How I Shoot

Early in my photography career I gravitated towards film images and medium format cameras. My go-to cameras are the Mamiya RZ67 and Hasselblad 500CM. I love the slow, more hands-on experience of shooting medium format and film. I trust my instincts and set up the shot with more thought and intent when shooting with film over digital.

Each Image Is Important

Working with models, the feedback I get is that they feel more connected and find it to be a wonderful collaborative experience. This proves especially valuable for new models as they have to stay in the moment and maintain the energy while I set up the shot. Being that there are only 10-12 images to a roll of medium format film, each image is important and counts. There is no room for error. This aspect pushes me to stay aware and in the moment.

Maria Bruun

Model: Candace Demers
Camera: Mamiya RZ67
Film: ILFORD HP5+
Location: Studio, Chinatown, NYC

Whenever Possible

I enjoy shooting in studios and the inherent control that comes with it but I also shoot outside and utilize the light and whatever natural resources are at my disposal whenever possible. Many of my favorite pictures have been shot in nature within two miles of my home.

Maria Bruun

Model: Nina Darr Camera: Mamiya RZ67 Film: ILFORD FP4+ Location: Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Darkroom Printing

I am making the image from the moment it is captured to printing in the darkroom. Having the film negative in my hands and seeing the image appear on paper is a gratifying experience.  As a member of a darkroom I am in a creative community space with other film photography enthusiasts. It is inspiring to observe the work process and techniques of other photographers. I print both B&W and color photographs, for my B&W images I tend to use ILFORD Pearl paper.

Maria Bruun

Model: Liam Cole
Camera: Mamiya RZ67
Film: ILFORD FP4 + Hand print, ILFORD Pearl Paper
Location: New Jersey

Maria Bruun

Model: Luke Kitlen
Editorial: “Efterår” - Schön! Magazine
Camera: Mamiya RZ67
Film: ILFORD FP4 + Hand print, ILFORD Pearl Paper
Location: New Jersey

Scanning

I scan my darkroom prints on my Epson V800 scanner using Vuescan in its neutral setting. In Photoshop, that is where I do all my adjustments and grading. I love the tonality and transitions in the images when printed on paper and scanned. The images have a creamier feel to it.

©Maria Bruun