Downtown Camera Ltd.

It’s time for another stunning collection of photos from our newest the one and only 📸🌌

Today we ask Rob…
What is your camera set up? What other accessories do you use? Bags, flashes... What is your favorite film stock?
In 2015 I switched from 35 mm to medium format with my Yashica 635, which is a TLR. It was really fun and I enjoyed the challenge of the waist level finder and the square format. Eventually, the lack of interchangeable lenses felt limiting, so in 2023 I found a great Hasselblad 500 CM kit, and I have been absolutely in love with it. I try to always carry a wide angle lens, a macro lens, as well as a tripod when I’m out to make photographs, although I admit it can be heavy! Another reason why I love the Hasselblad 500 CM is because I can use filters on the lenses. I wouldn’t be able to make trichrome images without the filters.

I have two favourite films: For B&W, I think TMAX 400 (EKTAPAN 400) is my forever choice. I love the tonal profile it gives, as well as the smooth grain structure I get when I develop with Adox XT-3, especially in medium format. I’ve been shooting that combination for so long, I find I can predict very well how to shoot an exposure in order to develop a usable negative. With respect to trichromes, I prefer to make infrared trichromes, and for that I need an infrared film. I always use Rollei IR because it gives great exposures and at 400 ISO it’s nice and fast. It takes almost 17 minutes to develop in XT-3, but it’s worth it.

It’s time for another illuminating round of images from our latest alumni, .jakubek

Today we ask Ryan…
What is your favorite subject matter? Tell us about it.
I suppose my favourite subject would be textures/patterns, because they strike a balance between conscious and intuitive shooting. Breaking down the image to its basics gives me the time to think carefully about my choices and intention.

I feel I’m in a good place when I start reacting to parts of the subject that might not be present at the time of shooting, but will be complemented by the choices I am making in the moment.

This image pairing of algae and my father’s hand reflects that shooting process. Along the shore, strands of algae were clinging to the rocks and being pushed by the waves. When slowing down the shutter, the movement became abstracted and visually appealing. It made me feel like I wanted to reach out and touch it.

The photograph of my father’s hand was staged with that expressive intention, metaphorically depicting the distance between imagination and reality. Both these images were captured in Bolivia during a five-month unguided motorcycle trip across South America.

The finished work on and (and many others like it) will be on display as part of the festival through my show ‘Father / Land’ this month at . It will be open for only five days, from May 27–31. You are most welcome to join.

This show would not be possible without the facility access and hard work of numerous collaborators, including the teams at , , .studio, , , , , , and of course, most of all... my father!

torontoartscene

https://contactphoto.com/festival/2026/open-call/father-land

https://gallery1313.org/22706/ryan-jakubek-27-31-may-father-land/