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Photographer Sam Barker on the cameras he used to take David Olusoga back in time
Sam Barker
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Gibellini 10x8 large format camera – 1850s
David Olusoga with the Gibellini camera. Sam Barker
For the portrait of David as an artist in the 1830s we used a 10x8 plate camera that is the same format and style that has been used since the 1850s. These cameras were first used with wet plates, where a glass plate was coated with a chemical mixture before exposure, which later evolved into film. Because of the camera’s large format, the level of detail is extraordinary and the medium has a unique quality that can’t be fully replicated with digital photography.
David Olusoga in an outfit from the 1830s. Sam Barker
The process of taking a photograph is much more considered. A single exposure can take between two and three minutes, with the photographer working beneath a dark cloth to compose the image. This creates a different relationship with the sitter, as both of you have to be fully invested in the process.
Stereo camera – 1940s
Olusoga with a stereo camera. Sam Barker
This camera dates from the 1940s and represents another much slower approach to photography. It was widely used for holiday snapshots, family portraits and landscape photography, and remained popular through to the 1970s. It sparked a 1950s craze for 3D photography as it captures two slightly different images at the same time.
Olusoga dons an outfit from the 1930s. Sam Barker
When the resulting prints are viewed through a stereo viewer or with 3D glasses, your eyes see a three-dimensional image.
Mamiya RZ67 – 1980s
Olusoga with the Mamiya camera. Sam Barker
This large and heavy camera dates from the 1980s and was typically used with a tripod. It is renowned for its exceptional detail and was particularly popular for studio, fashion and portrait photography.
Olusoga in a 1980s-themed outfit. Sam Barker
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It was the camera I started with and remains one of my favourites. The lens quality is beautiful.
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