjusting focus, results in this view. Photographs by Bjarte Another example by Bjarte From this point the former Image was taken. Tilted shot by Bjarte from the Geiranger Fjord in Norway. Has a special meaning for me as I was there on the same spot of the cruise ship. (I was a crewmember on board of the SS Statendam some time ago. I have made two cruises through the Fjords on our way to Leningrad.

Portrait Mode   Portrait mode by Frank Petronio

THE TILT..What is it ? Part VI In all examples above the camera was used in Landscape mode. As soon as you use the camera in Portrait mode, different movements are achieved. The tilt we were referring to, will act as a one direction (left)swing. The plane of focus can be seen on the GG and will go more or less diagonally (depending on swing degree) from bottom to top of the image now. This effect can be minimally added with a shift left or right (Becoming a raise or fall in this position). Watch your fingernails though! See examples by Frank Petronio. Try it...

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