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

When I was in school, I was exploring ways to create grainy images. I loved the textures. As I was studying printmaking, I got excited by the idea of making “self-screening” negatives, which means negatives that would have a grain pattern large enough and distinct enough to function as a random half-tone dot pattern. I was getting close, but my professor suggested I needed greater enlargement and recommended a half-frame camera.
I knew almost nothing about them (I’d seen a picture of a Pen-F in an Olympus brochure once), but I found a used Pen-FT for sale and bought that. I didn’t even realize it was an SLR until it arrived. That was in 1988, and that was my first half-frame camera; I still have it.

What is it you like most about Half-frame?

I clued in pretty quickly to the possibilities suggested by multiple vertical frames. Playing frames off one another, creating sequences that define, or toy with a sense of time, or alter relationships in space. Attempting to do such things in-camera requires a certain acceptance of failure and chance. Engaging with chance and allowing myself the freedom to fail is what I like most about half-frames.

Favourite subject and/or Half-frame photo?

My favorite subjects are the favorites for all my photography: urban spaces and the built environment, people and what they’re up to, and my friends and family. Not necessarily in that order. This is a picture I made many years ago. It was from an editorial assignment, and it remains a favorite as it represents the first time I dared to employ a bit of my “art practice” on a job for someone else. My approach worked well for the assignment, and the client was very pleased, which gave my confidence a much-needed boost.

Your top tip/s for shooting half frame photos?

I know many film photographers don’t make contact sheets these days, but I recommend doing so (darkroom or otherwise) with half-frame; there is much to discover in the flow of images and the hidden pairings.
Mostly, I say, have fun, let it rip, permit yourself to break habits.