Christo Stankulov
The Hot Waters

In Varna, Bulgaria, there is a natural spring with hot mineral water at about 55°C right on the beach. In the early 70 the local authorities, after some drilling, built a pump station to provide hot water for the naval school. “The Hot Waters” appeared as a result of the extra flow to the beach. The place is also known locally as “The Pit” or “The Loch”. Now, there is a pool made with donated money, some say from a Canadian emigrant of Bulgarian-Armenian descendant, but this is more of an urban legend or rumour… 
When I started to photographing the Hot Waters and it’s regulars back in 2002 there were just a few people frequenting this place, mostly elderly people. Now this pool has become so popular, that it is possible to see people from all genders, ages, nationalities and stratus of society – from sex workers to PhD’s.
The Hot waters is a very picturesque and colourful place where people come to appreciate the free and healing mineral waters. Located on the Black Sea shore looking out onto the horizon beyond. Here you can have a nice chat or not at all. Just sitting and observing while the hot water cures the body.

The
Technique

When I started the series “The Hot Waters” around 2002, I was using a medium format camera. It was convenient because back then my intention was to make more reportage street photography series. But, finally I’ve changed my mind due to the fact that I wasn’t  living there anymore and a lot has changed. The place has become much more crowded and popular. Taking pictures the way I did before did not fit anymore and I wanted to get to know the people there better. To talk to them, to make some kind of connection. So – I went large format, talking to each one of the people that I wanted to photograph. Taking my time. At this moment I was equipped with Linhof Master Technika Classic 4×5 and Rodenstock Apo-Sironar S 150/5,6 lens and on Ilford FP4+ film. A solid, compact and very precise camera.
Today, I use a Linhof Technikardan S 45. I found it the most versatile camera of all 4×5 cameras that I’ve worked with since 2008.

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