We work very hard out in the field exposing film to interesting and inspiring subjects that we believe we can turn into an acceptable finished photograph. Next we hold our breath as we get a first look at the negative. . . same thing when we get a peek at the proof and later the first work print. This continues through all of the refinements until we finally end up with a finished photograph. Next we live with this image. . . and when we are finally satisfied with what we have created, it is time to show the print.
We love to show our finished photographs. . . to anyone that is willing to look. The thing is, in order to really view a fine photograph, you have to light it correctly. Looking at prints in a dark room, gathered around a table in a restaurant, or anywhere there is insufficient light, is not what should be done. The problem is there is no easy way to properly light a photograph without hauling your own light. This has been one of those things I have pondered for years. The best I have ever done is to use an easel and a spotlight on a stand to illuminate sufficiently the photographs to be shown. Even Edward Weston would get out his light when he showed his prints. This is the correct way to show your photography.
The proper lighting of finished fine prints has been something I have agonized over for years. As usual, when I am faced with trying to design something from scratch, I take a nap. I do my best thinking when I am asleep. This one took more than a nap. I pondered this for quite a while, off and on for months. Then one night I had a dream. . . there it was!
Bringing an idea to reality is not always an easy task. Fortunately, I have been doing this for years and I have found that if I can imagine it, I can eventually build it. The interesting thing about this project was I had most everything I needed laying around. It was just a matter of putting it all together and making it work.
So, what am I talking about? What I wanted was a simple, easy to transport, easy to assemble display easel with integrated light. A single unit so I do not have to carry a wooden easel and a light with a separate stand.
As I said, we had most everything needed laying around the house. We have several of these really nice aluminum tabletop easels. There are several light stands in the closet, along with light fixtures and even a Manfrotto SuperClamp. These items made up most of what I needed.
The bulk of the project required that I make a boom to hold the light fixture and come up with a way to mount the easel to the SuperClamp. I machined a block of aluminum to hold the easel at a convenient angle and attach it to the SuperClamp. I spun out a simple boom with a counterweight that attaches to the top of the light stand and is fully adjustable. The SuperClamp, with mounted easel, is easily attached to the stand at any convenient height. All that is needed is electricity for the lamp. Presto. . . a complete, self-contained, lighted display easel.
The last piece of the puzzle was coming up with some convenient way to store and transport the lighted easel and its assorted parts. There wasn’t much we could find off-the-shelf, so it was off to the garage to build a wooden carrying case. Fortunately, there was enough scrap plywood on hand and it was just a matter of building the case and fitting the parts inside. A little sanding, a few quick coats of varnish, some felt padding, hinge, handle, latches and the whole thing is ready for the road.
