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A new exhibit at the Library of Michigan in Lansing showcases more than 50 panoramic photographs taken in the state. The collection includes pictures from as far back as 1863.

The exhibit “By the Yard” refers to the length of panoramas which were often called “yard longs.”

Visitors can see dozens of these wide-angle photographs on display that range from three to eight feet long.

They show men going off to war, class photos, a U.P. Train wreck, cruise ships on the Great Lakes, Buffalo Bill’s Traveling Show and some of the state’s older buildings. The most recent picture in the exhibit is from 2004.

Bill Castanier is the president of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing. He said they offer a look into Michigan’s past where people liked to gather for large group photos.

“Imagine gathering several hundred people together, it was [an] almost party-like atmosphere to get people, and then you had to line them all up you know it was like herding cats,” Castanier said. “I just think it showed tremendous optimism right at that period of time.”

Panoramic photographs were most popular between 1900-1940. Cameras weighed up to 50 pounds and taking photos could be difficult.

“The slightest movement would show as a blur,” Castanier said. “If it got cloudy, you had to stop shooting the photograph because it would make one side dark and one side light. It was a real trick.”

Many of the photos featured in the exhibit were donated by Dan Barber’s estate. Barber was a member of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing and helped come up with the idea for the exhibit before he died in 2020. The photos will be stored at the Library of Michigan when the exhibit ends.

Castanier said he hopes people who may have their own panoramic photos at home will take the time to save them and write down any information they may have about the photo. It’ll be worthwhile in the future, he said.

“Looking back at history is a good way to see who we are today. We can see things evolve overtime … you can see people and how we develop with clothing and things we care about and don’t care about,” he said.

The Library of Michigan will host four free lectures on the history of photography that are scheduled throughout the duration of the exhibit. The exhibit runs through May 1.

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Film photography is a timeless medium that has had a resurgence in the last few years. Despite the cost of film and development rising, people are still drawn to the beautiful surprise that analog photography brings. However, aside from being a pretty pricey hobby, film photography has several negative environmental impacts and might not be as sustainable as you think. These issues are addressed in a great new film, just released by The Boston Scope.

To fully understand how film photography might impact the world, we first have to understand what it’s made from. Photographic film is made using a transparent strip of film base coated in a gelatin emulsion, containing light-sensitive silver halide crystals. The size of these crystals determines the sensitivity (ISO), contrast and resolution of the film, and gives the best film such as Porta 400 or Kodak 200 its signature aesthetic. 

• Check out the best film cameras – vintage classics still loved today!

Gelatin is a colorless, flavorless substance that comes from collagen in animal body parts. It’s an extremely versatile bi-product that can be used in food, medicine and, of course, photographic film. Film emulsion is made by combining gelatin with a silver halide, such as silver nitrate, to create a coating on a plastic base. So whether you shoot 35mm, 120 or 220 film, you’ve definitely used a gelatin emulsion. 

Watch video: A film’s environmental footprint

Another reason film photography isn’t planet-friendly is that it’s incredibly chemically intensive. Every stage of the process involves a different toxic chemical, from developing to the stop bath to fixing the final image. Developer solutions are typically made of metol, phenidone or hydroquinone plus an alkaline, agent such as sodium carbonate or borax and sodium sulfite to delay oxidation. 

Developer is the one chemical that cannot be reused and recycled, and as it’s toxic it must be disposed of correctly. Stop bath and fixer are also highly toxic, but the fact that they can be used multiple times makes their environmental impact considerably less damaging. 

Developing film is also a water-intensive process and, despite advancing technologies, the process hasn’t changed much over the last 30 years. In 1997, the Environmental Protection Agency conducted a study showing that even a small photographic processing facilities typically discharge 1,000 gallons (4,500 liters) of water waste a day.

Millions of people all over the planet still live without clean water close to home or access to a proper toilet, which makes using water to develop photos seem like an incredibly unfair privilege – let alone a questionable use of water.

It’s not all doom and gloom for film photography, though; since most film cameras are second-hand, and parts can reused and recycled by camera shops who repair and resell bodies – such as Boston-based CatLABS which features in the film. These vital repairs give the cameras a new lease of life and save them from ending up in landfill. 

Many photo processing labs and used camera dealers are very aware of the environmentally damaging effects of film photography, so try to find other ways to minimize their footprint – such as reusing packaging, keeping water consumption to a minimum and holding out hope that one day there will be an alternative way. 

Best 35mm film • Best film cameras • Best darkroom equipment 

Best known for his brightly colored pop art pieces, Andy Warhol’s creative endeavors didn’t stop at canvas and paints. Although he isn’t as well known for his photographic pursuits as he is for his paintings, Warhol was also a dab hand behind the lens. Some of his most striking work will be on display in ‘Andy Warhol & Photography: A Social Media’, an exhibition taking place at the Art Gallery of South Australia. 

Throughout the Seventies and Eighties, Warhol was often found with a camera in hand. Whether he was working in his studio taking photos of Farrah Fawcett and Debbie Harry, or documenting his close circle of friends like John Lennon, Liza Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie O, Warhol’s work captured a snapshot of his life and that of his celebrity cohorts. 

Orlando photographer Amanda Kossina celebrated the opening of her new photo studio in Downtown Avalon Park, in East Orlando. Kossina Creative Photography is an Award-Winning Orlando Photographer Specializes in Maternity, Newborn, & Family Sessions.

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Kossina Creative Celebrates Grand Opening of Photography Studio

Award-Winning Orlando Photographer Specializes in Maternity, Newborn, & Family Sessions

Orlando, FL: Last Friday night, Orlando photographer Amanda Kossina celebrated the opening of her new photo studio in Downtown Avalon Park, in East Orlando. The 1,900 sq ft studio features over 80 themed sets for cake smash sessions. It’s also home to an extensive wardrobe of high-end gowns for maternity shoots. To add a unique flair to each shoot, the studio has 40 backdrops and newborn props in every size, shape, and color.

The night began with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce. Before cutting the ribbon, Amanda Kossina explained why this night meant so much to her. She opened her first photography studio in early 2020. A few weeks later, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and her big plans to celebrate the opening had to be shelved. Instead, her focus turned to keeping her new small business alive in the middle of a global catastrophe. Now, three years later, she is grateful to not only have survived the pandemic but have the chance to move into a larger studio.

“I feel so thankful to everyone celebrating with me tonight,” she said to a packed room of friends, family, and clients. “This feels like a new beginning in so many ways. I am excited about this new space because it allows me to continue to serve this beautiful community!”

After the ribbon cutting, guests were treated to refreshments. The night ended with a chance to participate in a giveaway drawing. Prizes included a free photo session with Amanda and a gift basket provided by fellow EOCC member Arise Chiropractic. To strengthen the solidarity of local businesses, Kossina Creative catered food from Cheese to Share and Café Coquí, two of Avalon Park’s staple eateries. Dessert was provided by another local favorite, With Love, Custom Cakes by Vindy Lopez.

About Kossina Creative: Kossina Creative is an award-winning photography studio based in Orlando, FL. Founded in 2015 by Amanda Kossina, they specialize in maternity, newborn, cake smash, and family sessions. Kossina Creative’s brand new studio is located at 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd, Suite 220, Orlando, FL 32828. For session inquiries and bookings, you can visit KossinaCreative.com or call/text 407-205-7297.

Media Contact

Amanda Kossina, Kossina Creative Photography, 1 4072057297, [email protected]

SOURCE Kossina Creative Photography