Northern California Workshop / Gettogether

per volquartz · Aug 6, 2008

The Northern Redwoods. One of the truly great West Coast locations.

October 20 - 24 with additional time on weekends.

We will stay in the Arcata area. There will be great opportunity to shoot
in a variety of settings, forest, beach, trees, rocks, elk, portraiture, etc.
We will have evening and weekend access to darkroom facilities
and there will be a special 2 hour presentation on carbon printing.
This will be in addition to discussing topics such as content as it relates
to composition. Other topics: Survival in the Economic Downturn, Self Promotion, making contacts in New International Markets, as well as basic info on processing, printing, presenting etc.

Fee: basic donation of $85 is highly encouraged (to cover planning, handouts etc...).
To secure a place in this workshop please send $25 via Paypal
to printsales@volquartz.com.
Our Fall workshop usually fills fast! This year 20 people MAXIMUM!

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Jim Fitzgerald · Aug 7, 2008

Per, count me in! Thanks

Jim

Vaughn · Aug 8, 2008

Just to clarify the darkroom access...I am offering the university's darkroom for film development and for loading film (for those with large format holders to load). We must make sure that we are not impacting our university students' need of the darkroom. So in that regard, please do not plan on making contact sheets or prints. That said, Friday and Saturday nights, and Saturday and Sunday mornings are typically slow times in the darkroom, and some limited printing might be possible.

I am looking forward to demonstrating the carbon printing process, and sharing my experiences with the process. If you have not had the opportunity to see a carbon print in the flesh, this will be a chance to do so.

Typically, mid to late October's weather is very good. It is an excellent (and my favorite) time to photograph in the Redwoods. To Per's list of photographing possibilities, I will include a wide selection of Victorian-style architecture and old barns...for those who enjoy such subjects.

Vaughn

Tori8x10 · Aug 11, 2008

This sounds like something I would like to do. Could you send me a little more information? Thanks!

Jim Fitzgerald · Aug 11, 2008

Tori, I don't want to speak for Per, but we usually find a central location in an area to set up a base camp. Some people will camp and others will do the motel thing. We generally team up with others and go out and shoot at different locations. At the end of the day we all meet at a designated spot to discuss the day's events and decide where to go and who to shoot with the next day. Many different formats and experience levels.

There is a print review and discussion day and this year we will have access to the Humboldt State University darkroom to change film holders. Vaughn is also giving a demonstration of the carbon printing process. I don't know what other things Per has in mind this year and I hope he will chime in.

It is great fun and if you go once you will be hooked and will make it an annual event. I think this will be my third or fourth time. You are certain to meet some great people and talented artists. Hope you can make it.

Jim

per volquartz · Aug 15, 2008

We will concentrate on content and revelation of ideas within this content!

Most photo workshops teach you technical / how-to information.

While this workshop will cover film processing (Pyro - all film sizes) as well as stand development (Agfa Rodinal - 35mm - and roll film primarily) for max acutance it will concentrate on what is really the essence of creative photography: content and the revealing of ideas using the photographic medium.

In the past we have spent most of the time shooting - and some may indeed do so again. However, I am putting together a more structured approach that will address creative issues in photography. It is my feeling that concentrating on this subject matter is the only way to improve one's way of seeing and subsequent production of the final presentation. This final form may be as fine prints - in color or black and white - or it may take on another form (that is determined by the artist).

I feel that we have seen too many images of just rocks, trees and old barns, often beautifully presented but without thoughts or emotional content. It is time to address photography as a fine art medium and therefore concentrate on content and the revelation of ideas within the content.

It is my hope to make this gathering a watershed in each individual photographer's way of working.

Finally, I need to mention that starting in the fall of 2009 all my workshops (except the yearly free event in Joshua Tree) will require a written application in order to participate in each workshop. I need to concentrate on bringing the very best out of people - in small groups - and therefore a limitation process will be needed.

So, this is the last year for the "regular" workshop / gettogether. It will most likely be a lot of fun and full of information.

At the moment I am trying to find good deals on motels in the area as well as suitable campgrounds.

More info to come...

Per Volquartz

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If you are interested be sure to email me right away. This workshop will most likely fill up fast!

printsales@volquartz.com

Please write OCTOBER WORKSHOP in all caps in email header.

Sirius Glass · Aug 18, 2008

I will be there. I sent in my deposit and I have a motel reservation.

Steve

per volquartz · Aug 18, 2008

HOMEWORK!!!

Homework!

Yes, Homework!

Please bring 3 or more mounted, matted, and signed prints with you for our print discussions.
Also, please place name, description, type of film, type of paper info on the back of the matted print.
The prints can be silver gelatin prints, digital prints, platinum / palladium or other alternate processed prints.
Or the prints can be contacted onto hard Baltic Granite if thats your sort of thing! (no matting needed for that kind of print though!)

The goal is to make your work look as great as possible!

If you like you can bring additional unmounted prints for discussions.

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We are 11 people so far. Please let me know right away if you want to participate for sure!

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Email from Vaughn:

Hello,

I received an email from Jim Fitzgerald stating that you are considering a
workshop in my area (Humboldt County, CA) in the Fall, 2008. I believe it
is a free workshop.

I am the technician in charge of the teaching darkroom of the Art Department
at Humboldt State University in Arcata. I would like to offer our darkroom
for negative development and/or film loading in the evenings (weekdays) or
anytime on weekends to the participants and yourself. Our classroom would
also be available during the same times for looking at work.

If the participants are interested, I am also willing to give a 2-hour
demonstration of carbon printing (basically, going through all the steps of
the process, from tissue making to developing the print)...or if that is too
long, just show some carbon prints and give a brief overview of the process.

All of the above I would offer the participants at no charge.

I understand that you are also considering other possible locations for the
workshop, so if you do not come up this way, keep my pffer in mind for some
other year.

Yours,

Vaughn Hutchins

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printsales@volquartz.com

Vaughn · Aug 18, 2008

I am looking forward to meeting all those in the workshop.

If you have specific questions I can answer as a local (about the darkroom or just the general area), please feel free to ask here or by email.

vgh7001 "at" humboldt.edu

Vaughn

Climate is something one has, weather is what one gets...

per volquartz · Aug 20, 2008

The Northern Redwoods Workshop is filling fast. Only 6 spaces left.

If interested you must email me ASAP.

Per Volquartz

Dead Link Removed
printsales@volquartz.com

Tori8x10 · Aug 20, 2008

I've got my room and deposit taken care of too. I'll bring cookies!

rpsawin · Aug 20, 2008

Per,

I'm trying to work out the time off and will firm up my reservation as soon as I know...looking forward to it.

BTW...I just got back from a quick trip to the Olympics and it was very wet...lol

Best regards,

Bob

Sirius Glass · Aug 24, 2008

I will be staying a the Super Delux Suite at the Arcata Super 8.

Steve

blaze-on · Aug 25, 2008

Campsites...we need some listings for campsites here...
I'm not confirmed but if'n I go, would likely camp.
So whomever's camping, let's pick one please

Vaughn · Aug 25, 2008

blaze-on said:
Campsites...we need some listings for campsites here...
I'm not confirmed but if'n I go, would likely camp.
So whomever's camping, let's pick one please

Here is a website with all local parks (some with camping, some without)

http://co.humboldt.ca.us/portal/living/county_parks/default.asp

The closest State Park would be Patrick's Point State Park, a little less than 15 miles north of Arcata. Beautiful place, some hiking trails above the ocean and down to the beach. No Redwoods (too close to the coast), but some interesting Spruce forests. The town of Trinidad is just south of Patrick's Point (groceries, some good dining), and the coastline is one of the finest in California.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is another beautiful camp -- especially in October and the fall foliage (not grand by eastern US standards, but still nice). It is located in the middle of old-growth redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants. Relatively easy to photograph redwoods on the flood plains of the Eel River all through this area. But this is 50 miles south of Arcata.

The campgrounds right around Arcata consists of a KOA (~3 miles south), the Samoa Boat Ramp (a ORV destination and sort of a desolate spot), and Clam Beach (between the ocean and HWY 101...not too peaceful) There is a small (5 or 6 sites) town campground in Manila, a few miles west of Arcata. It is along Humboldt Bay -- all I have heard about it is that transients tend to camp there. I can try to find out more info about it if anyone is interested (a friend lives a block or so away from it...I can get her opinion.)

Vaughn

There are also several campgrounds a little further away that might be good for those who want to do a quick over-night so that they would be in a good place to photograph early in the morning without having to drive. On the beach (near the mouth of Fern Canyon) or along Prairie Creek in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, for example.

Jim Fitzgerald · Aug 25, 2008

Patrick's Point? Years ago I spent some time there but don't remember much. This sounds good to me. I know Bill Theis wants to camp. This is my vote.

Jim

per volquartz · Aug 28, 2008

The Workshop is now FULL!!!

The Workshop is now full.

However, if you do want to participate please email me right away so you can be first of the waiting list. Be sure to do this ASAP!
This will be a great workshop!

Per Volquartz

printsales (at) volquartz.com

(Please note that my old email address volquartz@earthlink.net will no longer work after August 29.)

blaze-on · Aug 28, 2008

per volquartz said:
The Workshop is now full.

Damn...and I was going to bring fresh meat..

per volquartz · Aug 29, 2008

Blaze-on will be allowed if he brings fresh venison and coffee (well, not completely sure about the coffee...)

k_jupiter · Aug 29, 2008

per volquartz said:
Blaze-on will be allowed if he brings fresh venison and coffee (well, not completely sure about the coffee...)

Is that wild coffee or will domestic do?

Anyhow, a week in south eastern Utah the week before prevents me from doing this years workshop... but next year. What are you envisioning as far as an application? Sample of work, high moral character, references? *L*

tim in san jose

blaze-on · Aug 29, 2008

Hey...my coffee rocks!

Patricks Point: looks like Abalone, Agate Beach, Penn Creek and Lookout Rock Campgrounds (within) are nearest the Ocean, both have showers near.
They seem booked at most sites through part of our week though.
Here's the camp map I put on my server: http://www.matthewblaisphotography.com/clients/Patrickspointmap.pdf

But there's a group site at Lookout Rock for $75 a night and up to 25 people and 11 vehicles. Individual sites are $20 a night so a good deal if we can get 11 people there (minimum needed). Beach Creek Campground has a minimum of 9 and is available as well.
URL to Park Site:http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417

Campers post your preference. It's always cool to have an area to ourselves.
Do we have nine campers here???

On line reservations for PP is: http://www.reserveamerica.com

Shmoo · Aug 29, 2008

per volquartz said:
Blaze-on will be allowed if he brings fresh venison and coffee (well, not completely sure about the coffee...)

lol about the coffee!!!

Seriously, those of you who are going will have a wonderful time with a lot of wonderful photographers. You'll also make a lot of good friends and learn a lot. I'm sorry that I won't be able to go this time (hand surgery), but maybe next time.

S

Jim Fitzgerald · Aug 30, 2008

blaze-on said:
Hey...my coffee rocks!

Patricks Point: looks like Abalone, Agate Beach, Penn Creek and Lookout Rock Campgrounds (within) are nearest the Ocean, both have showers near.
They seem booked at most sites through part of our week though.
Here's the camp map I put on my server: http://www.matthewblaisphotography.com/clients/Patrickspointmap.pdf

But there's a group site at Lookout Rock for $75 a night and up to 25 people and 11 vehicles. Individual sites are $20 a night so a good deal if we can get 11 people there (minimum needed). Beach Creek Campground has a minimum of 9 and is available as well.
URL to Park Site:http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417

Campers post your preference. It's always cool to have an area to ourselves.
Do we have nine campers here???

On line reservations for PP is: http://www.reserveamerica.com

Matt, I know that Bill Theis and myself wish to camp. There is three. And yes, your coffee rocks! It does not matter to me where we camp, so long as it is not with the homeless. Concerned with equipment safety. I think the 9 campers would be doable?

blaze-on · Aug 30, 2008

Cool Jim..three is a start. Maybe reservations will open up in a bit, dunno.
I'll ask Per for a list of attendees to see how many are camping.

Does your little escort count as one or 1/20th?

per volquartz · Aug 30, 2008

Jim's escort??? You mean his fire-god, helper, always-there-friend, - the lonely guy from Joshua Tree?

(Hmmm this post sounds a bit weird...)

Northern California Workshop / Gettogether

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