Photographer Spotlight:

Anton Caro

From Seeing to Processing in a Mono World

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am Anton Caro, a guy who enjoys picking up fragments of everyday life, blending them together in a reality that does not exist just to confirm for myself that we live in a dream, we live in a world of illusions, where shadows and lights navigate us in our way.

When did you first start shooting film, and why do you still shoot film in the digital age?

I received my first camera in 1994. I was 13 then. It was a Smena 8M. My next step was to start processing and printing my own photographs at home. Film requires dedication, because it is tangible, and because there are many limitations. It is important to learn to express oneself within the limitations of the process. Freedom is freedom only when placed within a frame. And in a film there are 36 exposures to convert into frames.

What is your favorite theme or subject to photograph and why?

The street is my favorite place to be. People live and in their lifetime they leave artifacts of various nature ranging from large buildings through discoveries to minor traces, details of life. They deserve recognition.

You mentioned the Rollei 35AF has "character." How would you describe its personality?

Oh, yes, the little Rollei 35AF has its own spirit and charm. I was puzzled at first when I had to use my left hand to advance the film, but in reality there is no slow down there. The camera has autofocus, but it lacks the full auto exposure, which would mean that one needs to interact, to use the front wheels to avoid blurry snapshots. As I get familiar with the camera, I start to believe that the camera is a companion who invites you to a journey, where you focus on different aspects of life to reach your authentic self.

Street photography moves incredibly fast. How does this compact camera help you keep up with the pace?

The Rollei 35AF is a companion you can trust – with the solid design and reproducibility of results. Yet, the photographer remains an observer, not an intruder to the situation.
❮ ❯

Your B&W shots are beautiful. Which monochrome films do you suggest?

I like Ilford HP5 plus, Ilford FP4 plus, and Kodak Tri-X 400 in Xtol 1+1. Also a great fan of Fomapan 200@160 ASA in Rodinal, a combo which I used as a kid. Rodinal has limited capacity to bring detail from shadows, but for my style I consider that of extra value, since it offers some deep emotional polish to the photographs.

If you could hand the Rollei 35AF to any photographer/person for a day, who would it be and why?

Henri Cartier-Bresson is the first name that comes to my mind. He has used a compact camera in his late years. Then, some other names appear. Eugene Atget and Vivian Maier are the final ones. Atget is considered the father of street photography and the father of surrealism in photography for his dreamy photographs of Paris at the beginning of the XX century. Man Ray was his neighbour and was recommending him a Rollei TLR. Atget refused. Just imagine if we could convince him to try the Rollei 35AF to capture dynamic scenes. What they would look like? Maybe more direct, in a way. And then, Vivian Maier. Or, maybe not.

Anton Caro

You can see more of Anton’s work on Facebook @antoncarofb

Check out more Photographer Spotlights:

1 3