Englewood Camera Club...

EdColorado · Jan 6, 2011

toro_mike said:
I agree with you Mike. They do have a digital entry class, which are emailed and projected, but the other two judging classes are color print and monochrome print.

I'm not sure what their reason is... the club has been around for over 50 years, and most (99% of the club are near retirement age or beyond) have been around during the 100% analog era. So, many were film photogs (I mean, artists!) in their past. It seems to be more of a digital snobbery, where they think using FILM is a step back, and THEY are superior. That is my impression anyway.

A while back I attended a meeting of the local club up here in Loveland and got generally the same reception. The club is definitely 100% digital and very into manipulation of the image. Lots of HDR and very unnatural looking images. I found a rather cool reception from most of the members which was noticed by one guy who stopped me after the meeting and basically told me to keep doing what I do and don't worry about the people in the club and their reaction to my being there. (I have and I wasn't!) To me they seemed so wrapped up in the idea that being newer, of course digital was better that they lost sight of the fact that its all photography. The general attitude was that I was somehow just slow in figuring out that photography is now a digital medium. They were pretty much all in love with the things they could do on the computer and as you mentioned Mike were only interested in discussing the new technology. Ah well, I'm not really much of a joiner anyhow so no big deal, I was just looking for a way to jump start my creative process and will keep on doing what I do!

toro_mike · Jan 6, 2011

EdColorado said:
A while back I attended a meeting of the local club up here in Loveland and got generally the same reception. The club is definitely 100% digital and very into manipulation of the image. Lots of HDR and very unnatural looking images.

So, I'm not completely alone in my experience here. That's good to hear. Based upon other threads around here, it seems to be where things are in the club scene.

I found a rather cool reception from most of the members which was noticed by one guy who stopped me after the meeting and basically told me to keep doing what I do and don't worry about the people in the club and their reaction to my being there. (I have and I wasn't!)

Ah, at least one voice of reason in a club gone mad!

To me they seemed so wrapped up in the idea that being newer, of course digital was better that they lost sight of the fact that its all photography. The general attitude was that I was somehow just slow in figuring out that photography is now a digital medium. They were pretty much all in love with the things they could do on the computer and as you mentioned Mike were only interested in discussing the new technology.

This definitely fits in with my theory. The fact that it's their way or no way is bizarre. As Mike (mathomas) and Doug said earlier, how can it be that there's no common ground in their minds??

Mike

Ah well, I'm not really much of a joiner anyhow so no big deal, I was just looking for a way to jump start my creative process and will keep on doing what I do!

Yeah, that was my goal as well. I'll look elsewhere for that inspiration now.

Mike

Michael Kadillak · Jan 29, 2011

Sometimes you have to make the effort to find those that have similar interests to you and form your own gig. Trying to fit into the conventional groups can be highly problematic. Been there and done that.

In South Aurora/Parker that is what six of us did and we are into our third monthly meeting. The criteria we put together is simple. You shoot B&W in large format and process your own film and make your own prints. The word digital is never uttered - ever.

I make B&W contact prints from 11x14, 8x20, 8x10 and 12x20 negatives and it is very stimulating to be around folks that you have something in common with.

Good Luck!

mrwestphal · Jan 30, 2011

Hey Michael K, I Like your groups format very much(and would like to be invited if there are openings) and would like too know more as I am a large format shooter who would like to have some better information(and tutoring??)

Doug W.

toro_mike · Jan 30, 2011

Michael Kadillak said:
Sometimes you have to make the effort to find those that have similar interests to you and form your own gig. Trying to fit into the conventional groups can be highly problematic. Been there and done that.

In South Aurora/Parker that is what six of us did and we are into our third monthly meeting. The criteria we put together is simple. You shoot B&W in large format and process your own film and make your own prints. The word digital is never uttered - ever.

I make B&W contact prints from 11x14, 8x20, 8x10 and 12x20 negatives and it is very stimulating to be around folks that you have something in common with.

Good Luck!

Well, a new analog group has sprung up in Aurora as well. You're not the same group are you - from (there was a url link here which no longer exists)? I wouldn't guess so as I have not read about any format requirements, though I missed the first meeting. I will definitely be there for the second in about 2 weeks!

Unfortunately, I do not have any large format gear (other than a 4x5 Speed Graphic, but I doubt that would qualify). It's something I'd like to do someday, but I just can't afford the equipment and probably film at this time.

It's great you've done this though! It's what we need to do, group up and share our passions. This self-described one-size-fits-all approach to clubs is great if you fit into their molds

Mike

hvandam2 · Jan 30, 2011

Hello all,
I'm in Broomfield. Never gone to the local camera club, I expect they are all digital. Been doing photography for only about 3 years, but I've got basic darkroom gear, Durst M601 for doing 35mm and 6x6.

I use Canon AE-1's, the camera I had in 1980 but had to sell. Found a bunch on the bay for a song. I also use a Diana. Love the simplicity of it.

I'm building a couple of 4x5 cameras, a monorail and a field camera.

I know the feeling of being the odd man out, most of the people I know have switched to the dark side. I enjoy the process and, I don't know how else to say it, organic nature of film photography and have for 30 years. Did have an opportunity to see Mark Sink demo wet plate at the Byers-Evans house last fall. Even got my ugly mug on a wet plate! Really has focused my energy on finishing the large format cameras and doing some "alternative process" stuff. The main thing about that little demo of Mark was that I was among a bunch of fellow film photographers. It was really cool to talk with people who share the same passion for film. Never seen so many Leica's in one place!

We'll have to get the Denver group more active. I'd love to meet everyone that has posted.

Howard

Michael Kadillak · Jan 31, 2011

toro_mike said:
Well, a new analog group has sprung up in Aurora as well. You're not the same group are you - from (there was a url link here which no longer exists)? I wouldn't guess so as I have not read about any format requirements, though I missed the first meeting. I will definitely be there for the second in about 2 weeks!

Unfortunately, I do not have any large format gear (other than a 4x5 Speed Graphic, but I doubt that would qualify). It's something I'd like to do someday, but I just can't afford the equipment and probably film at this time.

It's great you've done this though! It's what we need to do, group up and share our passions. This self-described one-size-fits-all approach to clubs is great if you fit into their molds

Mike

Different group Mike than the one you referenced. This group came about from the Large Format Forum and monitoring posts from people that we have come to know over the years that had geographical proximity. There were two people that had connections with the others directly and indirectly and that is how it got started and so far it has been a terrific experience. We are getting together once a month and February will be our first meeting so I will keep you posted. A small group of six so far has been a perfect size to share print critique and experiences and I do not know how this will evolve but I will keep you posted.

Michael Kadillak · Jan 31, 2011

mrwestphal said:
Hey Michael K, I Like your groups format very much(and would like to be invited if there are openings) and would like too know more as I am a large format shooter who would like to have some better information(and tutoring??)

Doug W.

Sent you a PM.

tristan! · Apr 8, 2011

Can we maybe ressurect this conversation?

I believe toro_mike expressed my feelings on groups like this eloquently.

I'm fairly new to the state, and I haven't yet heard of any analog clubs. I talk to a lot of photographers in passing, and their reaction always seems to be, "WTF YOU SHOOT FILM?".

Is there room for one young kid in any of y'alls shooting groups?

Of course, being 24, it's hard for me not to look the part of some hipster asshole who just picked up a Nikon. Very untrue.

toro_mike · Apr 8, 2011

tristan! said:
Can we maybe ressurect this conversation?

I believe toro_mike expressed my feelings on groups like this eloquently.

I'm fairly new to the state, and I haven't yet heard of any analog clubs. I talk to a lot of photographers in passing, and their reaction always seems to be, "WTF YOU SHOOT FILM?".

Is there room for one young kid in any of y'alls shooting groups?

Of course, being 24, it's hard for me not to look the part of some hipster asshole who just picked up a Nikon. Very untrue.

There seem to be two actual clubs around Denver right now - the analog group (just analog of all formats) that meets in Aurora, and the large format group that I believe is also in Aurora. If you don't do large format, which it sounds like you don't, you should check out the group that meets in Aurora. I'm not sure, but I think they are meeting up by I-70 and Brighton now. PM pinholer, or maybe they will chime in here, about this group.

Other than that, a group of us tries to get together once a month for an outing (you know about that, though )

I'm a 36 and I look like a youngin' as well at most meetings of camera clubs in the area. So, don't worry about that!

tristan! · Apr 8, 2011

YES. This is good information! I'll certainly be keeping my ear to the ground on this.

I actually shoot both 135 and 4x5! I do more 135 because of street stuff. That, and the fact that I don't have an enlarger that carries 4x5 :/.

Haha, I never really grew up, so I'm usually the kid in every social situation. I hope there's room for some young guns.

toro_mike · Apr 8, 2011

I felt welcome at the analog club meet. They are a great bunch of folks, so don't worry about that! I asked about where they are meeting and when in the other thread, so I'll post here when I hear.

mrwestphal · Apr 8, 2011

hey Mike????? "I'm a 36 and I look like a youngin'" you might need to replace that mirror at home!

JK!

mrwestphal · Apr 8, 2011

And for Tristan! come on out and join us for a shoot sometime, you might have a good time?? I am a "little" older than Toro-Mike. Out group ranges from your potential age of 25 to the 50ish area so you will have a nice range of knowledge. I and a multi-format shooter from 135 to 8x10 and yes a lot of 4x5 too. so with that being said, we also sometimes partake in a beverage on occasion so hope your up for that too!

toro_mike · Apr 9, 2011

mrwestphal said:
hey Mike????? "I'm a 36 and I look like a youngin'" you might need to replace that mirror at home! JK!

Compared to you guys, I look like a teenager! HA HA!

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