LF Portraiture Workshop at VPC

[JamesG]

Bill Hahn asked if I would be willing to lead a group and help out a few people without experience. I did say "yes," although I don't consider myself an expert, just someone who has used a LF camera for a few years. Let me know what you want me to do to be most helpful.

James

 

[SuzanneR]

Wish I was going to be there:

1. It's Peter's birthday so be nice.

2. Gaffers tape is the black stuff that tears easily and doesn't leave goo and rip up paint.

.

I know.. bringing cake!!

Should I suggest different tape?? Wish you could come, too Don!

 

[SuzanneR]

Bill Hahn asked if I would be willing to lead a group and help out a few people without experience. I did say "yes," although I don't consider myself an expert, just someone who has used a LF camera for a few years. Let me know what you want me to do to be most helpful.

James

Thank you... I'll probably go back over our groupings soon, and let you know.

Also, Ted Harris will be joining us on Saturday, and has offered an additional demo using soft focus lenses for LF portraiture. I think this will be a great addition to the day, and I'm very pleased with this generous offer!

It's going to be a great day...

 

[df cardwell]

It'll be fun... next time !

Gaffers is pretty easy to get, just DON'T USE DUCT / DUCK tape !!!




.

 

[Drew B.]

I also have a few years experiience in the use of LF cameras, and will if I can make copies, bring a handout on the various movements that can be utilized. Being an architectural photographer, I use just a few movements at best. I don't use swings to gain depth of field because I'm always using wide angle lenses, very narrow aperatures, and long exposures (after figuring reciprocity factors!) ....so EVERYTHING is in focus! I'll be glad to help with whatever I know. Also, anyone can use my 4x5 if they want to for the day or part of it. I won't be using it. I'll be playing with my other toys...

drew

ps, as someone mentioned a bit earlier, label everything before loaning it out for the day.

 

[JustK]

Thanks Suzanne, for keeping us organized and focused, not a small task with the number of people and variety of things we have planned, I am so looking forward to Saturday! Cheers, Krystyna

 

[JamesG]

You have me listed for bringing studio lights. I can still do that if needed. No problem. I can bring some 5in1 reflectors too, if needed. Just let me know. I will bring an extra (in addition to one view and one field 4x5) view camera if needed. Again, let me know. The extra one I can bring is actually one I have for sale (Cambo, with case, $250.00) if anyone wants to go home with it. I have an 8x10 if you would like me to bring it for show-n-tell, but I don't plan on using it. Anything else??? just PM me. Thanks.

 

[manjo]

I bought some Fuji velvia 100F, I have shot 220 and 35 versions of this film to take environmental portraits.. does it look ok in LF? (apart from the skin tone being a little reddish) ?

 

[bobfowler]

I bought some Fuji velvia 100F, I have shot 220 and 35 versions of this film to take environmental portraits.. does it look ok in LF? (apart from the skin tone being a little reddish) ?

It should look about the same in LF vs medium format, but Velvia isn't what comes to mind when thinking "portraiture"... That is, of course, a matter of taste.

 

[winger]

The extra one I can bring is actually one I have for sale (Cambo, with case, $250.00) if anyone wants to go home with it.

Oh sure, like I'm not already tempted enough!

 

[papagene]

 

[gr82bart]

Well, I have a change in plans. I have to leave around 2pm to pick up a friend arriving in LGA in NYC at 5pm. This means I will not be bringing my studio lights.

Sorry, Art.

 

[Whiteymorange]

I have some lights. I'll cram what I can into the car and show up around 9:30/10 - maybe earlier. I'll have a Cambo and a Calumet (long monorail 401) and a speed graphic that can get shared as well as a 9x12 plate camera that I want to play with. Some old lenses as well.

 

[noseoil]

Just wanted to wish everyone in this thread the best of luck and a wonderful shooting time. Would that I could visit and watch the fun. Reading this is like a breath of fresh air. Want to see some images in the gallery from these sessions, as it sounds very exciting. Will be there in spirit (perhaps I should polish up my orb and do an astral projection to attend?). tim

 

[SuzanneR]

Well, I have a change in plans. I have to leave around 2pm to pick up a friend arriving in LGA in NYC at 5pm. This means I will not be bringing my studio lights.

Sorry, Art.

No problem, Art. I think we have enough people bringing lights. That said, I will maybe reorganize groups a bit. It turns out that Peter Schrager will not be able to come. I think between Bob Fowler and Ted Harris, however, we will be able to cover some of the basics Peter would have covered.

Thanks everyone... we will have a great day!

 

[Ted Harris]

No problem, Art. I think we have enough people bringing lights. That said, I will maybe reorganize groups a bit. It turns out that Peter Schrager will not be able to come. I think between Bob Fowler and Ted Harris, however, we will be able to cover some of the basics Peter would have covered.

Thanks everyone... we will have a great day!

I haven't checked this out with Bob yet but between the two of us I am sure we can do a short intro demonstration session. Bruce Barlow will be there too and he will bring a handout for everyone on basic camera operations. Beyond that, I am sure, just as we do at our Fine Focus Workshops, we will be able to work from group to group answering questions and making suggestions.

BTW, per Suzanne's request, I am bringing two different backdrops but I AM not bringing anything in the way of a backdrop stand (my studio setup is not easily transportable) so I hope someone has that covered. I will also have a box of Polaroid film for folks to use, maybe even two.

See everyone Saturday.

 

[bobfowler]

I haven't checked this out with Bob yet but between the two of us I am sure we can do a short intro demonstration session. Bruce Barlow will be there too and he will bring a handout for everyone on basic camera operations. Beyond that, I am sure, just as we do at our Fine Focus Workshops, we will be able to work from group to group answering questions and making suggestions.

BTW, per Suzanne's request, I am bringing two different backdrops but I AM not bringing anything in the way of a backdrop stand (my studio setup is not easily transportable) so I hope someone has that covered. I will also have a box of Polaroid film for folks to use, maybe even two.

See everyone Saturday.

I have 3 or 4 muslins (not really good for full lengths though - too small) that I'm bringing as well as a 6X7' old master canvas. I have a cheapo background stand that's coming along and since it looks like we'll need something else as well, I'll bring a stage lighting truss w/stands (hey, I'm still a musician) we can hang stuff on. I mentioned (I think) to Suzanne that I just got in 20+ boxes of Fuji FP100C in 3X4 packs that will be available for use in 405 type and MF Polaroid backs.

I mentioned it a long time ago, but I'll say it again here - I'm bringing a boatload of holders in 4X5, 5X7, and 8X10. I'll also have a large changing tent, so if anyone wants to try a format they don't have, equipment will be there. We'll have plenty of folks who know how to load/unload holders who can help the LF newbies. I'll see if I can find some empty film boxes to bring as well.

Last night, I made some PowerPoint slides that I'll be printing out today as handouts for my basic lighting clinic. Fear not, I'm NOT bringing a projector so there will be no "Death By PowerPoint"! If Bruce has handouts for basic camera ops, we'll be fine.

 

[Ted Harris]

Following on I also have a handout on soft focus lenses ... a reprint of the article from the November-December "View Camera." I always have a largish changing tent in the trucksoit will also be available and I will have a couple of 500ws monolites and umbrellas.

Also, a 250 Imagon to use with 4x5 and a 300 Imagon for 5x7 ... both for use and demonstration as part of my portrait lens discussion.

 

[JamesG]

Bob, Suzanne, Bill,
Let me know what you want me to do as far as helping the newbies. Should I bring my 8x10? I wasn't going to use it, but I can bring it. I have plenty of 4x5 and 8x10 filmholders too, if needed.

 

[bobfowler]

Bob, Suzanne, Bill,
Let me know what you want me to do as far as helping the newbies. Should I bring my 8x10? I wasn't going to use it, but I can bring it. I have plenty of 4x5 and 8x10 filmholders too, if needed.

At this point, the more gear the merrier. Though that's easy for me to say because I drive a 1 ton GMC cargo van...

I'm bringing 3 cameras, a Toyo D45M, Eastman #2 5X7, and Calumet C1 w/ 4x5, 5x7, and 8X10 backs. To be honest, I probably won't shoot much with any of them as I plan on doing my lighting demo with a Bronica SQ-Ai and Polaroid back. Doing the demo with MF will speed things along and get folks behind a GG that much faster. I have a 405 Polaroid back and a 545 that I'm bringing along. I haven't shot 4X5 Polaroid in years (the 405 does what I need 'roid to do).

 

[SuzanneR]

WOW!! Thanks everyone!!!!!!

 

[Ted Harris]

I'l lhave two 545i backs, 4x5 and 5x7 fields (5x7 with a 4x5 back too) and an assortment of lenses .... also 3 tripods. I plan on helping others not doing any shooting myself.

 

[papagene]

Man I get exhausted trying to keep up with this thread!
Here are some reminders:
DO NOT PARK in the parking garage at Tower Square!!
If you are bringing equipment, stop in front of the VPC on Main St, we'll unload you (a flat-bed hand truck is available), then park behind BankNorth.
If you are just showing up to participate and not bringing equipment - go directly to the parking lot behind BankNorth.
The phone # for the VPC is 413- 781-1553
I will arrive prior to 8:00 am
Do Not Park in the Tower Square parking garage!! The lot behind BankNorth is FREE on Saturdays.
Bob, I will give your cell-phone a call about 4:30 tomorrow.
Ted, will you be in town around 5:30 pm tomorrow?

See ya all Saturday!!

gene

 

[Ted Harris]

Gene yes ... around 5:30 and at the Marriott. Lemme know if anyone else is gonna be around otherwise I will check with Hany re dinner.

 

[JamesG]

FWIW, I am coming up tomorrow night and staying at the Howard Johnson Express on Boston Rd. I plan on getting to VPC sometime around 8:30. Once I unload, I can help others do the same. I will have another person with me to help.