Hi Ruth,
It seems like you have an interesting and varied past and that’s great. It’s wonderful that you had someone in your life that was inspiring to you as well.
I believe you meant to say a mamiya rb67 but I’m not sure.
http://www.mamiyaleaf.com/legacy_RB67.asp
This is a medium format camera as I’m sure you know and medium format cameras are excellent for capturing exquisite detail. I often shoot with medium format when trying to achieve maximum sharpness and quality of in my photographs.
In fact this notion of detail seems to a be a theme in your piece. The importance of detail and texture can’t be underestimated when it comes to good photography.
Capturing details that may go otherwise unnoticed is of the great powers of a photographer. In fact if you can learn the skill of removing all that is non-essential from the frame of your camera you are on your way to making good images. It seems so simple but when it’s all happening and your senses are overloaded with stimuli it can be a real challenge to get this right.
This is why practice is so critical. I’m sure Mr Simmons practiced very hard and shot quite a bit to create the images that inspired you. Practice is one of the most underestimated elements of learning photography. Most people think you just need to get your settings right and you’ll get there. What they don’t realize is that getting your settings right is actually the easiest part. It’s everything after settings that’s truly essential and can only come with practice.
Have you spent much time looking at the works of the Masters Of Photography? If not I recommend that you take some time and do so. I’ve found that physical books are the best way to do this.
If you’re asking yourself why does inspiration matter take a look at these videos.
Nice work here and see you on the next assignment.
(Remember you can always email questions to office@photographyicon.com to get help!)