Any intrest in a film and darkroom workshop?

[tropicpine]

Is there any intrest in a film and darkroom workshop?

[Big Dog]

Giving one or taking one?

I've had an idea for quite a while about offering an intro to film/darkroom in the DFW area. Unfortunately, my colleague with the perfect facility just lost his lease and the facility is no more.

I had thought of doing it at my house, but as nice as you people are, the idea of inviting strangers off the internet to my house seemed, well, you know ...

Anyway, I'll be interested in following this thread to see if there's any interest in the Houston area.

[venchka]

Lee,

Sorry I missed this earlier. Actually, I just attended an informal gathering/workshop/demonstration/fun in the outdoors that revolved around ancient photographic processes. David (Big Dog) was there as well. A total of 3 TPF members in fact. A good time was had by all.

So, what have got in mind? I agree with David: giving or taking? Or swaping information? On weekends when I am in Houston (usually every other weekend), I'm up for anything that gets me out of my apartment.

Bring it on!

[Corrie]

Very interested!

[Big Dog]

Originally Posted by venchka

A total of 3 TPF members in fact. A good time was had by all.

... and that is out of the about 20 or so there. Plus, I know of several others that said they were coming and then "things happened".

Film and darkroom! Who knew!

[venchka]

Right on, Brother!

BTW, some time back I ran across a web site for an Alt. Process group in Austin. Were some/most of those folks at Matt's GTG?

DUH! I just went back to the site and there's Matt front row right. With a beard.

[tropicpine]

I took up film and darkroom photography just four years ago as a means to get away from computers.

I do not present myself as an artist. I am only a hobbyist with experience I would enjoy sharing.

I would be presenting the workshop in my home, in NW Houston, as there are no longer any darkroom facilities for rent in the Houston area. (That I know of.)

Due to available equipment and space I intend to have two groups of two participants at a time.
I estimate three hours for taking pictures / developing film and three hours for dark room use.

Instruction and hands on:
use of an all manual SLR camera.
film developing.
use of a photographic enlarger.
use of an exposure monitor to make photographic enlargements or reductions.
All necessary film, chemistry and photographic paper are included.

I do not intend this as a demonstration. I intend that all participants have hands on experience with every step in the film and darkroom processes. (The only exception I plan to his is the transfer of the film from the canisters to the developing tank.)

I am pricing the workshop at $75 per participant.

[venchka]

Thanks Lee.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by LTC

I took up film and darkroom photography just four years ago as a means to get away from computers.

This is the very reason I would get back into film if it were to happen. Getting a break from the "sterility" of digital (not meant in a negative way) can be a good and refreshing thing.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled topic. :-)

[venchka]

Remember dynamic range? Remember skin that doesn't look like plastic shrink wrap?

Ducking for cover..................

[tropicpine]

Well the post has just about made it to the bottom of the first page and I have one affirmative response. (Thanks Corrie.) I will post again in a few months to again see if there is any intrest.
In the mean time Corrie (or any one else); If I can give you iny information about getting started w film don't hesitate to ask.

Lee

Hope to see yall at the next NW or central GTG.

[wclavey]

While I cannot claim to have done an exhaustive search, I can say that about 2 years ago, I looked for a darkroom to rent on the west side of Houston after returning to live in Houston from CT. Finding none, and with encouragement from Wayne (Venchka) and my son, I have assembled a modest dakroom that I can set up in my extra bathroom, only to take down again when I am done. And in the process, I have run across several other people with similar arrangements.

Why am I reviving the thread? In the absence of people expressing an interest in a workshop, per se, I would certainly be interested in getting together with other darkroom-owning folks, especially people without "professional quality" permanent installations, to talk about problems, issues, techniques, etc. and how to work around them. I have had a lot of darkroom experience in my distant past so interaction with other psuedo-darkroom owners would be very useful. Thoughts?

[tropicpine]

Wes:

How about a film & darkroom SIG?

[venchka]

Originally Posted by LTC

Wes:

How about a film & darkroom SIG?

Yep. Both of us. Does that constitute a Special Interest Group?

I know Westley and I feel like the smallest of minority groups sometimes. I know that I might be a minority of 1: Old guy who doesn't own a digital camera, but does own 2 enlargers. Go figure.

More later. My brain is percolating and idea.

That usually takes some time!

[wclavey]

Yes, you are in a group all your own... I don't own a digital camera, either, but I only have 1 enlarger... I wouldn't mind owning a digital camera, but there is no way I could afford one that is even roughly equvalent to the film kits I have...

So how would this SIG work? I like problem solving, and I have many temporary darkroom problems and issues, and there are few problems that can't be solved over a few pints of ale... so that is certainly 1 approach...

But seriously, I am a person who works well interacting with other people in real time and, hence, why the notion of a group that got together periodically to actually look, touch and talk about the problems appealed to me.