Hopefully fall is coming and bringing cooler weather and some rain. The Texas summer is just too brutal to get out and do much photography. So, with a little cooler weather finally moving in, it just may be a good time to get out and look at some photographs. Susan and I are having another exhibition of our work that will carry everyone from fall into winter. We will have 28 of our latest Black & White photographs on display including everything from snow, to desert, from 8×10, to 8×20, in living B&W, on display at the Downtown F/W Library.
SATURDAY, October 1st
I was recently asked what type of writing device we use to mark the catalog number on the edge of our film. I had not given it much thought since we have been using the same pens for marking film for many years. I have heard of people using various mechanical pens and India ink. Some say they use a common Sharpie. There are numerous ways to do this, but the easiest and most effective way I have found is to use a pigment liner pen.
Here are a few things I have learned over the years that may help when using these pens to mark your film. I always mark my negatives on base side opposite the emulsion, this way the file number prints correctly on the edge of prints and proofs. Be sure to let the ink dry thoroughly before you place the film into a storage sleeve. It should only take a minute to dry. I have found that if you make a mistake, you can remove the ink using a cotton swab lightly moistened with acetone. And, one more thing; the biggest mistake you can ever make is not using a filing system for your negatives. If you choose to mark your film on the edge, these markers will do the trick. JB
We had another great gathering in East Texas this past Saturday. Twelve dedicated photo enthusiasts braved the heat for a day
with Ty Guillory to learn about wet plate photography. Ty gave us a tour of his workshop where he builds period cameras and showed us many of his wet plate photographs. There was a lot of discussion about period lenses, a subject about which Ty can give you plenty of information.
At this point it was discovered that Michael needed a 3/8-16 mount, so Ty proceeded to install a second tripod socket on Michael’s new camera while we all watched. By the time the last few of us really die hard types decided it was time to head home, it was near 4:00. The thermometer in the van read 110 most of the way home. What a day!
Despite the fact that I really detest the heat, especially when it gets into the 80’s, we gathered before sunrise on the square in
downtown Pilot Point Saturday. Texas is now into 30 consecutive days of 100+ temperatures, so in order to get out and have some photo fun when it drops all the way to 80 you have to get up early.
As most know by now, we use staining film developers. To be specific, we use the classic PyroCat HD formula from Sandy King. This developer gives us the type of negative we like. Keep in mind that creating art, no matter what may be your chosen medium, is a very personal thing. What works for me may very well not be at all acceptable to you. My father used to say, “that is why they paint cars different colors.” Personally I do not care for red cars.
So, here is the predicament; you are getting ready to do your film testing; you have decided to use the simple visual film testing technique. Visual film testing is a really simple way to determine your correct film EI and developing time. All you need to do is perform these tests on a grade #2 paper and you will know you are making the best possible negatives.
It is near impossible for me to get motivated in the heat. This Texas summer started early this year and we are in a period of above normal temperatures. The D/FW LF Group made the trek to The Dallas Museum of the American Railroad last Saturday. It was an incredible adventure just to look at all of the rail cars, and I found myself in complete fascination with the steam locomotives, especially the Big Boy.
I would like to thank everyone for an interesting day. Thanks Michael for making the arrangements, and Bob for lunch. Thanks to Robert and Mark for braving the heat with their cameras. Hope you guys made some good photographs!
Begin by cutting off a strip of the paper to be tested in very subdued safelight to total darkness. Since the paper I was testing was 16×20, I cut off a strip across the short side about two inches wide. I then cut the strip in half. This gave me two pieces of paper 2×8 inches. On the back of the paper I mark one with the letter ‘F’ and the other with the letter ‘D’ and place the latter into a light-tight box.