Photographic Workshop Facility for Photostock and Beyond - Kickstarter.

[bill schwab]

Hello!

This has been posted in the Great Lakes Region of APUG, but I also want it to have wider appeal, so forgive me for posting it again here under workshops.

You might know of the Photostock event I run each summer in Northern Michigan. In fact, you may have joined us there. Originally started in 10 acres of woods I own near Cross Village, Michigan the event has grown a lot since the start in 2006 and we now gather at a country motel in the area. It is a great time and has become one of the highlights of my year to see everyone and share work and ideas.

A long time goal of mine has been to have a permanent, photographic workshop facility and retreat so that we can expand the idea of Photostock and bring in some of the best out there in the photography world to teach not only in summer, but throughout the year. I've considered making temporary modifications at the motel, but this came with its own set of challenges.

What I am now doing is planning a permanent facility to be built on my property where the original gatherings were held. And to get there, I have taken the dream to Dead Link Removed in an attempt to raise the needed funds to have the structure completed. What I am hoping is that you'll have a look at the campaign and consider lending a hand in getting it done. I am offering a host of rewards that range from a new book published solely for this project for a $35 pledge as well as books, original prints and workshops for a variety of pledge points. I hope you'll check it out, have a look at the promotional video and give some thought to pledging. So far the outpouring of generosity has been stunning and we are already 63% of the way to our goal at this writing. However, as incredible as that is, we are still a good distance from a successful finish.

I feel like this would be a great addition to the photo community located in a beautiful place to relax and concentrate on your work and I hope you will give some thought to lending your support.

Dead Link Removed

Thank you!

Bill Schwab

PS. I'd also like to ask that you help spread the word out there as the more people that can be interested, the better. It would be a huge help and I would be most grateful. - Dead Link Removed

 

[jd callow]

Great video bill. I made it to the last Photostock and it was a really great event and very cool that something of this nature can be done without an entry fee. I'll make this thing sticky for the duration of the event and Good Luck!

 

[papagene]

One of these days I'll make it to one of the Photostock events. In the meantime I have pledged on Kickstarter and think it a very worthy cause. So I hope many others feel the same and jump on board and help Bill.

 

[cepwin]

I just backed it! Good luck! Yes, at some point I'd like to go to a photostock as well but for now a small contribution to the goal of adding the darkroom building.

 

[Sean]

Backed as well. Best of luck Bill, so far you are running a superb kickstarter campaign. I would love to attend a Photostock one of these days. Keep us posted

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I see the progress every day, and let's keep the momentum going, folks. The funding project is 2/3 there, but the last third might be the most difficult stretch.
Heidi and I will be contributing before the campaign ends, but need to get a few ducks in a row first.

In the meantime, I have this print for sale, solely to support Bill's campaign. Please have a look.
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

- Thomas

 

[zsas]

Bill - Glad to have supported your Kickstarter! And what an outstanding start you've had! You're well on your way! Which is a testament to how many folks appreciate your love of art and ability to create a community!

C'mon Apug'rs, let's get this funded! This is what it is all about! The last 1/3!!!!
Dead Link Removed

Fwiw, when you support a Kickstarter, the funds are not drawn against your credit card till March 13, when the funding period ends for the Kickstarter project.

P.S. Thanks Sean for making this a sticky!

 

[bill schwab]

Thank you everyone! We're within shouting distance now! Amazing.

Bill

 

[zsas]

Hi Bill - I was going through my images of Photostock and came across this gem, a picture of you doing a neat demo on photogravure from last summer. Obviously you sure made it work at the motel basement meeting room, but bringing in chems, blacking out windows, etc., as you mention in your above post, means that the motel has for sure its safety/space/technical considerations, that this Kickstarter will resolve.

For those who have never been, below is a nice snipet of a heckuva demo from Bill, that if expanded to an artists' retreat, that this project is about, would open up possibilities that are only limited by our imagination...

 

[Peter Schrager]

is it just me or everytime i go to kickstarter they want to direct me to amazon?? someone help me here please!!

 

[zsas]

is it just me or everytime i go to kickstarter they want to direct me to amazon?? someone help me here please!!

Yes, that is correct. Amazon is the billing service for Kickstarter. When the project closes on 3/13, you will be charged the "pledged" amount. You do need an Amazon account, but they are legitimate. That help? Kickstarter could have just as easily choosen Paypal or Google Wallet, but Kickstarter used Amazon's processing system. An account is free too.

Link to Bill's Kickstarter...
Dead Link Removed

 

[bill schwab]

...would open up possibilities that are only limited by our imagination...

Well said, Alex.

And thank you for helping Peter out as well.

It is amazing. 76% of the way there, folks! Thanks BIG TIME to everyone who has gotten involved! We just might get there!

 

[Bob Carnie]

Oh your going to get there alright, just keep positive and construction will be a reality.

Well said, Alex.

And thank you for helping Peter out as well.

It is amazing. 76% of the way there, folks! Thanks BIG TIME to everyone who has gotten involved! We just might get there!

 

[jbridges]

I pledged last week and can't wait to attend my first Photostock. Even if I never get a chance to go the fact that film lovers will be hanging out, shooting and printing makes me happy.

 

[Roger Thoms]

Well said, Alex.

And thank you for helping Peter out as well.

It is amazing. 76% of the way there, folks! Thanks BIG TIME to everyone who has gotten involved! We just might get there!

Oh you'll get there, heck I'm guessing you'll go over your goal of 30,000 and have some extra funds which I'm sure will come in handy. You can go over, right? Once you hit your goal, I'll kick in a bit more just for good measure. Btw very excited about the print I'll be receiving, always been a big admirer of your work.

Roger

 

[zsas]

I pledged last week and can't wait to attend my first Photostock. Even if I never get a chance to go the fact that film lovers will be hanging out, shooting and printing makes me happy.

Jbridges - All us Photostocker's appreciate! Hope you make it up north. It is an amazing experience. It's a no pressure and quite fun time. I was looking through the gallery and found this image of Bill I took, a real nice guy and great artist. I had never been to Photostock and drove up the summer of 2011 after reading a thread on APUG re it, I was welcomed like family. Bill kindly invited me into his darkroom trailer where he mixes/devs his wetplate when he takes it on the road. I snapped this of him, a great artist who creates a great community. This Kickstarter is going to deepen our ability to share and more importantly SHOW ideas. As you can tell, Bill's trailer below, barely held the two of us and is not set up for enlarging, teaching, sharing. Learning better printing, chemistry, processes, in person in a facility that can hold more than two folks, is something that Photostock needs to broaden our learning/sharing! And most amazing, not only in one weekend a year, but year round! Hope to see you up north.

Take care,
Andy

C'mon APUG'rs, let's get this Kickstarter funded.....Bill is almost there!!!! Just that last push is needed....see the link below!
Dead Link Removed

I know bills are coming due soon, but remember, if you pledge today, your credit card wont be debited till 3/13, when the pledge period closes, so keep that in mind! Below per the Kickstarter FAQ:

Q: When is my card charged?


A: If the project you’re backing is successfully funded, your card will be charged when the project reaches its funding deadline. If the project does not reach its funding goal, your card is never charged. That's why we call them pledges.



Another one from 2011...hope to see you all up north this summer, Andy

 

[StoneNYC]

Ok so a little off topic but now is photostock to attend? Is it a pay per class or pay for the week/weekend? The current thing is just a week thing? And the year round classes will be different obviously.

I'm sure there is a website somewhere but I'm on my phone. Lol

Thanks.


~Stone

Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1, 5DmkII / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic | Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

After I did my pledge the other day I emailed Michael Johnston of The Online Photographer encouraging him to post on his site about Bill's campaign. Not sure if anyone else alerted him but Mike posted about it today! I think you're a shoe-in after this!

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2013/02/kick-me.html

 

[doughowk]

Almost daily, I stop by TOP for its eclectic mix of information. The majority of viewers are probably digital with many never having experienced traditional photography. However, from browsing the comments section, one can find a large number of current and former darkroom users. Many of them should appreciate the value of Bill's workshop project.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

After I did my pledge the other day I emailed Michael Johnston of The Online Photographer encouraging him to post on his site about Bill's campaign. Not sure if anyone else alerted him but Mike posted about it today! I think you're a shoe-in after this!

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2013/02/kick-me.html

Way to go!

 

[Darkroom317]

I pledged last week and can't wait to attend my first Photostock. Even if I never get a chance to go the fact that film lovers will be hanging out, shooting and printing makes me happy.

Another person from Arkansas, awesome!

 

[StoneNYC]

Maybe in a few years they could but an emulsion coating machine from Kodak when it shuts down and guarantee film production FOREVER just a thought


~Stone

Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1, 5DmkII / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic | Sent w/ iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bill schwab]

Stone!

All things are possible if this becomes a reality! At least I'd like to bring someone in to help with a coating shop if possible.

We got a mention in the Online Photographer today! I think I have Doug Howk to thank for this? He is mentioned in Mike's thank you's. If so Doug, thank you!!!

And very special thanks to Mike Johnston for the shout-out!

Bill

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Stone!

We got a mention in the Online Photographer today! I think I have Doug Howk to thank for this? He is mentioned in Mike's thank you's. If so Doug, thank you!!!

And very special thanks to Mike Johnston for the shout-out!

Bill

In all modesty I think it was me (Richard Sintchak).

Maybe Doug emailed Mike about it too?

 

[Bob Carnie]

I would like Bill bring back Kodachrome,and Ilfomar paper he is amazing.