Darkroom Daydreams
Partnering with Ibarionex Perello, Jarrett Esaw exposes the outlines of his emerging photographic potential
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF16mmF1.4 R WR, 1/2900 sec at F8, ISO 800
Absorbed in a deep, ruddy glow, Jarrett Esaw wedges himself in the corner of a makeshift film lab, a bound leather journal raised tightly to his webcam lens. Scrawled with scribbles and memoranda, he cradles its spine, chuckling.
“Let’s talk about this thing right here,” he grins, leafing eagerly through the pages. “I never thought I’d use one, but following this experience, I’ve found it incredibly useful. It really helps to organize what I’m thinking.”
On a recent outing to San Francisco, California, Jarrett paired up with Ibarionex Perello – award-winning FUJIFILM photographer and host of The Candid Frame podcast – for an instructive excursion. Venturing westward had been long been a dream for the young college student, and now, that aspiration was quickly becoming reality.
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF16mmF1.4 R WR, 1/2900 sec at F8, ISO 800
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF16mmF1.4 R WR, 1/2900 sec at F8, ISO 800
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF16mmF1.4 R WR, 1/2900 sec at F8, ISO 800
Forming a distinct part of the X-T5 rollout, Fujifilm facilitated this trip by way of Jarrett’s connection to Penumbra Foundation. A New York nonprofit, the organization champions the use of niche, alternative photographic processes, imparting expertise of lesser-known practices across workshops and educational programs.
Snapping their way through the hazy roads and boulevards, the pair developed a deep and genuine connection. Typified by the value of shared knowledge, Jarrett served as mentee for a whole week of exhilarating image creation.
“Ibarionex was an excellent guide. He encouraged me to reflect on my thoughts and feelings. Whatever the idea was, I jotted it down. I’ve been doing exactly that ever since.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but this collaboration was honestly fantastic. We have similar interests, and he’s so easy to talk to. We got used to each other relatively quickly and fed off each other’s ideas really well.”
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/480 sec at F5.6, ISO 800
Jarrett was introduced to Penumbra in 2020, while studying at Long Island University, Brooklyn. Establishing a relationship by way of his independent study class, he aided his professor’s research into more unusual pictorial procedures.
An eventual recommendation to the organization’s founder resulted in a summer placement. True to the group’s nonconventional focus, Jarrett participates in the handling of albumen practices – the first ever commercially exploitable method of image printing, derived from egg whites.
“My lecturer worked at the foundation. He was writing a book that year and asked if I wanted to help out. That’s how I got involved with the founder. For the last two years, it’s furthered my curiosity and helped me attain a slew of new skills.
“I’d like to run my own workshops eventually. It’s super unique – I love getting hands-on with everything Penumbra offers.”
Keen to explore his corresponding coastline, Jarrett was intrigued by the historical underpinnings of the Golden State. Giving rise to a number of prominent industries, its heritage piqued his curiosity – as did the aesthetic makeup of West Coast photography at large. Drawing on the classic customs of his native New York, black & white exposures punctuated the contrasts.
“I’ve always been interested in this area. There’s something about the light that’s appealing. I love the way it cuts through the clouds,” he contends.
“Back home, I’m used to predicting the ways shadows will fall, because of the buildings and towering structures. In San Francisco, the settings are totally different. Conditions were unlike anything I’ve experienced.”
Though apprehensive at first, Jarrett settled into the flow of maneuvering through urban areas. Accustomed to creating copious images, he opted for a more intentional approach this time around.
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/480 sec at F5.6, ISO 800
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF10-24mmF4 OIS WR, 1/2000 sec at F5.6, ISO 800
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF10-24mmF4 OIS WR, 1/2000 sec at F5.6, ISO 800
Following discussions with Ibarionex, he happened upon an important realization: worries are a natural reflection of emotional investment, and nervousness characterizes the inception of any creative’s development. Put simply, concern demonstrates care.
“At first, I was worried I’d overcompensate with tons of exposures. Ibarionex taught me the importance of slowing down and picking the right moment. Even though I was anxious, that attitude made the trip feel a lot fuller, and more purposeful.”
Like his mentor, the roots of Jarrett’s interests stem from engagement with a rich and varied tradition. Raised in a world of digital ubiquity, the tactility of film isn’t as widespread as it was for previous generations. With that said, Jarrett’s printing isn’t a technique he restricts solely to celluloid stock. That’s thanks, in large part, to Fujifilm equipment.
“In 2017, I got serious about photography. That year, I bought my first FUJIFILM camera – X-T20. I loved its versatility. In 2019, I got my hands on X-T3, and that’s been my go-to ever since.
“People are constantly discussing the differences between film and digital. I like both equally. Photography’s all about options. I still print my digital images. I like the idea of coding the paper. Fujifilm is perfect for that, the definition is so consistently crisp.”
Though no singular style or tactic defines Jarrett’s focus, a compendium of compelling subjects form the basis of his collection.
“I’m still working it out. I know I like to document candid moments and see if I can catch meaningful connections between people,” he reasons.
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/800 sec at F2.8, ISO 800
As the clouds rolled over and fog gathered, Jarrett’s street portraits exemplified subjects caught in the midst of everyday activities. Others are more conventional landscapes, or cultural touchstones; like his reflective renderings of the Palace of Fine Arts, or the iconography of streetcars rolling measuredly along steep roads.
While many of these pictures communicate a desire to experiment and explore new methods of creativity, one particular image – a photograph of an elderly gentleman caressing an old Mercedes – epitomized a certain sentiment, and spoke to a deeper interest.
“I love cars. My appreciation of automobiles originates with my grandfather. He owned a lot of vehicles – a total enthusiast. I saw this guy, and figured he must’ve owned the car, because of this gesture that you see. It was almost affectionate. I wasn’t there very long, but the way he touched the bumper just struck me.
“I’m interested in why people hold onto heirlooms. Old cars remind me of cameras, weirdly. There’s a parallel there – in the way people pass items down over generations. It’s also what I tend to gravitate towards when I’m out in New York. I suppose this composition is a distillation of all those ideas.”
Traveling to the outskirts of the city, Jarrett and Ibarionex ended up trekking through Muir Woods – a Californian monument, renowned for its towering old-growth redwood trees. Wide-angle interpretations of the environment are accompanied by closer portraits of greenery. Though subtle, the delicate beginnings of spiderwebs cradle water droplets, humid and slight, refined within the vegetation.
The foundations are clear; the designs defined. Spun in devoted glistens and strips, the promise of this image is an intrinsic part of its appeal.
“I liked that I spotted the start of something special,” Jarrett says, the symbolism apt and appropriate. “This was such a brilliant event to be a part of. I’m so thankful to Ibarionex, Penumbra, Fujifilm, and everyone involved. I’ll keep it with me forever.”
Learn more about the project with mentor Ibarionex Perello on FUJIFILM Exposure Center.
Photo 2022 © Jarrett Esaw | FUJIFILM X-T5 and FUJINON XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR, 1/800 sec at F2.8, ISO 800
Ibarionex Perello
Ibarionex Perello is a photographer, writer, educator and host of The Candid Frame photography podcast. He has over 25 years of experience in the photographic industry. The photographer's six authored books include Chasing the Light: Improving Your Photography Using Available Light, 5D Mark III From Snapshot to Great Shots, and Adobe Master Class: Photoshop. His latest book is Making Photographs: Developing a Personal Visual Workflow. He currently lives and works in the Los Angeles area.
Jarrett Esaw
Jarrett is a senior at Hunter College in NYC studying studio art. He grew up flipping through family albums, and in high school began experimenting with his own practice, making images around the city and printing them at the Fujifilm WonderLab. In 2017, he dove into photography, transferring schools so he could study it at degree level. He sees printing as an essential part of photography – spending hours in Penumbra’s lab, printing cyanotypes and albumen platinum prints. This past year, he was a part of the Fujifilm / Penumbra Foundation Internship Program, working with abstract artist Liz Neilsen.
Let's Keep in Touch!
Stay up to date on New Products, Promotions, and Special Offers!
COUNTRY / REGION
