Hello everyone.
I want to start work on our gathering for next September. I had checked with Jeannette Altmann of University of Washington, Vancouver and she says we're still penciled in for the second weekend of the month.
It's going to be pretty hard for me to do all the wonderful work Denise did last year. It was a great event even if it got a little windy. I had hoped to see Don's big 12x20 camera in action but a view camera that big has the potential to be a sail as well.
I have contacted several friends who would be happy to do demos and show work but I also want to know what you would like to do as well?
One of the things Jeannette suggested was a informal show of work. The University has a gallery space that runs along the hall near the darkrooms and lecture rooms. Would you like to have use of that?
If anyone knows where are fun spots to go and photograph? Share with us.
Those of you interested in coming pm me so that I can do an informal head count.
Thanks
R

Hi Robert and All,

May I suggest alternatively that we don't go the pm route. Dennis was the first one bold enough to complain (just a bit) that the traffic here is way off. I know I've been less likely to dig through the layers. I wouldn't be able to put my finger on exactly what the problem with the new format is, but somehow it doesn't 'work'.

Let's weigh in on September here on this thread and try to get a dialogue re-established. So...

I'm coming! Can hardly wait. Last year was great. I'm very thankful for virtual friendships and conversations, but there is nothing like getting to know folks face to face - not to mention seeing real, live, actual prints!

Denise

OK, fair enough. No PM's but do direct conversation on this thread. I like that. I have some ideas of who and what we would like to see. I have spoken with some of the local photographers who said they would be interested in coming. One being Steve Anchell, who will share about his search for alternative formulas. I have more folks and I do want to round out the group with some color and straight black and white photography. Any more great ideas? I'm open.

I live not far from Vancouver in North Portland so I would be happy to be of help any way I can. I have a spare bedroom if that helps anyone. Of course I also have a dark room.

Dennis

Hey Thanks for the offer, Dennis!

Good morning, Robert, Denise, Dennis, et al;

Robert, please put us down for one attendee for the workshops, plus one additional also for the social activities.

The comments by Denise regarding last September are valid. I have suggested that the New England APUG people seriously consider their coming gathering just from my recollection and enjoyment of the one in Newport.

It is really snowing here in Latte Land this morning. Just getting back down from Snoqualmie Pass last night after ski patrol was a challenge. A weather inspired multiple vehicle accident about two miles west of the pass shut down the westbound lanes of 1-90 for a couple of hours.

Enjoy; Ralph Javins

As always, Ralph, I'm glad to hear you made it home, safe and sound. Every time I read about Big Snow in the WA Cascades, I think of you.

We had snow on the lawn this morning! In March! On the Coast! Now, that's just plain unnatural

I plugged our September meeting on Large Format Photography (in the Groups and Meetings forum). I think there will be a lot of interest from the LF community. I said Robert was our contact person.

I'm very encouraged that's it's only March and people are already interested.
Denise

Good Morning!

If there is interest, I would be willing to do a carbon printing demo (actually doing all the steps instead of just talking about it). It takes about 2.5 hours, and I need about 4 hours before that to prep material for the demo.

Vaughn

You're on!

Great news, Vaughn! Your presentation last year was just enough to whet the appetite.

Robert, if you have room on the schedule, I'd be happy to give a short dry plate coating demonstration.

Denise

We have the room according to Jeannette. If that should fall I have plenty of back up as well.
So, I have Vaunghn doing Carbon printing. I have Denise doing dry plate.
I have someone showing Photogravures and another doing Bromoils and Steve Anchell.
I want to include a color photographer and someone who does wonderful floral images.
Anything else?

I also think our next gathering should be either in Vaughn's part of the group or further North say in Seattle.
Any takers?

Is there actually anyone else in our group from California's portion of the State of Jefferson? But if there was interest, I am sure that I could arrange to use the Humboldt University's facilities, as long as our students could sit in if they were interested. And I could lead a field trip into the local redwoods.

Newport, Oregon is probably as far south as the group would want to meet.

Vaughn

Humboldt University is a beautiful campus, and how could you beat a guided tour through the Redwoods! I'd love to meet there. But, if Vaughn is correct about the group's willingness to drive that far (I know I'll give a second thought if we ever meet in northern Washington) I'm happy to arrange things in Newport any time. I've got my fingers crossed the Newport Visual Arts Center will have a darkroom soon. It will only hold 8-10 comfortably at a time, but I'm also trying to push through the idea of another, larger room that can be darkened for demonstrations, if needed.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing the facilities at UW Vancouver. I've heard they're outstanding.
d

Good morning, Robert, Denise, et al;

Regarding doing something in Seattle perhaps in 2010, we do have a few people up here. Bowzart is in Anacortes, Dan's45 is in Tacoma, I am northeast of Seattle. It might be interesting to see what can be done. It is not clear that it must be in Seattle itself. This is something that we might be able to work on. Perhaps some discussion with you during the gathering in September might be in order.

If Vaughn is unable to arrange for a special delivery from our good friends in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait to aid in the trek to Jefferson, we might be able to do something up here. Bowzart does have that refinery up in Anacortes.

Enjoy; Ralph Javins

A number of other groups are far more informal -- for example the Virgina group now posting a meet up along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Afton. No formal presenters, just everyone expected to show something. This is a great way to facilitate exchange of ideas and get to know people.

That would be great, Don...except our geographical group is a bit too large of an area for that. There would need to be some sub-groups...some of which might already exist. But if I ever head up north, I will announce my arrival in case there is a group of photographers who would like to gather informally. I have a new grand-niece in Portland I have not yet met! Vaughn

Vaughn
No, the group isn't too geographically spread to show individual work, rather than bring in speakers
Don

I think both approaches are nice - and needed. 'Back in the days' we'd all likely have known enough like-minded photographers in our local areas to form friendships and professional associations.

Today, those of us with big cameras or film in our cameras or making oddball prints have to seek far and wide for compadres. Once a year is probably as often as practical for the larger group to meet and if we're going to the trouble of a lot of driving and getting hotels, I think it's great to make it a real occasion, complete with presenters and a program. But, once a year isn't nearly often enough to just get together to shoot and shoot the bull. Smaller, more localized gatherings are perfect for that goal.

In my opinion, we can't have too many venues to get together.

I'll work it in, Denise. Do we want to have tome for any outdoor activities? I have some ideas but but if we are doing just demos and lectures. Then our time would be best inside.