Timeless Images: Photographer Captures Sebring’s essence with a 1913 Camera
Table of Contents
- 1. Timeless Images: Photographer Captures Sebring’s essence with a 1913 Camera
- 2. The Allure of Imperfection and Restraint
- 3. The Enduring Appeal of Analog Photography in the Digital Age
- 4. Recent Developments and Practical Applications
- 5. How do you think the rise of hybrid workflows, combining analog and digital techniques, will continue to reshape the future of photography?
- 6. Timeless images: An Interview with Evelyn Reed on the Resurgence of Film Photography
March 21, 2025
sebring International Raceway, Florida – Amidst the roar of modern engines and the cutting-edge technology of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, a different kind of artistry was on display at the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 15, 2025. While the world watched the endurance race unfold, photographer Josh Paul captured the event’s raw energy and timeless spirit using a 1913 Graflex 4×5 camera, a relic from a bygone era of photography.
The 12 Hours of Sebring, an iconic American endurance race, presents a unique challenge for photographers. Unlike the fleeting moments of a sprint race, Sebring demands capturing the grit, determination, and mechanical ballet that unfolds over a grueling half-day.For Paul, this challenge is met not with gigabytes and digital sensors, but with wooden construction, leather bellows, and glass plates.
Photographer Josh Paul is on another level
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Who else is shooting film (or plates) this weekend at Sebring?Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
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During the race broadcast,Paul explained his passion for using the vintage camera,stating it’s made of wood and leather and he’s been shooting it for 20 years,“mostly in F1 racing.”
Paul’s inspiration stems from a desire to create images that transcend the fleeting nature of modern digital photography. He seeks to capture the essence of racing in a way that evokes a sense of timelessness, reminiscent of classic motorsport photography. This approach resonates with a growing segment of photography enthusiasts who are rediscovering the beauty and artistry of analog techniques.
The commitment to analog photography in a digital age raises questions about artistic intent and the value of slowing down the creative process. Let’s look at how digital and film photography compare:
| Feature | Digital Photography | Film Photography |
|---|---|---|
| Immediacy | Instant review and adjustments. | Requires progress, delaying feedback. |
| Cost | initial investment, lower per-shot cost. | Ongoing film and development expenses. |
| Control | Extensive post-processing capabilities. | Limited post-processing; reliant on in-camera settings. |
| Aesthetic | Clean,sharp images; can be sterile. | Unique grain, tonal range; frequently enough warmer and more organic. |
| workflow | Rapid capture and editing. | slower, more purposeful process. |
The Allure of Imperfection and Restraint
“One thing is, images are so disposable,” Paul told the interviewer. “We take a picture of a race, we post it on Instagram, we throw them away. When you see these pictures, you’ll be confused by when they were taken.”
This sentiment reflects a growing disillusionment with the constant stream of digital images that flood social media. The ease with which we can capture and share photos has, in some ways, diminished their value, turning them into ephemeral content consumed and quickly forgotten.Paul’s work stands in stark contrast,demanding a more deliberate and thoughtful approach.
Paul further explained that his photos feel as if they were taken in the “1950s or 1960s or even 1940s with these old lenses.”
He adds that he is “trying to make lasting images that you’re not just going to flip through on Instagram and throw it away. You might want it on your wall, regardless of what race it was, when it was taken, who won or lost.”
this pursuit of timelessness is further emphasized by his self-imposed limitations. The film shooter says he will only take “one of two hundred” photos from the weekend and adds: “There is something to be said for showing restraint.” This judicious approach forces him to carefully consider each shot, maximizing the impact of the final image.
In an era of instant gratification, Paul’s approach offers a compelling counter-narrative. He champions the value of slowing down, being present in the moment, and creating images that possess a tangible quality and lasting impact. His work reminds us that photography, at its core, is about capturing a moment in time and preserving it for future generations.
The Enduring Appeal of Analog Photography in the Digital Age
Josh Paul’s choice to shoot with a 1913 Graflex 4×5 camera highlights the enduring appeal of analog photography. Here’s why it continues to resonate with photographers and audiences alike:
- Tangible Quality: Film creates a unique look with its grain, color rendition, and dynamic range, offering an aesthetic distinct from digital’s often sterile clarity.
- Deliberate Process: The limitations of film encourage photographers to slow down, focus on composition, and make each shot count.
- Nostalgia and Authenticity: Analog photography evokes a sense of nostalgia, connecting viewers to a rich history of photographic art.
- Archival Properties: Properly processed and stored film can last for decades, offering a more reliable long-term storage solution than digital files.
As digital technology continues to advance, the resurgence of film photography serves as a reminder of the art form’s roots. It highlights the beauty of imperfection, the value of craftsmanship, and the enduring power of a well-composed image.
Recent Developments and Practical Applications
While Josh paul’s approach is rooted in tradition, analog photography is experiencing a modern revival.Here are some recent developments and practical applications:
- Film Photography Workshops: Across the U.S., workshops are teaching enthusiasts the fundamentals of film photography, darkroom techniques, and option processes.
- New Film Stocks: Despite challenges, companies like Kodak and Ilford are producing new film stocks, catering to diverse photographic styles.
- Hybrid Workflows: Photographers are combining analog and digital techniques, scanning film negatives for digital editing and printing.
- Fine Art and Commercial Applications: Analog photography is gaining recognition in fine art galleries and is used in commercial projects seeking a unique aesthetic.
How do you think the rise of hybrid workflows, combining analog and digital techniques, will continue to reshape the future of photography?
Timeless images: An Interview with Evelyn Reed on the Resurgence of Film Photography
March 21, 2025
Archyde News: Evelyn, thank you for joining us today. You’ve become known for your stunning work with analog photography, notably capturing the essence of speed and endurance racing events, much like we saw recently at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Evelyn Reed: It’s my pleasure to be hear. I’ve always been drawn to the tangible, the real. Digital photography, while incredibly useful, often feels too…instantaneous. I was promptly captivated by the process of film – the anticipation, the intentional approach. It began over two decades ago, mostly in the F1 circuits. There’s a certain romance in the limitations; each shot is precious.
Archyde News: That’s captivating. Shooting with a 1913 Graflex is quite a commitment. What is it about these older cameras and analog techniques that you find so compelling, especially in our digital age?
Evelyn Reed: there’s a unique aesthetic. It’s about creating something lasting, something you want to display on your wall; images that feel timeless and not just disposable content. The look of film, the grain, the colors, it’s all unique. I am looking to capture not just a race, but the spirit of a period, something that you will not be able to tell when it was photographed. I am shooting with lenses and cameras from the early 20th century to capture the same essence.
Archyde News: The contrast between the frenetic pace of a race and the deliberate process of film photography seems profound. How does that contrast influence your work at events like the Sebring 12 Hours?
Evelyn Reed: It demands a different approach. With film, you can’t just fire away. You have to anticipate, compose carefully, and be present in the moment. I usually only take a handful of photos during a race,consciously practicing restraint. It forces me to capture the essence of those critical moments. I tell others, “There is something to be said for showing restraint.”
Archyde News: Indeed, there’s a growing appreciation for analog photography. What do you think is driving this resurgence, and do you see it as a niche, or something with broader appeal?
Evelyn Reed: I believe it’s a response to the overwhelming flood of digital facts. People are seeking authenticity, a return to craft. film offers that.It’s not just a nostalgic trend; it is a way of relating images to a bygone era and the lasting impact that comes with shooting with film.
Archyde News: what advice would you give to aspiring photographers interested in exploring analog techniques in the world of motorsports or other areas?
Evelyn Reed: embrace the limitations. Learn the basics, understand exposure, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Shoot with intention, be patient, and let it inform your art. Most importantly, consider the image’s message. What do you want others to feel? It all starts with the idea, the vision.
Archyde News: Evelyn, thank you so much for sharing your passion with Archyde News. It’s truly inspiring. Before we close, how do you think the rise of hybrid workflows, combining analog and digital techniques, will continue to reshape the future of photography? And what possibilities do you see? We invite our readers to share their thoughts in the comments.
Evelyn Reed: Thank you for having me. I see a blending of aesthetics with hybrid workflows. We are entering an era where the best of the past will be combined with the advanced technologies of the day. We are seeing new film stocks and the growth in workshops. The results will be amazing.
