Thanks JMoore!

[photomc]

Just a short note to say THANK YOU, to jmoore for his help with a print. Started with a post I did asking for assistance and Jim ask if I would mind sending the negative to him so he could have a shot at the negative. To make a long story short, I did and today received a full set of 8x10 prints, with details on why and how he did each one....Thanks Jim.

This is just another case why this is such a Great site, aside for the overall advice from the members, others have gone above and beyond - Lee, Donald and Jim come to mind. I have seen others that really go out of their way - Les, Sandy, Gainer, Jorge, Ann just to name a few. You guys are all great and just wanted to say Thanks

 

[Jim Moore]

Mike,

You are welcome. Thank you for allowing me to give it a shot.
It was fun printing someone elses negative.

I know the idea of a "negative" exchange has been kicked around before, and I think it's a good idea.

My idea of the exchange would be for two people to make a print from their negative, swap negatives for the other person to print, then compar your print with the one received. Possibly start a gallery to post the results so we could see the different printing styles.

I don't think it would be that difficult to shoot an extra negative or two while out photographing. And we could team up according to the format we shoot. 35mm, medium, 4x5, etc.

Thanks again Mike and I hope your are pleased with the results.

Jim

 

[Les McLean]

Mike,
My idea of the exchange would be for two people to make a print from their negative, swap negatives for the other person to print, then compar your print with the one received. Possibly start a gallery to post the results so we could see the different printing styles.

Jim

I like this idea how about trying to get it under way, count me in if it gets off the ground.

 

[Les McLean]

Right, like we want to compare our prints to yours, Les. If I want to be humbled, I'll play chess with my kids. As if the traveling portfolio isn't bad enough!

jdef,

Thank you for the compliment but the name of the game in my book is not to humiliate but to encourage and pass on help. I started my photography making very poor prints but because I happened to meet photographers willing to share and help my prints got better, granted, I have spent a lot of time in the darkroom. If this idea gets off the ground I fully expect to learn as much as I teach.

 

[Tom Stanworth]

You are right Les, I reckon I could learn a lot if I sent you my neg file and you, say, gave me an A4 essay back with each fine print.

No, seriously, it is a good idea. Before his passing, I was about to send Barry Thornton a difficult neg or two to do fine prints of (paid for of course) simply so I could see how he had improved upon my prints. It would show me what could be done with my often (very) imperfect negs. Pride would ensure that I would just have to keep beavering away until I reach the gold standard even if it takes another decade (I'm not thirty yet, so I have time....). So far I am 100% self taught and probably have printing blinkers on. Neg exchanges would certainly get us thinking again. We would of course need lots of keen Brits to take part!!!! Some may find photography frustrating as you never 'win', there being no end to the learning process. It is only when I feel that I am struggling to make progress that I get frustrated....a box of bad prints later....

 

[BWGirl]

I'd be interested in this sort of exchange too! Geez...I'm such a newbie, I'm not even intimidated! haha
It would be fun to print someone else's negative. I think it would give us each a fresh perspective. Count me in!

Jeanette

 

[Leon]

We would of course need lots of keen Brits to take part!!!!

... well I'm English (up the English!) and would love to take part ... I can only go as far as 6 x 6cm negs though for now.

 

[Jim Moore]

Sounds like there is plenty of interest. I will post something in the Member Organized Functions forum with details.

Thanks!

Jim

 

[Timothy]

I love this idea and would also participate happily. I shoot only 4x5 these days.
This is such a good idea that I would be willing to help to get things going.

Tim R

 

[mark]

There are two lists started for this type of activity already. I am running one for contact prints 5x7 and larger. EricR has the enlarging list. I do not know how many folks are on it but only 3 are on my list.

 

[mobtown_4x5]

Is there anything going on in 4x5?..., I could sure use some help with my crummy printing.

Matt