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WILLIAMSPORT-SUN GAZETTE, October 18, 1991
Letters from Sun-Gazette Readers
Set The Record Straight
Editor, Sun-Gazette,
As the person responsible for bringing the exhibition of male nudes by
Joe Ziolkowski to Lycoming College, I would like to respond to the letter
from Ted Davis, which appeared recently in the newspaper. With regard to
Davis' "trained photographic viewpoint," it is almost entirely
erroneous. Davis should be embarrassed.
Mr. Davis claims Ziolkowski's photographs show "considerable grain
structure, likely from the use of small amateur film." A professional
photographer should know at a glance that these are not small, but medium
format. Each photo is printed full frame, with a black border and is square.
Small format films are not square.
Further, Mr. Ziolkowski's photographs have notches indicating the use
of a Hasselblad camera, the ultimate medium format. Large grain? No way.
Ziolkowski uses Ilford FP4 medium format, a choice of many professional
photographers, including myself.
Mr. Davis says Ziolkowski's "lighting is flat, umbrella style-the
simple way to light without skill-resulting in lack of highlights . . .with
a stark white background. "The photographs were made using Light Dome
soft boxes. Ziolkowski shot and processed the film for increased contrast,
the opposite of 'flat.'" There is nothing wrong with white backgrounds.
Consider the internationally famous photographer, Richard Avedon, well
known for his stark white backgrounds.
Ted Davis thinks Joe Ziolkowski is an amateur with "limited camera
knowledge." Ziolkowski owns a 10,000 square foot advertising photography
studio in New York City employing a staff of 12. He holds BFA and MFA degrees
in photography. His photography is handled by well established galleries
in New York City and Chicago. The credentials go on. I hope this sets
the record straight.
Dierdre Monk
Asst. Prof. Photography
Lycoming College, Williamsport, PN
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