Frans Paarlberg Photography

About photography and my equipment.

With interest I follow most developments within digital photography. What particulary attracts me is that it allows one to control the entire process of photography; from snapping the picture through the developing and to final printing. Thus, one is no longer dependent on third parties – should any disappointment or praise occur, only one is to be held responsible.

Additionally, I find the dynamic range offered by digital photography mind-blowing: the way in which it is able to capture nuances in light, reveal shadows and highlight detail is superb.

I work with the Hasselblad H3D-39 and the Canon EOS-IDs mk lll. Although I prefer fixed focus lenses, with the Canon I mostly use zoom lenses: 16-35mm (superb quality!), 24-70mm and 70-200mm. This combination is especially convenient in the mountains where a body and one or two zooms mean less kilos on your back and thus increased flexibility.

Lightroom and Photoshop CS-4 now both support Hasselblad files and this is one of the reasons why I use the H3D-39 camera more often, especially in combination with the 28 mm lens (20mm in 35mm format). I now appreciate the format, which is different from 35mm, more and more. It seems to give more depth to a photo.

When it comes to equipment, I must admit that I could not live without my tripod, a Gitzo carbon fibre GT 2541 L. In addition, Lee Neutral Density filters, ND grads (to handle contrast), a hot-shoe mounted spirit level and B+W polarizers are always with me on my travels.

February 2010