Camera Obscura in the Forest

Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on March 13 2013, by Matt Newman

It’s a delicate patina that defines Joel Kroin’s photographs. Each black and white image takes on the small specks, blurs, and aberrations of antique film–not far off from how they first appeared when the method was developed in the mid-19th century. Known as camera obscura, or the pinhole camera, Joel has fashioned his own devices from various containers and hand-operated shutters, finding the technique still well-suited to capturing near untouched wilderness. Say, for example, the largest old growth forest in New York City.

Kroin’s work varies with the seasons, of course. Not all landscapes fit the bill for such a time-consuming process. Stately summer trees rounded with foliage make for difficult subjects in a medium which values contrast–too many leaves, too much movement. But the inherent stillness of a winter wood, with its sharp network of barren branches, makes all the difference. Here is where Kroin’s pinhole expertise comes into its own.

To get a sense of the photographer’s work, you should definitely see the results of his previous visits, be it the Rock Garden in winter or tackling the challenge of daffodils in spring. What amounts to a simple click of a shutter button for most people becomes a study in patience when Kroin sets to work. And this was equally the case this past week, when he set off into the Forest during the nor’easter’s downpour.

“Last Thursday I was one of the few people to go into the Forest,” Kroin writes. “With fresh snow falling, it was a fairyland experience. I took photographs that may show the last winter imagery for the current season. Between the snow and the dim, confusing light, taking pictures was a challenge using my pinhole camera.”

Challenge or not, he came through with flying colors (figuratively speaking)–as always!

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We’re always looking forward to Joel’s next batch of pinhole masterworks. In the meantime, you may want to set aside some time of your own to see the Forest in all its stark winter wonder–this is likely your last chance before the leaves take over.