Music | I Remember You by Johnny Griffin
So since I tried to make final adjustments in my printing preferences for the digital negs, I can't print a decent Pt/Pd print. It is no doubt that I did a decent print before I made all the changes that was written in the manual. So... I will try and go back to where I was and start over. Good news is that my actual film negatives print out very nicely. The boost in creating a great looking test print is huge for my confidence. I feel like I am moving in a positive direction.
The issue I am having with the digital negs is that my prints came out too thin, then after a second adjustment, lacking contrast. I figured my chemical profile is fine since I can make a great film neg print, so I will go after the printing of the digital neg...
April 29, 2016
April 27, 2016
Corded Drills!
Music | Province by TV on the Radio
I can only go with the flow. I was hoping to get home and start printing, but I accidentally left my light source on over night. The heat generated so much in the box and melted the glue holding my tubes in place. Just as I was about to stick the contact frame into the box, I see 4 tubes have fallen. I figured out a simple and effective fix, but my cordless drill has lost its power... Now I wait for the battery to recharge. Meanwhile, I have nothing to do but write about it...
I can only go with the flow. I was hoping to get home and start printing, but I accidentally left my light source on over night. The heat generated so much in the box and melted the glue holding my tubes in place. Just as I was about to stick the contact frame into the box, I see 4 tubes have fallen. I figured out a simple and effective fix, but my cordless drill has lost its power... Now I wait for the battery to recharge. Meanwhile, I have nothing to do but write about it...
Progress...
2 steps forward and 1 or 2 backwards. I imagine this is a good way to learn as I am not going to get ahead of myself. I'm still working out the Platinum Palladium printing, of which I am still having a hard time judging exposure, but also, the digital negative aspect of the process. My first go around actually went well rendering a nice Pt/Pd print as well as my second and third. I wanted to lock down my printing preferences and went thru the steps to set it all back up. I tried a "quick" print yesterday only to find that the neg was too thin. I know I made some changes from the previous version I did, but only more accurate to the initial instructions. Needless to say I will recheck the preferences and try another print. I'm only hoping that this process will give me a better understanding of the tasks.
These last 2 weeks have been enlightening. Progress is a desire now, more so than in a long time. Unlike Wet Plate Collodion, Platinum Palladium printing is making more sense to me. The progression is linear and I can find my way back on track with a bit more ease. I'm not saying I suspect the road to be easy, but I'm feeling more confident so far. Can't wait to get back at it later today.
These last 2 weeks have been enlightening. Progress is a desire now, more so than in a long time. Unlike Wet Plate Collodion, Platinum Palladium printing is making more sense to me. The progression is linear and I can find my way back on track with a bit more ease. I'm not saying I suspect the road to be easy, but I'm feeling more confident so far. Can't wait to get back at it later today.
April 21, 2016
Refining the Process
Music | Controversy by Prince
A sad day today... Prince, it was reported passed away earlier. No details as of yet. I have my itunes playing everything Prince.
On a 180º sentiment, today is my second day going solo with the Platinum Palladium printing. I am a much more harsher a critic today than I was 2 days ago. I'm on a second round printing the same 2 images I printed the other day. They are visually getting better. I am pleased to see a marked difference.
A sad day today... Prince, it was reported passed away earlier. No details as of yet. I have my itunes playing everything Prince.
On a 180º sentiment, today is my second day going solo with the Platinum Palladium printing. I am a much more harsher a critic today than I was 2 days ago. I'm on a second round printing the same 2 images I printed the other day. They are visually getting better. I am pleased to see a marked difference.
April 18, 2016
Milestones...
Music | Underwater Love by Jerome Isma-Ae
Knowing I can make a Platinum Palladium print at my place and solo is huge. I know I am merely going thru the motions right now, and that actually learning the process will take years, but this is a great start for me. I'm very excited at the notion of learning another alternative process.
Platinum Palladium test print
Knowing I can make a Platinum Palladium print at my place and solo is huge. I know I am merely going thru the motions right now, and that actually learning the process will take years, but this is a great start for me. I'm very excited at the notion of learning another alternative process.
Platinum Palladium test print
April 13, 2016
Round 2... Platinum Palladium
Music | Breathe by Telepopmusik
I had another mini workshop with Susan de Witt to learn some technique to print Platinum Palladium. I was in a much better head space this time as I have been sitting on chemicals here at home with paper and images to print. Now that I think about it, I was in this same position the first time Susan taught me, but this time, things made much more sense. I had pre-cut my Bergger Cot 320 for 4x5 inch negs, but only brought 8x10 inch negs... I ended up going with the flow and came up with this...
I'm totally elated with the test print. I'm still a bit intimidated as this went too easy. First try and an educated guess on exposure and pretty much nailed it.
I had another mini workshop with Susan de Witt to learn some technique to print Platinum Palladium. I was in a much better head space this time as I have been sitting on chemicals here at home with paper and images to print. Now that I think about it, I was in this same position the first time Susan taught me, but this time, things made much more sense. I had pre-cut my Bergger Cot 320 for 4x5 inch negs, but only brought 8x10 inch negs... I ended up going with the flow and came up with this...
I'm totally elated with the test print. I'm still a bit intimidated as this went too easy. First try and an educated guess on exposure and pretty much nailed it.
Oh How I Have Missed You...
Music | Bario Alto by Thievery Corporation
When we were introduced, I immediately fell in love with you. I was committed to be with you from day one. It took a long courtship of 2 years before you kindly submitted to me. I had my way with you for several years after that. Never once did I ever take what we had for granted. You had a way of keeping me on my toes and constantly kept things interesting.
After our 3rd year together, I felt like I lost you. I did lose you. You gave me nothing but frustration and only on small occasions did you make me feel just barely comfortable. You came back to me for only a few months, then left me entirely for close to a year. I came close to just giving up and moving on. I actually did move on, starting relationships that I have become quite fond of and will explore...
But today, today you've come back with some assurances. I haven't nor will I ever figure out why you did what you did, but I am so happy we are together again. You know I've fought the good fight for you, so I hope you know I am committed. I am never myself when you are not there. Oh dear, how I have missed you...
My second successful plate after almost a year of having major issues with Wet Plate Collodion. You can't imagine how much I have missed working this technique. Oh how I have missed you...
When we were introduced, I immediately fell in love with you. I was committed to be with you from day one. It took a long courtship of 2 years before you kindly submitted to me. I had my way with you for several years after that. Never once did I ever take what we had for granted. You had a way of keeping me on my toes and constantly kept things interesting.
After our 3rd year together, I felt like I lost you. I did lose you. You gave me nothing but frustration and only on small occasions did you make me feel just barely comfortable. You came back to me for only a few months, then left me entirely for close to a year. I came close to just giving up and moving on. I actually did move on, starting relationships that I have become quite fond of and will explore...
But today, today you've come back with some assurances. I haven't nor will I ever figure out why you did what you did, but I am so happy we are together again. You know I've fought the good fight for you, so I hope you know I am committed. I am never myself when you are not there. Oh dear, how I have missed you...
My second successful plate after almost a year of having major issues with Wet Plate Collodion. You can't imagine how much I have missed working this technique. Oh how I have missed you...
April 12, 2016
10 Big Pictures
Music | Soul Junction by John Coltrane
On April 3rd, our 10 Big Pictures 1 Little Reception took place...
This is the 2nd year Susan de Witt and I have hung our photographs on the St. Johns Coffee Roasters exterior walls. Last years project worked as intended which was to collaborate with someone and get me out of my stalled creativity...
After printing our 3x5.5 foot images, pre planning our layout got our collaboration going...
The wall and what was left over from our first go around over a year ago...
Susan's image from over 14 months. I love the degrading edges and the textures that has survived time.
Our first image pasted on the wall. I made an error in the paste recipe and it layed on opaque. We had to sponge bath the entire print with water to dilute the paste to save it. Mop and Glow floor wax went over the image next and saved the project.
The wind was not at all helpful, but the rest of the images slowly went up. Fantastic helper and model, Billy (second image from the top left) and Susan putting up number 8.
Prepping the wall for number 10...
Twilight
Details...
Detail of Irish...
Detail of Susan's Boots
Susan and I and our first guest, Ray Bidegain for our Little Reception...
In full swing...
Thanks to Susan de Witt again for this years installment. Thanks to St. Johns Coffee Roasters for supporting public outdoor art and the great drinks served daily! All of our supporters and viewers, thank you!
On April 3rd, our 10 Big Pictures 1 Little Reception took place...
This is the 2nd year Susan de Witt and I have hung our photographs on the St. Johns Coffee Roasters exterior walls. Last years project worked as intended which was to collaborate with someone and get me out of my stalled creativity...
After printing our 3x5.5 foot images, pre planning our layout got our collaboration going...
The wall and what was left over from our first go around over a year ago...
Susan's image from over 14 months. I love the degrading edges and the textures that has survived time.
Our first image pasted on the wall. I made an error in the paste recipe and it layed on opaque. We had to sponge bath the entire print with water to dilute the paste to save it. Mop and Glow floor wax went over the image next and saved the project.
The wind was not at all helpful, but the rest of the images slowly went up. Fantastic helper and model, Billy (second image from the top left) and Susan putting up number 8.
Prepping the wall for number 10...
Twilight
Details...
Detail of Irish...
Detail of Susan's Boots
Susan and I and our first guest, Ray Bidegain for our Little Reception...
In full swing...
Thanks to Susan de Witt again for this years installment. Thanks to St. Johns Coffee Roasters for supporting public outdoor art and the great drinks served daily! All of our supporters and viewers, thank you!
April 10, 2016
Taking My Own Advice
Music | Lonely One by Johnny Griffin
I was just giving advice to a fellow photographer about doing whatever is necessary to get the work done. She had issues of not being able to print at home because of the lack of darkroom space. Rental darkroom was fine, but the per hour cost made her insane because she kept looking at the clock...
The fact anyone is doing actual wet darkroom work is a sacrifice. I don't know but just 2 photographers that have dedicated darkrooms. These days, it is a luxury. Space and cost are the big issues, especially now here in Portland where rents seemed to have tripled in just the span of 3 years.
So said photographer has an enlarger in her bedroom, in a small apartment. She would only be able to print at night because of light issues. There is a bathroom and kitchen, so running water is not an issue. If we choose to work and create where we have to make sacrifices and extra work, we either do or don't. If we don't, suddenly months, years go by and the regret comes flooding in.
I've been stagnant for sometime, though I've found great rental studios to shoot in, relatively inexpensive. But every shoot is not a situation where I can dish out cash to use space. I have for years, shot in my living room and blacked out the bathroom to process my wet plates. What often holds me back is the idea of having to set up the darkroom before the shoot, then tear it down when I am done. The same as the studio. Pulling out the Speedos, heads, stands, backdrop, etc... often just makes me hold it off for another day and a month goes by.
I've always have been pretty good about using what I have available to me and move forward with the work. I am lucky in that I have alternative means to do what I want to do. I think how easy how my situation could change which would lead to things being so much more difficult than they are now.
Ass in gear, lets go...
I was just giving advice to a fellow photographer about doing whatever is necessary to get the work done. She had issues of not being able to print at home because of the lack of darkroom space. Rental darkroom was fine, but the per hour cost made her insane because she kept looking at the clock...
The fact anyone is doing actual wet darkroom work is a sacrifice. I don't know but just 2 photographers that have dedicated darkrooms. These days, it is a luxury. Space and cost are the big issues, especially now here in Portland where rents seemed to have tripled in just the span of 3 years.
So said photographer has an enlarger in her bedroom, in a small apartment. She would only be able to print at night because of light issues. There is a bathroom and kitchen, so running water is not an issue. If we choose to work and create where we have to make sacrifices and extra work, we either do or don't. If we don't, suddenly months, years go by and the regret comes flooding in.
I've been stagnant for sometime, though I've found great rental studios to shoot in, relatively inexpensive. But every shoot is not a situation where I can dish out cash to use space. I have for years, shot in my living room and blacked out the bathroom to process my wet plates. What often holds me back is the idea of having to set up the darkroom before the shoot, then tear it down when I am done. The same as the studio. Pulling out the Speedos, heads, stands, backdrop, etc... often just makes me hold it off for another day and a month goes by.
I've always have been pretty good about using what I have available to me and move forward with the work. I am lucky in that I have alternative means to do what I want to do. I think how easy how my situation could change which would lead to things being so much more difficult than they are now.
Ass in gear, lets go...
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