AP Loc: Massachusetts

I did work for the tabloids when I can. Her son John Jr. graduated from Phillops Academy July 1979. I was on assignment for "The Star" a NY Tabloid! I was on assignment with Ron Galleler a world renown photographer.

I had to call the NY Office every half hour, I was told my assignment was for a cover shot, so think about that only! Let RG do his thing and you do yours! This assignment worked out well but, the magazine did not know if they were going with the of Jackie O photo.

You see, "John Wayne" died that same week! I had to wait 3-days for the deadline! As you can see, I did make the cover.

If you think you are a good photographer with your camera these assignments are still there, you just have to see them.

This assignment was made in film. Kodak Ektachrome 400 ASA. With Nikon F2 and 180mm f2.8 my favorite lens. I always say film is a lot tougher than digital, know why? Because it is, you have to be more knowledgeable! Highest exposure roll of film is 36 exposures.

In 1979 payment for a cover was $1,000 but I was paid $750.00 plus expensive. See the two little photos in the lower corner, they were paid $125.00ea. Subtracting from the $1,000 = $750.00! AP

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Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

I agree film is a lot tougher than digital. With film, you have to get it right the first time, you get no second or third chances as you could with digital. It's true that film makes you a better photographer. Congratulations on your cover shot.

AP Loc: Massachusetts

Welcome, Ched49! Fine words Ched. I really hated to part with my LEICA R8 and 14 lenses. But, I will say, there is much more advantages using a digital camera than a film camera. It's amazing how accurate all the auto features are. Auto focus, auto ISO, Auto WB, Auto aperture, Auto shutter speed, Auto program! How about that, and I thought FILM would neve ever be replaced!

I do love digital, I work these days in micro 4/3rds with my Olympus cameras and 14 lenses. I was 31 when I did this assignment in 1979. AP

mcmama

Amazing story. I’d like to hear more and see more photos..

AP Loc: Massachusetts

Howdy, Mcmama & Welcome! In the film days it seemed a lot easier to get assignment work. I started as a freelance sports photographer 15 years, 1969-84. Back then sports was really tough. All manual focus lenses, no auto anything! The highest speed b&w film was ASA 400, you had to push the speed film 1 to 2 stops and process it in specially developed chemicals.

Photography is very stable these days, you can pretty much do anything these days and see the image right after you snap the shutter! HOWS THAT, no darkroom! AP

mcmama

I started out in 1977 with film, and remember well ASA 400, b&w film. The only time I developed my own film was at the company’s own photo lab in our Army barracks’ building at Ft. Riley, KS. Once I transferred, they went to the PX for development.

I do love the digital age, although I still shoot film a couple of times a year.