John Blakemore and Dan Wheeler - Printing Techniques

Ghostman · Mar 4, 2014

I only recently discovered the photography of John Blakemore. I bought his Black and White Printing Workshop and I am almost more taken with his writing, which is wonderful to read. So I thought I'd do some research and find out if he still does any darkroom printing instruction. Well, much to my amazement I found something and I sincerely hope to be able to attend.

I found this Printing Workshop and a subsequent workshop on book making and sequencing and I began to dream. I'm not too far away from the UK (Switzerland) so getting there would not be impossible.

I absolutely love his photography and his writing leaves me in a state of deep contemplation, in short I simply have to go. I thought I would ask here if anyone else has had the pleasure of attending one of his workshops? Was it good for you?

Thomas Bertilsson · Mar 4, 2014

I don't know much about their photography, but John Blakemore is an absolutely amazing printer. To take a workshop in printing from him would be a dream come true.

pentaxuser · Mar 4, 2014

If you do go, Ghostman, be sure to let us know about it. Thanks

pentaxuser

Mike Crawford · Mar 4, 2014

Not been to one myself but friends who have found it very inspirational. I'm sure they, and the thousands of students he has taught over the years at Derby wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

Ian Grant · Mar 4, 2014

John Blakemore's mastery of the Zone system and his printing shows Ansel Adams was a mere beginner in comparison.

I did a Blakemore workshop in the late 80's but found I was already using the same techniques, (not a complaint - it reinforced the way I work) much came from Minor White and Peter Goldfield - a UK photographer, pharmacist and specialist photo dealer )alongside his chemists shop, he'd been an assistant to Minor White. Peter owned Goldfinger and after it closed Martin Reed continued as Silverprint. I was already inspired by Johns work and also Paul Hill.

A Blakemore workshop is probably about the best you could go on, go for it.

Ian

Black Dog · Mar 4, 2014

Second that-I met him a couple of times at Duckspool when I was assisting there. He's a really inspiring teacher and photographer !

Thomas Bertilsson · Mar 4, 2014

Ian Grant said:
John Blakemore's mastery of the Zone system and his printing shows Ansel Adams was a mere beginner in comparison.

I did a Blakemore workshop in the late 80's but found I was already using the same techniques, (not a complaint - it reinforced the way I work) much came from Minor White and Peter Goldfield - a UK photographer, pharmacist and specialist photo dealer )alongside his chemists shop, he'd been an assistant to Minor White. Peter owned Goldfinger and after it closed Martin Reed continued as Silverprint. I was already inspired by Johns work and also Paul Hill.

A Blakemore workshop is probably about the best you could go on, go for it.

Ian

Heard really great things about Peter Goldfield as being a world class printer, and of course Minor White was such a visionary. Very cool.

cliveh · Mar 4, 2014

Wasn't there something about Minor White and left hand clapping, or am I confusing this with someone else?

Thomas Bertilsson · Mar 4, 2014

cliveh said:
Wasn't there something about Minor White and left hand clapping, or am I confusing this with someone else?

Minor White had workshops with very intense student activities, like meditating for a long time, and then opening your eyes to find a photograph or work of art in front of you, which you then studied for 20 minutes. A friend of mine attended work shops with him, and said it was very interesting.

I just love his work, that's all I know.

Ghostman · Mar 5, 2014

Thank you all for the feedback. I shall definitely try and get to one of the workshops.

John Blakemore and Dan Wheeler - Printing Techniques

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