Topic: Covid-19, a New York perspective

[Sandeha Lynch]

Take a look at the photo story

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/05/04/a-city-nurse

[Faintandfuzzy]

While I really enjoyed the story, something about the photographs was odd.  If it was film used, it is like she cranked the clarity slider or something...giving a really unnatural look. 

[hookstrapped]

It has that "Country Doctor" look. I think Smith's Life magazine work had an unnatural clarity and sharp contrast to it.

[Francois]

Without seeing the camera, I can't say.
But I know there were quite a few photographers who swear by Point Light Source enlargers. These do give the negatives unbelievable contrast. But they're also the least forgiving way to enlarge a negative as every bit of dust, every scratch, every hair, no matter how small, will show up like a fly on a wedding cake.

[Sandeha Lynch]

I didn't notice any dust, but that is always one of the first checks that it might be film. I never felt that it was film though, much more likely that the appearance is down to a grain plug-in, don't you think?

[hookstrapped]

I assumed it was digital.

[Francois]

Definitely used a plug-in from alien skin or dxo.
Not that film is out of the question but I personally don't know anyone who would go through the hassle of using a point light enlarger. Also, nowadays people want convenience first and foremost. That's definitely not something that goes hand in hand with film.