LF Portraiture Workshop at VPC

[PhotoPete]

Well, I couldn't resist Jim Galli's $125 4x5 monorail, so I guess I will be a real member of the LF community when it arrives. I also suppose that I sould find a way to attend this workshop, as I haven't much more than a theoretical clue about how to operate my new toy, although I plan to have fun finding out. I'll bring the 4x5, the film holders that I bought with it, a polaroid back or two, and a crazy assortment of lenses that should cover 4 x 5 for studio work.

 

[gr82bart]

This could be the start of something big - an annual event that could grow into a "Real" event. Or it could be just a one-time party where we all have a good ol' time. Either way, it is always good to meet and hang out with other APUG'ers.

Looks like you're on your way to organizing the 2007 APUG Conference!

Regards, Art.

 

[Drew B.]

Everyone is certainly welcome...and in fact, (gene) maybe some agreement could be set up with local motels for discounted accommodations for Apugers. just a thought...

 

[SuzanneR]

I'll see about finding some local accomodations. I told Gene all he'd have to do to organize this was unlock the door!!

 

[Bill Hahn]

A suggestion and an offer...

If people are going to be shooting polaroids (I certainly am) it would be wise to have some trash bags so the used polaroid material can be safely discarded. (Some of the chemicals in the development pack can be mildly caustic.) I always bring along a trash bag when shooting polaroids.

If there is anyone who is curious about using a LF camera, and shooting polaroids, and has done neither, feel free to PM me, I can "team up" with someone. In return for LF instruction and polaroid film, I expect a wonderful portrait of myself!

 

[papagene]

Jim (Diaga67) you are certainly welcome to show up if you can make it up here. Suzanne - I'll PM you about what I know of local accomadations (some to not consider ).
Right now, this event is still a very informal affair where I hope a lot more new friendships are established. The formal workshops can happen sometime in the future.
APUG 2007!!!??? You gotta be kidding... I would have to quit my day job and... HMMMMMMM.

gene

 

[Jim McD]

Me too

I am planning on being there. Thanks to Whitey who let me know about this, I have not checked the New England section for some time.

I plan on bringing a 4X5 Sinar, 5X7 Burke & James, 4 or 5 lenses, all the standard artillery

Anybody interested in a carpool from south/central NH please pm me when the date gets closer

 

[winger]

I don't have any LF gear, but plan on being there just to watch and take it all in. Like I said earlier, I need to learn how to use light.

I'll be coming out 495N to the Masspike, if anyone wanted to meet near that junction to carpool.

 

[papagene]

Bethe
I will have my cameras there for you and other to try out. So don't be bashful, jump right in and have some fun with LF!!

gene

 

[JamesG]

I am available the last weekend of March and am willing to travel from NJ to MA. I can bring studio lights and a male model as well. We would have to pay the model a little for his time; maybe $100 for an entire day, but it would be worth it.

James

 

[papagene]

It will be good to see other APUG'ers from outside the region. On the aspect of a model, we really don't need or have the money for a model. There will be a few of us there who have volunteered to be guin... I mean models. I myself will pose (in between other VPC chores) for those daring enough to stare at my homely visage.
I think it will be fun posing for other APUG'ers.

gene

 

[Drew B.]

you know...its the character lines in our old faces that portrait photographers love! As subject matter, we'll do fine.

 

[Whiteymorange]

I'm good for the wide angle lens tests.

 

[manjo]

What is the best way to get to springfiled from waltham ?

I am new in NE area, and would like to attend the meet in springfileld, what is the best route 90 - 291? I believe its around 1:45 hrs drive form waltham. Anyone has a better route ? Also, the workshop starts at 9AM ?

 

[papagene]

Manjo
I90 to I291 (exit 6) is the best route. I will e-mail you or post directions soon (yes I have corrected my goofs ).
People will be arriving around 10:00 am. I will be there about 9:00am or sooner. Some might arrive early to have breakfast at Gus & Paul's.

gene

 

[JamesG]

I had offered to bring a model along and suggested that we would have to give him some compensation. If this is a problem, should I bring him along and he could be compensated with prints; a TFP shoot for him?

I will need directions as I have never been to VPC and don't know the area well. Could someone e-mail directions and other important info so I can be there on time? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

James

 

[Drew B.]

We really don't need a model at this workshop. There will be enough of them to go around. Gene and others want to keep these sessions somewhat loose with less formality than some other structured workshops. I think further down the road, they will need formality, structure, with course outlines, etc. Maybe after gene gets a count of whos coming, and what they would like to see happen, then we can put together some loose form of scheduling for that day. I put together a basic schedule further back in this or someother NE thread and that should be viewed by all attending and post ideas and/or changes to this and in the end, we'll all learn something and have a great time.

drew

 

[manjo]

I might be a good subject for testing your exposure techniques. I can model as long as u make me look good on the photograph

 

[papagene]

As I statred about 4 posts above I will be posting directions to the VPC in due time. But if you want to look it up on mapquest or yahoo maps the address is 1500 Main St, Springfield, MA 01115.
I would suggest parking behind BankNorth which is across Main Street from Tower Square. Their lot is free on weekends and is located on the corner of Dwight St and Harrison. DO NOT park in the parking garage in Tower Square!
The Valley Photo Center is located in Tower Square at the above address and is easily accessed from Rte I91, or I90.
I hope to see you all there in March.

gene

 

[PhotoPete]

How many of us are coming from Greater Boston? Perhaps we can arrange some carpools? Reply with your location if you are interested, and we can figure out the best routes, and who should ride with whom.

I am in Waltham (MetroWest at the corner of I90 and I93)

Has

 

[manjo]

photopete, we can car pool, I am new to MA but know the area a little better now, I can drive, I can acco 2 more anyone interested ?

 

[Peter Schrager]

Organizatiom at the VPC

As noted in another thread by DrewB we need to address the issue of some organiztion. Gene is just the host. He has a myriad of familial and VPC duties that restrain him from taking "charge" (not that he's not capable. )
I'm putting this out here right now so that we end up with a fruitful day-not one based on confusion/egos; whatever. I'm not the Portrait guy but can get people going with LF. I want to know who plans on attending so we can form some groups. Will the Portrait expert(s) please contact me so we can organize.
PM's;Email;phone: 203-335-8040 are appreciated
I would really like to see an updated list of people who are going to be there
Skill level appreciated. Let's make this a really great day....
Best, Peter

 

[gr82bart]

Hey Peter,

Thanks for taking charge on this. And thanks to Gene for being the host too.

I would really like to see an updated list of people who are going to be there

I don't know if this helps, but I went through the posts and compiled a list of who said they are coming plus some notes (my interpretation, so I might get this part wrong).

1. Suzanne Revy
2. bobfowler <--Will be bringing lights, LF cameras, and swap stuff
3. Bill Hahn <--Will bring film (4 boxes of Type 53)
4. Peter Schrager <--Can teach
5. Drew B.
6. Phong <--Will bring lights
7. papagene <--Will bring lights, LF cameras, props and swap stuff
8. Whiteymorange <--Will bring cameras, and swap stuff
9. gr82bart <--Will bring lights, but no LF camera
10. Ted Harris <--Will bring lights and LF cameras
11. dans
12. Robert Budding <--No LF camera
13. Diaga67 <--No LF camera
14. PhotoPete
15. Jim McD
16. winger <--No LF camera
17. JamesG <--Will bring lights
18. manjo <--Will bring male model

This looks like it's going to be a great turnout.

Regards, Art.

 

[SuzanneR]

Thanks, Art... you beat me to it! DF Cardwell, in a PM, said he might arrange a little vacation in New England and come to this, too. He also had a great suggestion for a demonstration. Keeping things simple... a sitter, a polaroid, and an assistant... we could run through backgrounds, lenses and some simple lighting. I think we should keep the demo quite straightforward. In other words, minimal gear. Would probably take about 90 minutes. We should plan on getting there at 9am, and starting a demo by about 9:30am.

If Don can make it, I think he'd be a great person to do the demo bringing experience in both LF and portratiture.

If not, then one of you LF gurus, Gene or Peter, can give a demo on the basics of LF cameras. I'd be happy to step up to the plate to talk portraits. I have a ten minute or so demo with one light that I found useful from a lighting class I took a couple of years ago.

In the afternoon, we should break up into smaller groups and photograph each other. Learn by doing if you will. I'm not planning on making my masterpiece here, just some "sketches", if you will!

Thanks, again, to Gene for offering up the VPC. We'll try and keep his role in this to merely unlocking the door, and photographing some friends!!

 

[Peter Schrager]

VPC

Sounds really good Suzanne. Please everyone try to be on TIME. This is always important. Art thanks for compiling the list.
I'm going to load up a bunch 5x7 film holders with TriX. People without cameras
etc. are welcome to use them and I'll be glad to process and send them the negatives afterward. I think we should jump into the lighting first. I'm more than happy to take a group in the afternoon and show them the particulars of using a view camera. We're off to a good start here....any comments; additions are welcome.
Peter