Weekends Online: How Film Makes You Think, Before You Shoot!

First the Quote from Frank H. Wu on 35mmc:

"The lesson to be learned about life is that we, or at least I, do not appreciate as much what I have been given as what I have had to bargain for. I earn my film photos. I have to be able to afford it. That means repeatedly. Each and every satisfying click and whirr is a few pennies, which must be in the pocket. I am automatically averse to waste."

The conclusion is that His film photos are always personally more satisfying (and often objectively better) than His digital images.

For me, my best photos are definitely film.  One of last year's successes IS digital, but I planned and captured the image like it was film.  I saw the potential image, walked around the scene looking for the best angles, made three images; taking into consideration how I might crop the final images as well.  And THINKING like a film photographer avoids Waste.  For a digital Photographer, the "waste"  is all that time you spend in front of the computer sorting through hundreds of images that you would never use.

This is the Digital Image, Captured using Film Shooting Techniques.

Short Eared Owl.......

My photos this night weren't so great....But she turned out well.  For my best I again refer you to 2015

Barn Owl

Barred Owl

Double Screech!

Two of the little guys......Hands for scale:

More of these Cuties here.

An Evening of Owls.....

@ the Raptor Education Foundation.  We'll start with the Great Horned Owl:

This evening was more about education than photography.  But back in 2015 we spent a day long photo shoot with our Photography Club at the Raptor Education Foundation.  See those results here...

Moab Photo Symposium.......

Usually we do not post promotions, but we've supported this Symposium for a number of years.  Each Year it only gets better! Click Here to see some of our photos from our last Symposium Visit in 2011.

Time to Celebrate!

Happy Advent!

But also more reasons to celebrate.  I completed my Master Degree in Civil Engineering yesterday.  Now relaxing and looking forward to the holidays (and more regular postings).  I'll be totaling up the Calendar Sweepstakes tomorrow.  So tonight is your last chance to vote!

Finding the Real Jethro Tull?

So 70's Rock fans will remember the band "Jethro Tull'.  But have you ever wondered whether there was a REAL Jethro Tull?  Well, there was:

My little hike around the Park included an agricultural display that answered that question:

Finishing My Degree......

Some of you may know that I've been working on a graduate degree in geographical information systems/civil engineering, amid all the other events of the past 2-3 years.  So I will finally be graduating in December.

Some of you also know that I am now working in the remote sensing field.  So of course for my final research project involves analysis of satellite imagery.  Recently I went to visit my actual study area which is very near my home:

It was such a pleasant day ( a week ago) I thought I would share it with you.  Cool and perfect for a little hike after my work was done.......

My research focus is monitoring the spread of parasites affecting the Ponderosa Pines in the Front Range Foot Hills.  In particular a nasty little beast called dwarf mistletoe............

I'm working with Jefferson County Parks and Open Spaces......and this is what we are trying to save, 80+ year old second growth Ponderosas.  Mountain Pine beetle is also in the area and I'll be looking for that too.

Just thought I'd bring you up to date on my life's little journey..........I also discovered some interesting history which I'll share tomorrow.

NO SOPA!

New Years Photo Resolutions 2012

My goals for this past year were very unrealistic given my health circumstances.  So I'm trimming it down to something more reasonable for this year:

Start Printing in My Home Darkroom

Continue with Pinholes (I have a paint can pinhole to play with this year)

Work on the Family Project (Easier once I have the darkroom)

Play with Caffenol

Dig into my slides from Spain, Norway, and Africa........and Post them for you!

My camera plans continue to be:

Still looking for a Minolta SRT-101

Long-range Plans for a Mamiya 6X7

Longer-range plans for a Graflex Press Camera (Speed Graphic model)

Yes coming soon the DARKROOM!  I'll post a progress report image in the next week. The only addition, looking for a small pocket sized rangefinder.  We'll talk about that in a later posting because I'll be seeking recommendations.

What are your Photo Plans for this year?

Atlantic Monthy Retrospective on WWII

The Atlantic Monthy is publishing on the web a 20 part retrospective of WWII Photo Journalism. Warning, it does contain very disturbing content, but you are given the option of not viewing the worst images.

Many photos taken with the Graflex Camera, a standard for photo joornalist s at the time.

Caffenol: Oh my God it works!

If you have ever heard that B&W film can be devveloped in Coffee, well, yes it can!  And I've tried it, although not with the best results.  But try again I will..............


I started with some Rollei Retro 400.  Don't remember why I had it, so why not try a film I don't care about first.  Load it in the Holga so I won't be 'wasting' a roll of 35mm 36 exp.  Shoot in a day and try developing.  Follow this link for a History of Caffenol, also a great resource.  He has really worked on the the details of the technique.

One of my neighbor's gardens

As you may notice a major problem with Caffenol can be fogging.  Regardless of using KBr, the best results are obtained be using a fog resistant film such as TMAX.  I'll try that next.

A local tree up close.....

Fences

Another problem you can see is uneven development. 

But I think Caffenol definitely fits into my world of experimental photography and alternative processes.  Although my love affair with high speed films may or may not be compatible with Caffenol.

Are you ready for Caffenol?

Continuing Education

Because sometimes three degrees aren't enough..........