Petrov photographer

My get-pushed challenge this week is vintage styled photography, set by Isaiah ( @izayaa )

One of the iconic Australian photo-journalism images is of Eva Petrov, a KGB spy seeking political asylum in Australia in 1954. The poignant image at http://mil.eastday.com/m/20070410/images/00495515.JPG has five very different expressions on the subjects, all looking in very different dirrections, seemingly alone, amidst the chaos on the tarmac.

The background to the story at http://moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/online/petrov/royal-commission.html makes fascinating reading, and living here in Canberra, it is quite 'close to home', so my colleage Pete and I headed to Old Parliament House, and walked around looking for a suitable backdrop. Fortunately I was not approached by security while shooting in the Members' Dining Room, asking Pete to look furtive as if he was chasing a Russian Spy. My heart was certainly pounding & I honestly expected to be ejected at any moment as we wandered around the rooms!.

The camera is a Graflex Speed Graphic, made prior to 1955, and at the time cost more than 6 weeks of the average wage. It can take 1:1 macro and even tilt-shift shots. The downside is it weighs over 2.6 kg (nearly 6 lb) and I can hardly lift it! You can see some spectacular shots taken on one at http://camarasclassicas.blogspot.com/2011/05/11-graflex-speed-graphic.html and I have shot it previously at http://365project.org/ltodd/365/2011-12-08
The Petrov's were most certainly photographed using Graphlex cameras as can be seen in the court shots at http://moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/online/petrov/royal-commission.html

It was interesting studying the style and processing of the original images, and then attempting to re-create the mood of the era in a formal portrait.

[Terri Morris]

Very cool photo and story. I think you get an A for your get pushed challenge.

[Dawn Reilly]

Wish i could see the pictures but the Herald wants me to subscribe. That is a terrific portrait with an awesome camera. your model is fantastic!

[Lyn Todd]

@sunshinephoto5 thanks for the notification Dawn - I will edit the link. A small version is at http://mil.eastday.com/m/20070410/images/00495515.JPG and the one at http://vrroom.naa.gov.au/records/?ID=19003 clearly shows her anguish and her lost her shoe.
Pete will be chuffed you approve of his camera... & his modelling!! LOL

[Nicole Campbell]

Fantastic Lyn, you picked the perfect model for this photo!

[Mike Warren]

Very classy B&W.

[Angela]

Very nicely done! I like this.

[Lyn]

Wow. . .another spectacular result to your push!

[EvaHenriette]

Great shot. Well done.

[Lyn Todd]

@izayaa - fortunately I was not arrested! :)

[Izayaa™]

Great shot! Love the story also! I love how you took an adventurous act in getting this picture! But I must say, it was well worth it right? Haha! Love the model and his clothing and camera. Nicely done! :)

[Janelle]

Wow that is such a great shot!!

[Jo]

Fab shot, at first I thought you had taken a photo of a vintage photo...Dah! You completely nailed it, well done.

[Frida]

You have responded to it in spades! Fantastic shot!