Gordon Beese: Analog photography, far from mainstream

"The EXA 1C with a Lens from Meyer Optik. I love the bokeh from that combination."

Tell us about yourself.

I'm Gordon Beese (39 years old) from Kiel. It's a nice town directly on the Baltic See in Northern Germany, near Hamburg and not too far from the border to Denmark. I work as a product manager in a IT Company.

I have different Cameras and Lenses for different Situations.
For Portaits: EXA 1C (with an Prismenfinder), Praktica nova, Minolta X300,
For Sports: Nikon F301
For Street and Landscape: Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super B, Pentax ME, EXA 1C (with a Light bay)

When and how did the film journey begin for you?

My journey first began in elementary school in a photo group. I took pictures, developed them, and converted the negatives to a positives on paper.
In the last three years I found my way back into photography.

What Could we always find in your gear bag?

Mostly some expired Films. And at least two of my favorite cameras (EXA 1C and Minolta X300).

What camera makes you click?

The EXA 1C with a Lens from Meyer Optik (both are build in the ex GDR). I love the bokeh from that combination.

Who are your models? How do you interact with them before shooting?

Models recommended me to their friends and this created a ripple effect. I didn't have to write ads on the Internet for long. I have a handful of models who I am shooting with regularly. Before the shootings, I meet the new models for a cup of coffee or beer, to see if we're a good match for my ideas.

What inspires you most?

I'm inspired by a lot of different Instagram artists, who are also shooting with analog cameras. These photos are not ordinary, they have a kick and are far from mainstream.

Do you have any advice for film photographers out there?

Be creative, test some expired films and make some experiments and dont be afraid of setbacks.

You can find Gordon Beese here:
www.gordonbeese.de
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