In the wise words of Brad Pitt: "AHH WHAT'S IN THE BOX??"
Welcome back pack rats! It's been a while since our last installment of What Are You Packing?...not that we've been farting around on facebook or anything. There's just been so many exciting announcements lately: Mainly the ongoing clash of the titans going on between Canon and Nikon for one. Since we left off (if you can remember that far back) we had a nice chat with my friend Anthony about the benefits of pushing film, among other general banter. Today we're going to shake it up a bit with another great friend and colleague of mine.
Now, Gabe and I go a long ways back. {trigger the flashback sequence} Prior to him becoming a superstar on the showroom floor, we were but young lads crumpling our film in plastic film reels during the glory days of our school's photo lab. He has always been an unimaginably helpful hand in the studio, albeit somewhat of an involuntary assistant. We even learned how to use the 4x5 together! We laughed, we cried and surprise! It looks like he's still at it.
So Gabe, What Are You Packing?
N: My, quite the fossil collection you have here buddy.
G: Well thanks you (EXPLETIVE)....I don’t know if I'm allowed to say that.
N: No Gabe. No, you're not.
*In the background there is much chaos about an employee taking a prolonged lunch...maybe a printer jamming in the distance*
N: First and foremost where the heck did you get that box, a magician's store?
G: Well actually there was an unfortunate accident with the previous owner involving a saw... which is kind of the reason why I got a good discount on it.
N: How do you lug all this stuff around? I don’t take you as the body building type. Do you require an experienced Sherpa and/or pack mule?
G: In short: hard work and guts...
N: Like global guts? Do you have it?
G: Ever since I was a small child, I've held strong ambitions of potentially climbing the Astrocrag while Mike O'Malley aggressively narrates my ascent ...
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N: Ok...So...This type of gear doesn't call for much impromptu snapshot fair. What are you finding yourself attracted to in terms of making images?
G: I find that making images is a way for me to make the innocuous have more of an importance. When i get behind the camera everything is upside down and seems disassociated from what it really is. In a way I make images with this large camera hoping that the viewer will share the same appreciation for the intricacies of life that are seemingly neglected.
N: In terms of subject matter what are you chasing? What do you find is important to record?
G: I've found that most of my work centers around trying to understand people in general. My work can be said to be about trying to reconnect with a world I don’t understand, to try to get what I want out of it. In a sense I'm using this piece of glass to magnify my misconceptions with this strange world... I guess that’s good enough explanation...
N: Now that I have you on the couch...tell me about your childhood....no seriously why do continue to second guess yourself even though you are the man?
G: It’s part of my banal checklist I go over to prevent myself from making simple mistakes. I guess after a while it becomes somewhat ritualistic.
N: What's the biggest challenge you find yourself having to overcome.
G: Motivation mostly...using a camera like this takes effort and thought. There is ceremony and a process to using this camera. Making an image takes around 20 minutes to set up at the very least. When things take this much time you have to motivate yourself to get out and do it. The camera isn’t something you “just carry around with you” it has a time, a place and a demand for significance. With this criteria, I am my own worst critic. I always second guess myself asking “Is this important enough to be photographed? Am I understanding the situation well enough to capture it?” The other big problem I have is being my own worst critic. I've yet to overcome the constant self-speculation. I’m always over-thinking if my image is important enough to be taken.
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N: Yes, doubt can be crippling. That's why you just have to dive in sometimes. Then again, rushing in can lead to user error...The other day I smashed a negative carrier in a fit of rage, condemning it to be cursed. In my defense it was asking for it. Do you still find yourself making technical errors?
G: By technical errors do you mean succumbing to fits of rage to release some stress? No...I actually don't make as many mistakes as I used to. I haven't had as many clear slides (Note: This means failing to expose film)...but then again I'm actually very paranoid. There's lots of precautionary measures like the taping film carriers and careful metering. I keep making these redundant steps so that I don't make mistakes.
N: As a Portra Aficionado how do you feel about Kodak's "reorganization"?
G: Let's see... at the end of The Untouchables they ask Kevin Costner (who plays the role of a special agent fighting against liqueur racketeers) what he would do if prohibition ended...and he says I would have a drink..I guess I feel similar to that...
N: You mean you would turn to drinking? That’s generally not a good solution to things...
G: No, I mean when they stop making film, its over. I just won’t do it anymore.
N: Well that's very pessimistic of you Gabe...but I'm not sure I expect anything less, Debbie Downer. Like I previously stated to the imaginary readers at home, you and I have been working together both in the studio and out on the field for a while now. What are some invaluable pro-tips you've come across in your travels?
G: Be patient. Everything, especially in the studio takes time and it's rare that you get it right on the first shot. All your time and effort will pay off in the end.
N: Lastly, Can I borrow your 4x5?
G: If you don’t mind borrowing one with a broken lens...
N: It's not like I'm unfamiliar with using duct tape to MacGyver things together things at school...Yes I'm talking to you Calica! (Note: Calcia Hall is the ever crumbling art building in Montclair State University, both authors “Alma Mater”)
N: Well that's all the questions I have for you Gabe...
**I hear him mumbling something about asking me to write him a biography for his new website**
Ah well it's been a pleasure Gabe! That's all the time we have tonight.
**Outside a gruff voice is complaining about never getting to go on their lunch break....**
Gabriel Gutierrez is a recent graduate of the prestigious Montclair State University. In between trying to rule the world, making up names for his shoegaze band that will never materialize, and telling people he can pilot a giant robot to try to pick up chicks.... he updates his website www.gabegphoto.com, interns at the Camera Club of NY, and of course, is all about you on the weekends (Th-Su, if you feel like stalking him). Keep your eyes peeled for our next venture when I con one of my friends into thinking they're getting interviewed by Shutterbug!