What made you want to try half-frame, and what was your first half-frame camera?

I was first introduced to half frame cameras by the work of Erik Gould (@riphotosurvey.bsky.social). Erik had published a piece on emulsive.org (https://emulsive.org/articles/ilford-pan-f-plus-ei-50-35mm-olympus-pen-s-by-erik-gould), published a zine (titled 18×25) and shared many “penoramas” on social media. (Editor: keep your eyes out for a profile on Erik coming up) I had just returned to 35mm with a gifted Olympus XA2 after spending many years with larger formats. I really loved the idea of creating multi frame sets in camera. After doing a bit of research, I bought an Olympic Pen S. I do admit that the red skin the seller had applied helped me finally pull the trigger.

What is it you like most about Half-frame?

Penoramas! And multi frame sets. They are so difficult, but satisfying when pulled off. I look at the world differently when I’m trying to make these.

Favourite subject and/or Half-frame photo?

I don’t really have a favorite subject yet, but this is my favorite photo to date. There’s a concrete wall in my neighborhood that has a vine growing over it, and the leaves turn gorgeous colors in autumn. I’d been wanting to photograph it for years, and thought that it was a perfect subject for a penorama.

Your top tip/s for shooting half frame photos?

I’m still getting the hang of half frame myself! When I’m trying for a series of frames, I pay extra attention to what’s on the edges of the frame, then mentally line up the next frame. I map out things in my head before clicking the shutter. Hmmm. Maybe that’s why it takes so long to get through a roll. Perhaps my advice (to myself) ought to be to loosen up and play!