Joe Cornish: Photographing ‘Climate’

Joe’s Gear

Digital technology is yet to make an impact in the area of large-format location photography, so it’s no surprise that Joe is still using his 5×4” Ebony camera loaded with Fuji film. ‘There are scanning backs available but they’re expensive and the exposure times are several minutes long even in good light. There are some American photographers using them and the quality is great but with light levels in the UK they aren’t really practical. Medium format backs are an alternative but they don’t offer a wide enough field of view for my needs.’

When using large-format cameras, a sturdy tripod is essential but for the location photographer, weight is also a consideration. For Joe, the ideal compromise between strength and weight is found in his Gitzo G1327 Mountaineer carbon fibre tripod.‘Carbon fibre tripods are not only lighter than aluminium ones, but I believe they also offer a more stable, vibration-free platform. I also have a 1227 which is half the weight, which I sometimes use instead.’

The 1327 has now been replaced by a new model, the GT3550 and offers several enhancements, including anti-leg rotation, so all the locking collars can be released at once.

Joe usually carries his camera gear in a Lowepro Pro Trekker backpack, but has recently started using a Vertex 300 AW, which he is pretty impressed with.