Maia Erickson with the Mamiya M645
I chose the Mamiya M645 for its reputation as an approachable medium format camera, this being my first experience outside of 35mm. The weight took some getting used to, as did the overall layout and mechanics. After a few rolls I felt comfortable with it, though, and was floored by the image quality and detail. I’m only sorry to have waited this long to try medium format.
In November, the Woolsey Fire burned through the mountains where I lived. I rented the camera in hopes of documenting something of my experience after the burn: the weirdness of it, the loss of home, the regeneration of the landscape, and unlikely moments of peace that have followed. I am deeply grateful for these images, for the healing I experienced in taking them, and for the record they will provide as time moves forward.
You can find more of Maia Erickson’s awesome work on her Instagram.