He feels this gives a slight edge to the focus and helps produce a consistant result. And while he achieves outstanding results with it, he still complains bitterly about the films and papers available today. The manufacturers claim today's films are as good as the old ones, but it just isn't true. They're not as good. They're not as sharp as they used to be.
Practice requires determination, and good tools can be bought, but the photographer's gift is born.
A feel for people is required, for emotion and movement, but ultimately, choosing the moment makes the shot. You can't shoot without complete confidence in your equipment. Usually, Marshall arrives at a shoot without an assistant. He brings a light only under duress, then one light with a diffusion umbrella seems to suffice. A few years ago, Marshall showed up at author Alice Walker's home for an assignment.