Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?
This Polaroid film that had an expiration date of 1985 looks (nearly) brand new. It still has good color and I barely had to adjust the exposure.
Happy Father's Day to everyone out there. This is my dad - one of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure to know. There are so many things I can say about him, but that would all take too long, so I'll just say this - I wouldn't be half the person I am today without him. Thanks for everything, dad.
19 June 2011
Polaroid Fun
18 June 2011
New Work
Finally received my scanner. It's a beaut. This is from the first roll I scanned with it, some Rollei Pan 25 developed in Rodinal.
The other day I wrote a pretty lengthy post concerning film and complained about Flickr, but for some reason it didn't post. It's floating around in the world wide web somewhere, and I can only hope that it might show up some day. I can't remember exactly what I said, and I have no interest in attempting to repeat myself, but I will say this: after shooting and scanning this roll, I am seriously considering shooting more black & white film in the near future. The look of it just reminds me of my beginnings in film photography and the first times I developed my own film.
Which does remind me - it's 4x5 season once again and with over 200 sheets sitting in my fridge, it's time to get out and have some fun!
10 June 2011
Film, Photography, and a Podcast
As long as I have a bit of time, I thought I'd give a bit of a shout out to one of the only podcasts I've ever listened to. It is a little thing called the Film Photography Podcast, and is headed by the energetic Michael Raso. The link above will take you to the general website, and from there you can get on over to the Flickr site, the blog, and the store! If you have any sort of interest in film photography, the guys on this podcast really make it fun. They talk about a lot of really relevant things (lately it has been a bit Polaroid/Fuji Instant heavy) including darkroom tips, different cameras, films, and they just generally have a lot of fun. The sound effects and music make the show even more enjoyable. Why not jump over and take a listen?
I've finally processed my first few rolls of color negative film with my C41 kit, and they look great! I still have to scan all of them (I think my pile is up to somewhere around 23 rolls) but the negatives look nice and thick and the colors don't look so bad. I'm looking at finally getting a scanner in the very near future - it would be easier if I didn't shoot any 4x5 (and if I didn't just buy the parts for a 5x7 camera - but more on that at a later date) because then I could get a lower range one. But, alas, I am deciding between the Epson V700 and the Epson V750. It will be nice to finally have a scanner at home that I can use at my leisure for both the Polaroids I have sitting on my table and all that gorgeous film.
Tomorrow I may be heading to the Apple store (fingers crossed) and looking at - and perhaps purchasing - a new computer. The one I am using now is over 5 years old and the screen can't be moved without shorting out. I want to upgrade to an iMac - the colors are gorgeous, and they are absolutely wonderful computers. A bit pricey, but I am used to using them at school for all my photo stuff so it won't be anything crazy to learn. I'll just have to take it in stride and see if I can afford to get it now. It would be nice to get both the computer and scanner at a similar time so I can just scan right onto the new hard drive rather than messing with my old computer and then transferring everything. Wish me luck!
Keep the cameras shooting, and keep the film rolling.
Oh! And an odd, unrelated note - I finally bought a neck strap for my Mamiya so it's way more portable and easier to use. And not too uncomfortable!
I'll probably be cross processing my first roll of e6 tomorrow so I hope that goes well.
When you hold it in your hand,
you can see what I see.
When you press the little button,
you'll let your dreams fly free.
I've finally processed my first few rolls of color negative film with my C41 kit, and they look great! I still have to scan all of them (I think my pile is up to somewhere around 23 rolls) but the negatives look nice and thick and the colors don't look so bad. I'm looking at finally getting a scanner in the very near future - it would be easier if I didn't shoot any 4x5 (and if I didn't just buy the parts for a 5x7 camera - but more on that at a later date) because then I could get a lower range one. But, alas, I am deciding between the Epson V700 and the Epson V750. It will be nice to finally have a scanner at home that I can use at my leisure for both the Polaroids I have sitting on my table and all that gorgeous film.
Tomorrow I may be heading to the Apple store (fingers crossed) and looking at - and perhaps purchasing - a new computer. The one I am using now is over 5 years old and the screen can't be moved without shorting out. I want to upgrade to an iMac - the colors are gorgeous, and they are absolutely wonderful computers. A bit pricey, but I am used to using them at school for all my photo stuff so it won't be anything crazy to learn. I'll just have to take it in stride and see if I can afford to get it now. It would be nice to get both the computer and scanner at a similar time so I can just scan right onto the new hard drive rather than messing with my old computer and then transferring everything. Wish me luck!
Keep the cameras shooting, and keep the film rolling.
Oh! And an odd, unrelated note - I finally bought a neck strap for my Mamiya so it's way more portable and easier to use. And not too uncomfortable!
I'll probably be cross processing my first roll of e6 tomorrow so I hope that goes well.
When you hold it in your hand,
you can see what I see.
When you press the little button,
you'll let your dreams fly free.
21 May 2011
Just Keep Moving
I've been keeping up with my photography - shooting more rolls in the past few weeks than I could imagine. I hit double digits in Minneapolis and I've been doing a bit of shooting since I've been home. Yesterday I went out with my friend Justin, and he took some video footage while I did some shooting. I had a roll of Rollei Pan 25 in the Mamiya so the bright, bright sunlight was necessary to get good exposure times. I had a lot of fun, and I can't wait to finish off the rest of the roll with some strobes. This stuff is supposed to be really sharp. Can't wait.
Here's a link to the "final" video that he comprised of the footage.
I now have like 14 rolls that need to be developed/scanned. But more on that later.
Keep it real.
Here's a link to the "final" video that he comprised of the footage.
I now have like 14 rolls that need to be developed/scanned. But more on that later.
Keep it real.
01 May 2011
Scans
I finally had a chance to scan in my backlog of film. Unfortunately, I also just shot three more rolls yesterday at the Film Photography meetup in Toronto. Just can't get head of the game.
I'm considering finally spending the money to buy my own scanner, as I won't be able to use the one at UB all summer while the lab is closed. I just have to decide which one I want and figure out how I'm going to pay for it. Maybe it's time to stop buying film and endlessly spending on unimportant things. And it's almost time to start riding my bike to work so I'll be saving some money there.
4x5 season is just about to be here. Time to lug out the beast and have some fun. I have a few projects in mind. We'll see.
I'll just keep editing and posting the scanned film so look for more uploads on Flickr.
Best.
14 April 2011
Film Film Film
I have a couple rolls of 220, a couple rolls of 120, and now a roll or 35mm film to scan. And all this on the eve of my trip to New York City for a Film Photography Meetup (organized by members of the Film Photography Podcast). I'm going to be shooting and shooting and shooting film like it is going out of style. I think the most difficult decision I have to make regarding the trip is which film to bring and what order to shoot it in. I'm bringing the Konica Auto S2 and the Mamiya RZ67 (with the 120 and 6x6 backs). I'm looking forward to meeting some other people who really enjoy film. And I can't wait to see Mat Marrash's 8x10 camera in action.
See you after the weekend.
See you after the weekend.
13 April 2011
Love it or Leave it
Now this may just be a spur of the moment complaint, but what is going on with all this HDR photography lately? If you don't know what HDR is, then you may want to pop it into your favorite search engine and look it up (if you prefer your photography untainted, try not to look at any example images). Every photographer wants a full range of values in his/her image, but these guys are just pushing it way too far.
I want to make it clear, at this point, that I'm not talking about every single photographer who is creating digital HDR images. I have seen more than a handful that work extremely well and make me tip my hat. But, unfortunately, it seems that these are the exception.
The majority of photographers doing digital HDR just push and push and push until the photograph becomes less of a photograph and more of an eyesore. It just isn't practical to take 10 or 12 values and combine them all into one image. It will always look overdone. Always. And the worst part is that you can just import bracketed images into Photoshop or any number of other editing software and it will do it for you. Thanks, technology...
I could point you to a few very extreme examples, but for your sake, and mine, I think it is better if I don't.
If you want to get an amazing dynamic range, why not just shoot film? It is made to have a naturally high range. Why fake it? Why try to copy film instead of just using it?
If you enjoy your over processed, disgusting looking photographs, then go right ahead and take them. Just don't expect me too appreciate, or even look at them.
I want to make it clear, at this point, that I'm not talking about every single photographer who is creating digital HDR images. I have seen more than a handful that work extremely well and make me tip my hat. But, unfortunately, it seems that these are the exception.
The majority of photographers doing digital HDR just push and push and push until the photograph becomes less of a photograph and more of an eyesore. It just isn't practical to take 10 or 12 values and combine them all into one image. It will always look overdone. Always. And the worst part is that you can just import bracketed images into Photoshop or any number of other editing software and it will do it for you. Thanks, technology...
I could point you to a few very extreme examples, but for your sake, and mine, I think it is better if I don't.
If you want to get an amazing dynamic range, why not just shoot film? It is made to have a naturally high range. Why fake it? Why try to copy film instead of just using it?
If you enjoy your over processed, disgusting looking photographs, then go right ahead and take them. Just don't expect me too appreciate, or even look at them.
01 April 2011
23 March 2011
More, More, More
This is off my first roll shot through my 6x6 back for the Mamiya.
Mmmm, that Arista EDU 400.
Why does it look so good?
Dad!
I think I like the square.
The darkroom is coming along. Slowly, trickling. But it'll get there.
11 March 2011
Cameras, Lenses, and Darkrooms
Beginning, Middle, End.
Easier said than done.
I guess I'll start with the most recent thing on my mind and then move backwards.
A little over a year ago my dad's friend gave me a camera; it belonged to his uncle - a photographer from Buffalo. At first I was unimpressed with the simple nature of the camera. I knew very little about what it was or what it could do. A few days ago I found the camera sitting in its bag on a table in my basement. Surprise! For some reason I instantly had to try it out. I played with the functions, moved the focus (which I had not understood before, but after playing with the Polaroid Electric Eye camera, it all made sense now), and just took in the simplicity. It is a Konica Auto S2 from the mid 1960s. The focus seems spot on and the lens is really great. The only trouble is that the shutter sticks at anything slower than 1/60. I already talked to a gentleman in Nebraska that specializes in cleaning, lubing, and adjusting (CLA) Konica cameras and he said he'd be willing to take a look at it and give me an estimate. Since the battery that they used is no longer made I am going to have him convert the internal settings so that it can accept a contemporary battery. It is going to cost a bit more than I would like, but from the pictures I've seen taken with this model and the way that other photographers talk about it, I don't mind putting a bit of money into it. And the best part about the camera is that inside the case I found a little notebook that described the places the photographer used it (including many countries throughout Europe) and what he photographed. It's a small slice of history. Thanks, Dan Hayes, for this opportunity, even though you don't know that you have handed it to me.
My next piece of good news is that I finally bought a new lens for my Mamiya RZ67. I've been shooting it at 110mm since the day I bought it and I was ready to take a step in a new direction so on a whim I bought a 65mm f/4 lens. The lens stated that it uses a floating lens system, which I'm still not exactly sure what it does. This thing is incredible, though. I was testing the focus range and was able to get something perfectly in focus when it was approximately 3-4 inches in front of the lens. Incredible! With the 110mm it had to be at least a foot or so away. I took a few test shots with it the other night, using a one light setup and a roll of Portra 160NC that expired in 2002. I don't have a picture of the lens yet, but maybe I'll include one next time when I post an image from the roll. Something is beginning to take shape.
The darkroom is still slowly marching forward. I haven't been as into it as I was at the beginning so it is moving a bit slower. Everything is finished aside from the insulation at the ceiling to block out the last remaining light and some sort of smooth surface to cover my table. I looked into laminate but it seems a bit expensive. If I am going to be spooling my own film on the table I want to make sure it is completely smooth (unlike the plywood that is on there now). I am going to be cleaning up and loading most of my supplies into the darkroom this weekend so I can see just how much stuff I have (too much!). I just have to work on a table to place my light box on.
Oh! And I also bought a Seal 210M Dry Mount Press so I can mount my finished prints and mount my paper onto a stronger surface for making gum bichromate prints. So excited.
If anyone has any suggestions on a good material for a tabletop, I would really appreciate it!
I also recently purchased a few new books on art theory and the way that photography as art may be developing in the future. I've been looking at them for some time and now I can finally sit down and look through them.
The idea of an 8x10 camera crossed my mind this past week when a few were being sold on eBay. I regret not buying the one (maybe regret isn't the right word...) but I'll leave that to a future time. I know that I am going to eventually buy one. It isn't even a question. I just have to wait for that time. I think I want to try glass plate negatives and a few other things before I weigh myself down with ULA. I have too many rolls of film sitting in my fridge, and too much film waiting to be spooled. I should get some of that under control before I jump ship to try something new.
If I had any words of advise, they are too lost below a layer of photography to come out now.
And before I end this post, I just wanted to share that I have been working on a bit of a poem/short story. It is a bit of a project I've been contemplating for a while and a few standout lines popped into my mind the other day so I finally began writing. Wish me luck.
"The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box." - Henri Cartier-Bresson
Easier said than done.
I guess I'll start with the most recent thing on my mind and then move backwards.
A little over a year ago my dad's friend gave me a camera; it belonged to his uncle - a photographer from Buffalo. At first I was unimpressed with the simple nature of the camera. I knew very little about what it was or what it could do. A few days ago I found the camera sitting in its bag on a table in my basement. Surprise! For some reason I instantly had to try it out. I played with the functions, moved the focus (which I had not understood before, but after playing with the Polaroid Electric Eye camera, it all made sense now), and just took in the simplicity. It is a Konica Auto S2 from the mid 1960s. The focus seems spot on and the lens is really great. The only trouble is that the shutter sticks at anything slower than 1/60. I already talked to a gentleman in Nebraska that specializes in cleaning, lubing, and adjusting (CLA) Konica cameras and he said he'd be willing to take a look at it and give me an estimate. Since the battery that they used is no longer made I am going to have him convert the internal settings so that it can accept a contemporary battery. It is going to cost a bit more than I would like, but from the pictures I've seen taken with this model and the way that other photographers talk about it, I don't mind putting a bit of money into it. And the best part about the camera is that inside the case I found a little notebook that described the places the photographer used it (including many countries throughout Europe) and what he photographed. It's a small slice of history. Thanks, Dan Hayes, for this opportunity, even though you don't know that you have handed it to me.
My next piece of good news is that I finally bought a new lens for my Mamiya RZ67. I've been shooting it at 110mm since the day I bought it and I was ready to take a step in a new direction so on a whim I bought a 65mm f/4 lens. The lens stated that it uses a floating lens system, which I'm still not exactly sure what it does. This thing is incredible, though. I was testing the focus range and was able to get something perfectly in focus when it was approximately 3-4 inches in front of the lens. Incredible! With the 110mm it had to be at least a foot or so away. I took a few test shots with it the other night, using a one light setup and a roll of Portra 160NC that expired in 2002. I don't have a picture of the lens yet, but maybe I'll include one next time when I post an image from the roll. Something is beginning to take shape.The darkroom is still slowly marching forward. I haven't been as into it as I was at the beginning so it is moving a bit slower. Everything is finished aside from the insulation at the ceiling to block out the last remaining light and some sort of smooth surface to cover my table. I looked into laminate but it seems a bit expensive. If I am going to be spooling my own film on the table I want to make sure it is completely smooth (unlike the plywood that is on there now). I am going to be cleaning up and loading most of my supplies into the darkroom this weekend so I can see just how much stuff I have (too much!). I just have to work on a table to place my light box on.
Oh! And I also bought a Seal 210M Dry Mount Press so I can mount my finished prints and mount my paper onto a stronger surface for making gum bichromate prints. So excited.
If anyone has any suggestions on a good material for a tabletop, I would really appreciate it!
I also recently purchased a few new books on art theory and the way that photography as art may be developing in the future. I've been looking at them for some time and now I can finally sit down and look through them.
The idea of an 8x10 camera crossed my mind this past week when a few were being sold on eBay. I regret not buying the one (maybe regret isn't the right word...) but I'll leave that to a future time. I know that I am going to eventually buy one. It isn't even a question. I just have to wait for that time. I think I want to try glass plate negatives and a few other things before I weigh myself down with ULA. I have too many rolls of film sitting in my fridge, and too much film waiting to be spooled. I should get some of that under control before I jump ship to try something new.
If I had any words of advise, they are too lost below a layer of photography to come out now.
And before I end this post, I just wanted to share that I have been working on a bit of a poem/short story. It is a bit of a project I've been contemplating for a while and a few standout lines popped into my mind the other day so I finally began writing. Wish me luck.
"The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box." - Henri Cartier-Bresson
25 February 2011
Vintage Camera #1
So I finally got around to shooting and developing the roll of Kodak Verichrome 620 film that expired in 1967. Let's just say I was pleasantly surprised. The film all came out great, and all the flash bulbs fired as they should have. I couldn't have been more happy.
This image was taken in front of a white backdrop so it allowed for a good comparison between Tom's hair/shirt and the background. The flash is so powerful and so bright that it left a great shadow on the back drop.
It's safe to say that the Duaflex, despite it's age, still makes great photographs. I'll be happy to experiment with it more in the future - I have 3 more rolls of Verichrome and a few rolls of Kodacolor X in my fridge, all 620 format.
I also plan on using these preliminary shots as a jumping off point for both the rest of the black & white film and another project I plan on creating using the negatives. I'm very excited to move forward and begin printing in my (almost finished) darkroom.
Cheers to success and progress.
This image was taken in front of a white backdrop so it allowed for a good comparison between Tom's hair/shirt and the background. The flash is so powerful and so bright that it left a great shadow on the back drop.
It's safe to say that the Duaflex, despite it's age, still makes great photographs. I'll be happy to experiment with it more in the future - I have 3 more rolls of Verichrome and a few rolls of Kodacolor X in my fridge, all 620 format.
I also plan on using these preliminary shots as a jumping off point for both the rest of the black & white film and another project I plan on creating using the negatives. I'm very excited to move forward and begin printing in my (almost finished) darkroom.
Cheers to success and progress.
02 February 2011
Updates to the Darkroom
This one is going to have a lot of pictures. Updates updates updates.
This first one was the left wall.
This one is the right wall.
And here is where the pipe was.
And the hole after.
And the best news so far is that the light box is finally finished. I just have to get a couple power strips and string the cords into each other so that all the lights can be used on one outlet. I'm really glad with the way it turned out, and it cost me less than one third of what it would have if I bought it from a dealer already put together. Yes.
I guess that's all that has really happened so far. Well, I did shoot the roll of 620 through the Duaflex using the flash bulbs, so I'm excited to see how that turns out. The stopbath arrived today so I can develop it as soon as I feel like it. Maybe tomorrow evening. I also shot some of the Type 47 in the Polaroid 900 Electric Eye - the results will be posted shortly.
Hopefully the rest of the actual construction will be completed this weekend (I have two and a half days to work on it), and then I just need to find the faucet I want and hook up the plumbing and install a fan. Not bad. There'll be another chemical order going out soon to get all the stuff I need to mix some of the New Cyanotype formula. Mmyes.
Oh! And. Good news. The Mustaches for Kids campaign ended up raising $8500ish. It's the largest amount they've raised to date. Also, I was voted the Porniest Mustache at the 'Stache Bash on Saturday, and I received an awesome little gift bag full of goodies.
So all is well on my end. How's life?
This first one was the left wall.
This one is the right wall.
And here is where the pipe was.
And the hole after.
And the best news so far is that the light box is finally finished. I just have to get a couple power strips and string the cords into each other so that all the lights can be used on one outlet. I'm really glad with the way it turned out, and it cost me less than one third of what it would have if I bought it from a dealer already put together. Yes.
I guess that's all that has really happened so far. Well, I did shoot the roll of 620 through the Duaflex using the flash bulbs, so I'm excited to see how that turns out. The stopbath arrived today so I can develop it as soon as I feel like it. Maybe tomorrow evening. I also shot some of the Type 47 in the Polaroid 900 Electric Eye - the results will be posted shortly.Hopefully the rest of the actual construction will be completed this weekend (I have two and a half days to work on it), and then I just need to find the faucet I want and hook up the plumbing and install a fan. Not bad. There'll be another chemical order going out soon to get all the stuff I need to mix some of the New Cyanotype formula. Mmyes.
Oh! And. Good news. The Mustaches for Kids campaign ended up raising $8500ish. It's the largest amount they've raised to date. Also, I was voted the Porniest Mustache at the 'Stache Bash on Saturday, and I received an awesome little gift bag full of goodies.
So all is well on my end. How's life?
16 January 2011
Artists Wanted 2010
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!
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!
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.
26 December 2010
Another Week Gone
This past week has been a bit of an off time for me. I took a break from a lot of my normal life in order to get everything ready for the holidays.
I feel empty at the end of the day when I don't pull out a camera. I feel empty at the end of the day when I don't have an image to share.
That's not to say that I'm considering another 365 days project, though. The project is tough. It sometimes means early mornings, or late nights, just to make sure that I can find something worth sharing. I want to save up some money and get a nice set of lights so that my work is able to become a bit more versatile before I even seriously give another 365 a thought.
If there is one thing I have realized, it's that self portraits are becoming more interesting. Not exactly easier to take or more fun to work with, but more wholesome. I think that Cindy Sherman was really onto something. It isn't about being completely self-absorbed or about loving to look at oneself; it's about availability, location, and movement.
I'm still searching for a personal style with my work. Perhaps it won't be long. Or perhaps my style is a lack of personal style. Perhaps my versatility and ability to create a variety of images is a style in itself.
Let's take a walk.
I feel empty at the end of the day when I don't pull out a camera. I feel empty at the end of the day when I don't have an image to share.
That's not to say that I'm considering another 365 days project, though. The project is tough. It sometimes means early mornings, or late nights, just to make sure that I can find something worth sharing. I want to save up some money and get a nice set of lights so that my work is able to become a bit more versatile before I even seriously give another 365 a thought.
If there is one thing I have realized, it's that self portraits are becoming more interesting. Not exactly easier to take or more fun to work with, but more wholesome. I think that Cindy Sherman was really onto something. It isn't about being completely self-absorbed or about loving to look at oneself; it's about availability, location, and movement.
I'm still searching for a personal style with my work. Perhaps it won't be long. Or perhaps my style is a lack of personal style. Perhaps my versatility and ability to create a variety of images is a style in itself.
Let's take a walk.
16 December 2010
Empty, Alive, and Full
Yesterday was the first day in over a year that I didn't pick up or look at a camera. It crossed my mind a thousand time, though. "Oh man, what if I forget to take a picture." What if, indeed. But nothing. No consequences, no guilt, no itching feeling at the end of the night when I know I have mere minutes before my mind turns off.
Just calm.
Just life.
And now, without further ado, it is time for this blog to turn into something real, something far.
Do the short poems also end with this blog post? Do they cease to be necessary? Do they cease to exist anywhere but in my mind?
Or do they exist everywhere but in my mind?
And as long as we're on the subject, what is the mind? Where does it come from? If I roll across the ground, will my mind turn to Jello?
Reaching for the highest branch,
I try to catch the lark.
I see him sitting in the light,
I watch him hide from the dark.
Just calm.
Just life.
And now, without further ado, it is time for this blog to turn into something real, something far.
Do the short poems also end with this blog post? Do they cease to be necessary? Do they cease to exist anywhere but in my mind?
Or do they exist everywhere but in my mind?
And as long as we're on the subject, what is the mind? Where does it come from? If I roll across the ground, will my mind turn to Jello?
Reaching for the highest branch,
I try to catch the lark.
I see him sitting in the light,
I watch him hide from the dark.
15 December 2010
14 December 2010
Day 364/365 - Tools of the Trade
Monday, December 13.
Just one more day. A little excited. A little nervous. A little anxious.
Here goes nothing.
Just one more day. A little excited. A little nervous. A little anxious.
Here goes nothing.
12 December 2010
11 December 2010
Inevitability in the Mind and the Image
When you begin something, you are inevitably (whether knowingly or unknowingly) accepting that at some point in the future it will come to an end.
Since the beginning of photography, it has always been the goal to change and further the way that it can be used and understood. Films have changed; they have come and gone. Gone are the days of 127, 616, 620, etc. If it wasn't for the accessibility of chemicals, wet plate photography would have also gone down the same road. And it's at this time that we wave a final farewell to Kodachrome, perhaps the film that made the Kodak name. It had amazing contrast and saturation and was, at one time, the single most used film for print media. But now that era has ended. Gone are the days of the King. After December 31, there won't be any labs left that can process Kodachrome film. Sad, yes. But a time to move on. Sorry Paul Simon, but they've finally taken your Kodachrome away.
All this talk about ends. My 365 project is about to reach its end. After today's image, I will only have three days left. Three days. And then it'll be the end. The end of a year. The end of a project. The end of (dare I say?) an era.
This doesn't mean I stop shooting. It only means that I will be more particular with my subjects. No more late night, low light photographs taken to merely prolong the end. I welcome the end, now. I can look back at what I've accomplished, how far I've come, where I'm sitting. I think differently, look differently, and capture differently. I live my life in the world, but dream through the viewfinder. I often see the world backwards, and, occasionally, upside down.
I decided that I was going to use this blog as a way to share my thoughts and images; moving forward, I will be using it as a way to share equipment, artists, images, and thoughts on photography. I want to make it more of a resource than a biographical journal.
Remember, like film and the dodo, the image itself also has a natural shelf life. How far are you willing to go to make sure that your images will live on when you can't?
Dropping through the clouds,
along the surface of the sky.
Taking breaths of rain,
during the morning dew.
Since the beginning of photography, it has always been the goal to change and further the way that it can be used and understood. Films have changed; they have come and gone. Gone are the days of 127, 616, 620, etc. If it wasn't for the accessibility of chemicals, wet plate photography would have also gone down the same road. And it's at this time that we wave a final farewell to Kodachrome, perhaps the film that made the Kodak name. It had amazing contrast and saturation and was, at one time, the single most used film for print media. But now that era has ended. Gone are the days of the King. After December 31, there won't be any labs left that can process Kodachrome film. Sad, yes. But a time to move on. Sorry Paul Simon, but they've finally taken your Kodachrome away.
All this talk about ends. My 365 project is about to reach its end. After today's image, I will only have three days left. Three days. And then it'll be the end. The end of a year. The end of a project. The end of (dare I say?) an era.
This doesn't mean I stop shooting. It only means that I will be more particular with my subjects. No more late night, low light photographs taken to merely prolong the end. I welcome the end, now. I can look back at what I've accomplished, how far I've come, where I'm sitting. I think differently, look differently, and capture differently. I live my life in the world, but dream through the viewfinder. I often see the world backwards, and, occasionally, upside down.
I decided that I was going to use this blog as a way to share my thoughts and images; moving forward, I will be using it as a way to share equipment, artists, images, and thoughts on photography. I want to make it more of a resource than a biographical journal.
Remember, like film and the dodo, the image itself also has a natural shelf life. How far are you willing to go to make sure that your images will live on when you can't?
Dropping through the clouds,
along the surface of the sky.
Taking breaths of rain,
during the morning dew.
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