This will just be a short post.
I'm putting myself out there and hoping to get some results.
If you get a chance, take a look at my portfolio and vote for it. Thanks in advance!
16 January 2011
14 January 2011
Notes on Film - A New Direction
I'm still considering directions with which to take this blog. And I just may have fallen into one just a few minutes ago.
While trying to compose a new Facebook status, I thought about the many different films that I have shot and plan to shoot. And this is what I came up with:
Test different films, in different cameras, and see how they match up both to their historical use and contemporary probability.
Not all films last forever, and not all films are meant to. But, today while searching eBay (as I do much too often these days) I ran into something that I could have only imagined possible. Old instant rollfilm. An old useless artifact for some, but a gold mine to me. I've wanted to shoot some for so long, and this was my chance! But not to get ahead of myself - there are still days to go before the auction ends.
I have some film and cameras waiting to be used. Among these:
Kodak Verichrome 620 film (expired 1967, 1980, and 1981) and Kodak Kodacolor X (expired 1970, 1973, and 1980) to use in a Kodak Duaflex IV with Flash
Kodak Verichrome 616 film (expired 1977 and 1978) to use in a Kodak Monitor Six-16 camera
Polaroid Type 59 4x5 Color sheet film (expired 1985)
Polaroid Type 53 4x5 B&W sheet film (Expired 1997)
Kodak Vericolor II 4x5 sheet film (expired 1982) which I have used a few sheets of
And, if all goes well, I'll also be adding some Polaroid Type 42 rollfilm (expired 1956!) into the mix. I have a lot of work ahead of me. A lot of time, a lot of shooting, and a lot of fun. In a way, it's like bringing the past into the present. Like taking a slice of yesteryear and experiencing it like many people just couldn't imagine. I just can't wait...
The Polaroid film is self developing and the 620 film will be able to fit on the developing reels I already have (and use the developing chemicals I just ordered today), but the 616 and Vericolor film have to be taken to Praus Productions in Rochester, NY. I'm sure there is probably somewhere closer, but I trust the owner, Edgar, with my film almost more than I trust myself. He has been more than helpful to me when i had questions concerning my film.
Anyway, I plan on using this blog to help me share my findings with all of you. Will the films produce beautiful images or just a bunch of blurry shapes? I guess we'll see. As soon as the flash bulbs I ordered arrive I'll be shooting the first roll of 620 Verichrome (the 1967 stuff). And I'll be playing with the Polaroid 4x5 soon as well. Maybe I'll toss some 616 in the camera and give myself a reason to go visit Edgar.
(And speaking of new film, I have 10 sheets of Fuji Velvia 50 coming in the mail. This is perhaps the best color landscape film available. And I love the colors it produces. It might have to wait until spring to expose, but I'm sure I'll be posting some images and links on here when I have it ready to go.)
If you pick up a camera this weekend, remember that there were days when only memories could be saved and cherished. Don't take it for granted.
While trying to compose a new Facebook status, I thought about the many different films that I have shot and plan to shoot. And this is what I came up with:
Test different films, in different cameras, and see how they match up both to their historical use and contemporary probability.
Not all films last forever, and not all films are meant to. But, today while searching eBay (as I do much too often these days) I ran into something that I could have only imagined possible. Old instant rollfilm. An old useless artifact for some, but a gold mine to me. I've wanted to shoot some for so long, and this was my chance! But not to get ahead of myself - there are still days to go before the auction ends.
I have some film and cameras waiting to be used. Among these:
Kodak Verichrome 620 film (expired 1967, 1980, and 1981) and Kodak Kodacolor X (expired 1970, 1973, and 1980) to use in a Kodak Duaflex IV with Flash
Kodak Verichrome 616 film (expired 1977 and 1978) to use in a Kodak Monitor Six-16 camera
Polaroid Type 59 4x5 Color sheet film (expired 1985)
Polaroid Type 53 4x5 B&W sheet film (Expired 1997)
Kodak Vericolor II 4x5 sheet film (expired 1982) which I have used a few sheets of
And, if all goes well, I'll also be adding some Polaroid Type 42 rollfilm (expired 1956!) into the mix. I have a lot of work ahead of me. A lot of time, a lot of shooting, and a lot of fun. In a way, it's like bringing the past into the present. Like taking a slice of yesteryear and experiencing it like many people just couldn't imagine. I just can't wait...
The Polaroid film is self developing and the 620 film will be able to fit on the developing reels I already have (and use the developing chemicals I just ordered today), but the 616 and Vericolor film have to be taken to Praus Productions in Rochester, NY. I'm sure there is probably somewhere closer, but I trust the owner, Edgar, with my film almost more than I trust myself. He has been more than helpful to me when i had questions concerning my film.
Anyway, I plan on using this blog to help me share my findings with all of you. Will the films produce beautiful images or just a bunch of blurry shapes? I guess we'll see. As soon as the flash bulbs I ordered arrive I'll be shooting the first roll of 620 Verichrome (the 1967 stuff). And I'll be playing with the Polaroid 4x5 soon as well. Maybe I'll toss some 616 in the camera and give myself a reason to go visit Edgar.
(And speaking of new film, I have 10 sheets of Fuji Velvia 50 coming in the mail. This is perhaps the best color landscape film available. And I love the colors it produces. It might have to wait until spring to expose, but I'm sure I'll be posting some images and links on here when I have it ready to go.)
If you pick up a camera this weekend, remember that there were days when only memories could be saved and cherished. Don't take it for granted.
12 January 2011
Mustaches and Darkrooms
Good News!
Mustaches for Kids is now heartily under way and the hair on my lip is starting to grow back. It's been two weeks and I'm starting to recognize myself again. You have until January 29 to make a pledge on my behalf to the Make-a-Wish foundation. All money raised will help a less fortunate child receive their wish. You can read more about the event over at the Buffalo Mustaches for Kids page and you can make your donation on this Make-a-Wish site. Make sure to include my name in the comments section at the bottom of the form so that the donation is added to my quota. Also, you can see the progress of all the growers (pictures taken each Wednesday) on the Facebook page. You won't be sorry!
Although it's been a bit slow, the darkroom is coming along. With the help of my father I built up the side wall. The studs are finished; all that is missing is the plywood and finishes. Either tonight or tomorrow I am going to fill in the hole in the wall with mortar - to make sure that it is ready to go. I'm searching for a decent faucet to place on the sink that I already have - something that can be mounted on a vertical board.
I bought some containers to wash the film in once it is processed, and I'm waiting for them to ship (eBay!).
I also bought some more 4x5 Polaroid film so I can start shooting that once it arrives. Let's just say it's been a busy week on eBay.
Probably my best purchase of all, though, is a 120/220 6x6 back for my Mamiya RZ67. Although I love the 6x7 format that the Mamiya flaunts, I've been itching to get my hands dirty in a nice solid square format (not to mention I'll be getting 2 additional frames on each roll since the size is smaller). It was either the 6x6 back or I go out and get a nice TLR, preferably a Rolleiflex. But, alas, the Rollei was a bit more expensive so I'll shoot with this for now and maybe upgrade in the future when I finally decide to dump everything digital and sell my Nikon D200. But, that won't be for a while.
Here's to advancing and moving up in the world. I'm beginning to get more ideas in my mind as to what I want to shoot. Keep your chin up!
Best.
Mustaches for Kids is now heartily under way and the hair on my lip is starting to grow back. It's been two weeks and I'm starting to recognize myself again. You have until January 29 to make a pledge on my behalf to the Make-a-Wish foundation. All money raised will help a less fortunate child receive their wish. You can read more about the event over at the Buffalo Mustaches for Kids page and you can make your donation on this Make-a-Wish site. Make sure to include my name in the comments section at the bottom of the form so that the donation is added to my quota. Also, you can see the progress of all the growers (pictures taken each Wednesday) on the Facebook page. You won't be sorry!
Although it's been a bit slow, the darkroom is coming along. With the help of my father I built up the side wall. The studs are finished; all that is missing is the plywood and finishes. Either tonight or tomorrow I am going to fill in the hole in the wall with mortar - to make sure that it is ready to go. I'm searching for a decent faucet to place on the sink that I already have - something that can be mounted on a vertical board.
I bought some containers to wash the film in once it is processed, and I'm waiting for them to ship (eBay!).
I also bought some more 4x5 Polaroid film so I can start shooting that once it arrives. Let's just say it's been a busy week on eBay.
Probably my best purchase of all, though, is a 120/220 6x6 back for my Mamiya RZ67. Although I love the 6x7 format that the Mamiya flaunts, I've been itching to get my hands dirty in a nice solid square format (not to mention I'll be getting 2 additional frames on each roll since the size is smaller). It was either the 6x6 back or I go out and get a nice TLR, preferably a Rolleiflex. But, alas, the Rollei was a bit more expensive so I'll shoot with this for now and maybe upgrade in the future when I finally decide to dump everything digital and sell my Nikon D200. But, that won't be for a while.
Here's to advancing and moving up in the world. I'm beginning to get more ideas in my mind as to what I want to shoot. Keep your chin up!
Best.
06 January 2011
Vivian Maier
Progress
The darkroom is finally under way. The door is where it is going to be, and the sink is in place (it just needs the plumbing hookups. Anticipation.
There was a pipe in my way that had to be taken care of, so my dad grabbed the grinder and now it's nothing more than a memory.
I have the floor planned out and taped. There will be a section for the enlarger(s) and then a few tables and shelves. I should be able to store everything I need right in the darkroom for easy access. And with any luck, the light box will fit in there as well.
And on that note, I finally went down to Twin City Glass and ordered the glass for the light box. It wasn't as expensive as I thought, and the service was fantastic! Let's just hope the finished product looks perfect. My next minor build/purchase is going to be a Contact Print Frame. It's the best way to keep the negative completely flat against the printing paper to avoid a blurry image. Just trucking along. Keeping things interesting.
Haven't shot in a while, but I do have a roll of Portra 400 UC to get developed from when a few friends came to town to visit. Did some strobing with it. I'm excited to see the results. I may have to drop it off tomorrow after work.
I suppose that's all the progress for now. Hopefully I'll have more to share at the end of the weekend. I'll be working on coating the walls and perhaps building the tables/shelves. Busy weekends are good weekends.
Special thanks to Tom Schaefer for photographing the process.
There was a pipe in my way that had to be taken care of, so my dad grabbed the grinder and now it's nothing more than a memory.
I have the floor planned out and taped. There will be a section for the enlarger(s) and then a few tables and shelves. I should be able to store everything I need right in the darkroom for easy access. And with any luck, the light box will fit in there as well.
And on that note, I finally went down to Twin City Glass and ordered the glass for the light box. It wasn't as expensive as I thought, and the service was fantastic! Let's just hope the finished product looks perfect. My next minor build/purchase is going to be a Contact Print Frame. It's the best way to keep the negative completely flat against the printing paper to avoid a blurry image. Just trucking along. Keeping things interesting.
Haven't shot in a while, but I do have a roll of Portra 400 UC to get developed from when a few friends came to town to visit. Did some strobing with it. I'm excited to see the results. I may have to drop it off tomorrow after work.
I suppose that's all the progress for now. Hopefully I'll have more to share at the end of the weekend. I'll be working on coating the walls and perhaps building the tables/shelves. Busy weekends are good weekends.
Special thanks to Tom Schaefer for photographing the process.
01 January 2011
Time to Get Started
Well, it's been a great few weeks. Things are finally coming together.
I now have most of the things that I'm going to need to build my darkroom.
Oh, didn't I tell you?
I'm building a darkroom in my basement.
I'm tired of shooting all this film and only being able to scan and share it. What fun is it if I'm only working with it digitally?
I'm shooting film to work with it manually. I already have a pair of gorgeous Photographic Enlargers, a huge 2 foot by nearly 8 foot sink, plywood, 2x4s, safe lights, and more ambition than necessary. Cleaning out the area for it this weekend and drawing up a set of plans so I can finally put this project into motion. I know I might be jumping the gun, but it is going to feel amazing to get back into the darkroom and make some prints that I will be completely proud of.
In order to pay for some of this building and maintenance, I am selling some of my previous prints over on Etsy.com. The exact site for my shop is Here. If you see anything you like, I'd appreciate the purchase. Every little bit counts. I'm trying to get myself out into the world through my art, and I see this as a great first step. And once the darkroom is built, I'll be able to print more, and hopefully sell more and show more.
On a completely unrelated note, I am doing some fund raising during the month of January to help support the local chapter of Make-a-Wish. It is a thing called Buffalo Mustaches for Kids, in which I will be growing a mustache from December 29 to January 29. The point is to grow a mustache and look ridiculous throughout the entire month in order to get pledges and raise money. They've been doing it for years and I decided to jump aboard this year. So, if you have a bit of extra money and are willing to make a donation, you can send it to me by January 25th and I can write you down on my pledge sheet and pass it along to them (make checks payable to "Make-a-Wish Foundation of WNY" and include my name in the memo area; or you can send cash and I can pass it along).
Every little bit counts. I'll also make sure to post photos and links as the month goes on to keep everyone updated on my progress and the progress of the other growers.
I hope everyone enjoyed New Year's Eve and the day. A new year, a new chance.
I now have most of the things that I'm going to need to build my darkroom.
Oh, didn't I tell you?
I'm building a darkroom in my basement.
I'm tired of shooting all this film and only being able to scan and share it. What fun is it if I'm only working with it digitally?
I'm shooting film to work with it manually. I already have a pair of gorgeous Photographic Enlargers, a huge 2 foot by nearly 8 foot sink, plywood, 2x4s, safe lights, and more ambition than necessary. Cleaning out the area for it this weekend and drawing up a set of plans so I can finally put this project into motion. I know I might be jumping the gun, but it is going to feel amazing to get back into the darkroom and make some prints that I will be completely proud of.
In order to pay for some of this building and maintenance, I am selling some of my previous prints over on Etsy.com. The exact site for my shop is Here. If you see anything you like, I'd appreciate the purchase. Every little bit counts. I'm trying to get myself out into the world through my art, and I see this as a great first step. And once the darkroom is built, I'll be able to print more, and hopefully sell more and show more.
On a completely unrelated note, I am doing some fund raising during the month of January to help support the local chapter of Make-a-Wish. It is a thing called Buffalo Mustaches for Kids, in which I will be growing a mustache from December 29 to January 29. The point is to grow a mustache and look ridiculous throughout the entire month in order to get pledges and raise money. They've been doing it for years and I decided to jump aboard this year. So, if you have a bit of extra money and are willing to make a donation, you can send it to me by January 25th and I can write you down on my pledge sheet and pass it along to them (make checks payable to "Make-a-Wish Foundation of WNY" and include my name in the memo area; or you can send cash and I can pass it along).
Every little bit counts. I'll also make sure to post photos and links as the month goes on to keep everyone updated on my progress and the progress of the other growers.
I hope everyone enjoyed New Year's Eve and the day. A new year, a new chance.
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