Bobby Sader, a senior Visual Arts and New Media major from Allegany, N.Y., not only shoots photos, but creates the tools with which to take photos.
Starting in the summer of 2014, Mr. Sader was exploring his interest in pursuing large format photography, searching the Internet for professional cameras. After seeing the large price tags on both new and used cameras, Sader came to the conclusion that he could, in fact, build a camera of the same quality himself. After drawing up initial plans and designs, Sader was able to create a fully functioning, 8 x 10 view camera. All of the pieces made, except for the lens, were built by Sader with help from others.
“Along the way, it became more that just building a camera, it became a serious learning experience.” said Sader. “I made mistakes, and found better ways to complete the individual pieces. It taught me a lot about the tools necessary to build a camera, as well as the precision that is crucial to create a functional camera.”
With this camera, Sader has taken a variety of photos ranging from landscapes to portraits of Civil War reenactors. The camera is multi-purpose; it be used for most all photographic practices.One example of Sader’s work, which can be seen on the Visual Arts and New Media home page, is of visiting Civil War reenactment participants from New York's 9th Cavalry and South Carolina's 4th.
The work done with the camera, along with the camera, will be shown at the Senior Showcase on Friday, May 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Marion Art Gallery. People attending the show will get the chance to see how the camera works and even be able to look through the camera.
To view additional work by Sader, view his Facebook page, ‘Bobby Sader Photography’ at https://www.facebook.com/BobbySaderPhotography.
The Department of Visual Arts and New Media provides a balanced, comprehensive undergraduate program in the practice, theory, and history of the visual arts and new media. To view photos taken with Sader’s homemade camera, please visit www.fredonia.edu/department/art/#.
