©2003 Adrian Zator
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you develop a passion for photography?
When I was a child, I started taking my first photographs on my parents' Brownie Hawkeye camera. I was fascinated with the black and white images it created and this was my initial spark for viewing the world in a different way.
When did you get your first camera?
I bought a manual Pentax Spotmatic F while I was a student in an audio - visual course at Douglas College. This model still serves my needs for much my candid black and white work.
What is your training and educational background in photography?
I have taken some photography and darkroom classes over the years to lay down a basic foundation. However, most of my training has been in the field: shooting, shooting, and shooting. My lifelong self-study of photography has been learning what works and what does not. Also, I've spent a lot of time in the darkroom watching images reveal themselves.
What cameras do you work with?
Currently, I use a medium format Hasselblad 500 C/M and a 35mm manual Pentax.
What film do you shoot with?
For my colour work I usually use a fine grain film such as Fuji Velvia 50 ISO. For my candid black and white work I usually use a film rated at 400 ISO such as Kodak TMX 400.
What time of day and what weather conditions do you like best for working outdoors?
I have a passion for the outdoors and will seize any opportunity to be out in the elements. I take advantage of whatever conditions present themselves as opportunities and challenges for creative expression.
How do you determine the proper exposure, especially in mixed or low light conditions?
I use a light meter to measure the available light on my subjects or the scene that I am shooting. If I don't have my light meter available I use a grey card or failing that, the palm of my hand. For a lot of my work, I have my camera mounted on a very sturdy tripod. This allows me to make use of maximum depth of field by shooting at f22 or f32 over a long exposure time (very often 2 minutes or more). I also bracket, making sure to take longer exposures that will end up being overexposed. I work with these over-exposed images to create my montages.
How do your create the montages?
I experiment by laying one or more slide transparencies on top of each other while viewing them on a light table. When I find a combination that I like, I tape them together on one edge and print them as one. I do not use photoshop in this process.
How do you get so much detail in your images?
This begins with the use of fine grain films that result in fine detail on the prints. I also pay meticulous attention to focusing the image and getting in as tight as possible to make maximum use of the frame. This results in minimal cropping in the darkroom. Lastly, high quality darkroom equipment and professional techniques are the final touches.
How are you able to capture candid images of people?
This comes with practice, getting comfortable taking pictures of people in public settings, shooting lots and shooting fast. Also, being patient is a key component of being in the right place at the right time to capture that special moment.
How are you able to get so close to some of your subjects?
I use various techniques to get tight images. Sometimes I use a long lens to bring my subjects closer to me. Other times I will use a regular lens or even a wide angle lens as I mingle with a crowd or get right in tight on an event that is taking place.
Do you do your own printing?
I have extensive experience in black and white printing but more limited experience in printing colour. Currently I have professional labs print both my black and white and colour work. This allows me more to time to feed my passion - shooting images.
Where are most of your photographs taken?
I do most of my work within a 100-mile radius of my home in Burnaby, British Columbia. I enjoy travelling and find that taking the time to soak up new experiences helps to renew my creative energy and revitalize my work.
I want to order a limited edition photograph from your gallery. How do I go about ordering?
Please send a letter through the mail or via e-mail specifying the image that you wish to purchase and the address you wish to have it sent to. Payment can be by an International money order made out in U.S. funds or by using VISA or Mastercard. Once payment is secured I will ship your order. Please do not include your charge card number in an e-mail as it is not secure.
You can forward your charge card number via fax if necessary. Upon request I can provide you with a fax number to send to.
If none of this works for you, please contact Art Works Gallery toll free at 1-800-663-0341 or via e-mail at info@artworksbc.com. They would be pleased to hear from you and happy to assist you with your requirements. You may visit their site at artworksbc.com.
How much does shipping cost?
The cost will depend upon the size of your order. Shipping and handling for an order of 4 photographs or less being sent to a Canadian address will cost $20.00 plus GST. Shipping and handling for an International order of the same quantity will cost $30.00 plus GST.
How will my purchase be shipped?
Your order will be shipped via airmail unless the destination is relatively close to the Vancouver area, in which case it will go by ground courier.
How will my order be packaged?
All orders are shipped in a heavy plastic tube (like plumbing pipe) for maximum protection of your purchase.
Do you ship to all International destinations?
I will ship to most countries around the world. Unfortunately there are some countries that I will not ship to under any circumstances.
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