Why do so few people take part in the member organized functions?

[Dwayne Martin]

I would like to take part in the traveling negative if anyone still does that…..

 

[MattKing]

I would like to take part in the traveling negative if anyone still does that…..

That hasn't happened for a bit, but you could always try reviving it.

 

[warden]

Why do so few people take part in the member organized functions? I would assume that people interested in photography as much as so many people here seem to be would like to take part in postcard or print exchanges - especially those people that do have a well-established presence here. But I think there are currently around 8 people signed up for the blind print exchange. A few more signed up for postcard exchange.

I'm a member of a small facebook group of friends that shares prints and I'm having a hard enough time keeping up with them, so I'm not adding another!

 

[Don_ih]

I'm a member of a small facebook group of friends that shares prints and I'm having a hard enough time keeping up with them, so I'm not adding another!

That's a good reason.

Wow. This has certainly stirred up the masses

Ask about boxes of cereal here and you'll stir up the masses

No - I don't think anyone expects a masterpiece. But you know - what you consider "hey, that's ok" someone else might consider really good. Your judgment of your own work is restricted by your idea of what it should look like - the person receiving the work has no such idea. Well, they have their own ideas....

I also categorically reject any modification to any image using Photoshop or any other computer application ((after scanning).

You would benefit from making enlargments and seeing just how different a print can look from what the scanner automatically gives you. And quite a lot of Photoshop adjustments are copied from what you would do in a darkroom.

Being too rigid will eventually turn one into a process zealot at the expense of making good images.

That's true. People also usually end up trying to defend a position by insulting everyone who doesn't accept it. Being too zealous is alienating.

 

[Buzz-01]

In general, I really like the idea of exchanging work with others. For the reason of postage cost, I currently only participate in the Blind Print Exchange, as international postage (even for postcards) has become a bit pricey in my country.
Sending out tens of postcards on a regular basis will therefore become expensive really fast.
The print exchange is a good compromise between value and cost to me.

What happens after you send them around? Do people assess them, comment on them, critique?? Do they get posted electronically on the web here? (Where?) Have you thought of creating a tabletop photo book selecting a few photos from each photographer? That might be interesting. Offer it for sale - even more interesting.

I try to give feedback on every print I receive. Usually it's taking me quite some time to come up with decent feedback, but it forces me to really take the time for a received print, which I think is worth the effort.

On another forum where I've also participated in a couple of their print exchanges, they have a specific area where everyone can upload a scan of the print/prints they've sent out, allowing everyone to comment on them. This gives a bit more possibility to give and receive feedback, which I find very useful. I don't think this is available on Photrio, or possibly I might not have found it yet.

As for what to do with the received prints, well, I'm still working on that.
Currently I store all of them in the envelopes they came in, until I find a proper way to put them up for display.
I'm thinking of something like a large bulletin board in my darkroom (which is our attic and also in use for other purposes), where I could pin them down.
I want to display them in some way, just not sure how yet.

I'm eyeing the print exchange for a while now but haven't had the courage to participate because lack of quality of my prints, overall most people here doing prints longer than I'm alive, I don't want to disappoint them.

Just wanted to respond to this one in specific. As a relative darkroom novice (have started printing just over a year ago now), I find the print exchanges a great source of inspiration. Here on Photrio I've participated in two rounds of the Blind Print Exchange and I've signed up for my third round.

I learn a lot from how other people print their work, both in technique and choice of papers or materials. It allows me to gain a broader view on darkroom prints and possibilities than I would be able to do based on my own work alone.
But possibly more important, it gives me a good reason to get in the darkroom more often (and therefore a chance to become better at it), rather than occasionally printing my work and put them in a box when they're dry.

Don't let any insecurity hold you back, I know my prints have loads of room for improvement, but as long as I'm happy with a print myself, I'm confident enough to send it out to someone else!

I have come close to signing up to print exchanges a few times here but I've never been able to guarantee I can follow through with the work. It's time, really, and I hate letting people down so won't commit unless I'm absolutely sure I can do what I promise. I only get in the darkroom a couple of times a year at most presently.

At first I thought about this in the same way, having the fear of not being able to deliver.
So for the first round I've started by making a couple of prints ahead, before I signed up for the print exchange itself.

Over here on Photrio the Blind Print Exchange is quite slow-paced, with a four or five-month cycle for each round.
On another forum there's a monthly round, which sometimes gives me the same worries you faced; the fear of not being able to follow through in time. There's an easy fix for that, just skip a round if you think you won't be able to deliver in time!

 

[Don_ih]

Sending out tens of postcards on a regular basis will therefore become expensive really fast.

People can sign up for four or five. But I do get your point. The print exchange and postcard exchanges are a bit different in flavour for me. I find small photos easier to print than larger ones - probably due to the fact that, with extra size, I always end up seeing areas to dodge or burn.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Is the picture an actual postcard where you address the opposite side and mail the picture as a card? Or is the postcard something you put in an envelope that's addressed to others?

 

[mohmad khatab]

hi again
I totally understand and respect where you are coming from. do you have a box camera or folding camera from the early 1900s ? they will make the perfect sized negatives for making cyanotypes if you ever venture to try this process.
While I understand and respect your opinion I do not see all photography as being a historic artifact. For decades I have worked as a documentary image maker who has photographed people, places and things for museums / archives / libraries. It shows reality, time and place, what is there, nothing else... what you propose is different, you suggests that your 35mm negatives should not be enlarged as prints? because inverting the print as a negative to be printed as a cyanotype is nothing more than enlarging the negative as you would enlarge your negative to make a print.
thanks
===

added soon after
===

sorry for our miscommunication and confusion! times like this I wish there was 1 common language all people speak

I think I understand what you believe .. "straight photography". " very little no manipulation to alter the image"

best
J

Greetings to you, dear colleague.
In fact, I am trying to buy a large format camera, but unfortunately the prices are skyrocketing fast.
There are negotiations with a friend about a very old (4X5) old camera. But provided that it is tested first, and since I do not have films for this camera due to its rarity and high prices, I am currently thinking of using X-ray films as an alternative to regular films.
Since the sellers of X-ray films only sell a box of 100 sheets and are a little expensive, I thought of getting some of these films from an X-ray technician who works in a government hospital. I mean, I'm trying to get some state-owned X-ray films that no one has ever used.
In fact, it is very complicated and requires a lot of time and effort. But I still struggle with patience.

 

[removed account4]

best of luck cousin, I hope you get your camera and that film !
don't forget you will need a tripod, cloth so you can focus, and film HOLDERS.

ps. koshery is making me hungry!

 

[Don_ih]

Is the picture an actual postcard where you address the opposite side and mail the picture as a card? Or is the postcard something you put in an envelope that's addressed to others?

Postcards - the traditional kind - although some people have been using envelopes or printing a bit bigger. But, like Matt said, Ilford has stopped making postcard paper (probably not a big seller) but 3 4x6 pieces can be cut from one 8x10.

 

[MattKing]

Is the picture an actual postcard where you address the opposite side and mail the picture as a card? Or is the postcard something you put in an envelope that's addressed to others?

People do both.
In the US, there is still a very favourable postcard postage rate, so in normal times I prepare mine 4"x6" to fit the US postcard standard and mail my non-Canadian cards from the US - I live 13 blocks away from a border crossing into the US.
In these non-normal Covid times, I pay the higher rates that Canada Post charges, but usually don't take advantage of the fact that 5"x7" cards can be sent at the letter rate.
I have a slight preference for sending them without envelopes, because I feel that the signs of postal handling are part of the experience, and I like the fact that the people in the post offices around the world also get to enjoy in the experience.

 

[Don_ih]

My biggest fear receiving them is that they get interleaved with some piece of junk mail in my mailbox, that I don't notice, and toss it in the recycling.

 

[mohmad khatab]

best of luck cousin, I hope you get your camera and that film !
don't forget you will need a tripod, cloth so you can focus, and film HOLDERS.

ps. koshery is making me hungry!

God bless you dear brother.
Thank you for your good feeling.
Yes, I am walking slowly but without stopping, and I am sure that God will certainly help me one day.
- I saw that picture on a large format forum of one of the great professors who photographed it on the X-ray film and I was very fascinated by that picture and I hope to be able to produce something like it, but with the difference I want it to be positive and transparent.

Note: man, you made me laugh about the koshary dish. Your Honorable Supervisor, may I be permitted to deviate a little from the main discussion for a moment,
This dish is basically not included in the Egyptian cuisine. The historical origin of this dish is coming from the country of Andalusia (currently the Iberian Peninsula) when it was under the rule of the Arabs, and that meal was called “Al-Bayia”,,, and that meal is still present today in southern Spain and Granada .
That meal originated at the hands of Arab chefs in the palace of the Arab prince who ruled Granada, it is said that one day, there was a big feast in the prince’s palace in honor of visitors who came from France, and the leader of the chefs team had forgotten to prepare meals for the team Cooks, assistants, workers, waiters, etc.,
And after the party ended and the feast ended, all the cooks and workers were surprised that they forgot to prepare their own meals,, while they were very hungry,,
The chef thought to combine the remaining foods from the feast, which are still edible, with each other in an innovative way, so he put rice, noodles, pasta, lentils, some grains of acid and some fried onions. hot red.
It became a very delicious meal and became a beloved meal of the kitchen staff, and when the Arab rule fell in Andalusia, the head chef left for Egypt and established a restaurant and served that meal in Egypt, but with time, minor modifications were made to the ingredients such as adding a little of Garlic, a little lemon, and so on, until that meal became 100% Egyptian.
It has become a very popular meal in Egypt and is somewhat cheap, and the reason for the popularity of this meal are the Russian tourists who come to Egypt, as they fell into the strife of that meal,,

 

[Buzz-01]

People can sign up for four or five. But I do get your point. The print exchange and postcard exchanges are a bit different in flavour for me. I find small photos easier to print than larger ones - probably due to the fact that, with extra size, I always end up seeing areas to dodge or burn.

That would indeed be an option and I might just do that someday, but for now the two print exchanges keep me occupied enough...

As for making the larger prints, I second the effort that goes into trying to get them just right!
Probably also largely due to the learning curve I'm still going through.
With every print I make I keep wondering whether I should spend another sheet to try and make it a better print.

 

[BrianShaw]

My biggest fear receiving them is that they get interleaved with some piece of junk mail in my mailbox, that I don't notice, and toss it in the recycling.

Last week I had a conversation with my letter carrier on this topic. He said that 85-90% of what he delivers is 3rd class “junk mail”. Given that volume it’s very easy for important mail to get mixed in with it. And given the large amount of junk mail that is intentionally disguised as real maim… We struggle with sorting the wheat from chaff with almost every mail delivery.

 

[Don_ih]

We struggle with sorting the wheat from chaff with almost every mail delivery.

More and more, that's the struggle for most aspects of life....

With every print I make I keep wondering whether I should spend another sheet to try and make it a better print.

I always assume I could improve the print. But I make a lot of prints. And I'm dissatisfied with most of them. But if I tried to fix all of them I'd run out of paper. Also, the unsatisfactory print is often enough to convince me the photo is no good, anyway....

 

[gone]

I've never been a joiner, and like Goucho, am suspicious of organizations that would allow someone like me to join them. Plus, I have a bad back, and a doctor's appt. Otherwise, for sure, I'd do it. Once I get caught up and all.

 

[Petrochemist]

Why do so few people take part in the member organized functions? I would assume that people interested in photography as much as so many people here seem to be would like to take part in postcard or print exchanges - especially those people that do have a well-established presence here. But I think there are currently around 8 people signed up for the blind print exchange. A few more signed up for postcard exchange.

Postage from the UK where I live to the US would be excessive, compared to the ease of scanning & sharing via the web - which is fine for composition.
Where the quality of the print needs to be accessed without the digital factors I'll share with photographers who live locally to me (I can even keep the print) - or just pin them up behind my desk & have people slag them off there

The few face to face meets from other forums I've been able to attend have always been good. Sadly most of them are too far away to be practical.

 

[Don_ih]

Postage from the UK where I live to the US would be excessive, compared to the ease of scanning & sharing via the web - which is fine for composition.
Where the quality of the print needs to be accessed without the digital factors I'll share with photographers who live locally to me (I can even keep the print) - or just pin them up behind my desk & have people slag them off there

The few face to face meets from other forums I've been able to attend have always been good. Sadly most of them are too far away to be practical.

So, you wouldn't like prints from other photographers?

 

[Petrochemist]

So, you wouldn't like prints from other photographers?

Not just random prints no.
There have been images I've seen that I'd like prints off, but I have don't have enough space for storing my own prints & displaying them is even more limited.

 

[unwantedfocus]

I checked postage from Germany it seems like max for most countries a postcard is 1,10 Euro.

 

[removed account4]

God bless you dear brother.
Thank you for your good feeling.
Yes, I am walking slowly but without stopping, and I am sure that God will certainly help me one day.
- I saw that picture on a large format forum of one of the great professors who photographed it on the X-ray film and I was very fascinated by that picture and I hope to be able to produce something like it, but with the difference I want it to be positive and transparent.

Note: man, you made me laugh about the koshary dish. Your Honorable Supervisor, may I be permitted to deviate a little from the main discussion for a moment,
This dish is basically not included in the Egyptian cuisine. The historical origin of this dish is coming from the country of Andalusia (currently the Iberian Peninsula) when it was under the rule of the Arabs, and that meal was called “Al-Bayia”,,, and that meal is still present today in southern Spain and Granada .
That meal originated at the hands of Arab chefs in the palace of the Arab prince who ruled Granada, it is said that one day, there was a big feast in the prince’s palace in honor of visitors who came from France, and the leader of the chefs team had forgotten to prepare meals for the team Cooks, assistants, workers, waiters, etc.,
And after the party ended and the feast ended, all the cooks and workers were surprised that they forgot to prepare their own meals,, while they were very hungry,,
The chef thought to combine the remaining foods from the feast, which are still edible, with each other in an innovative way, so he put rice, noodles, pasta, lentils, some grains of acid and some fried onions. hot red.
It became a very delicious meal and became a beloved meal of the kitchen staff, and when the Arab rule fell in Andalusia, the head chef left for Egypt and established a restaurant and served that meal in Egypt, but with time, minor modifications were made to the ingredients such as adding a little of Garlic, a little lemon, and so on, until that meal became 100% Egyptian.
It has become a very popular meal in Egypt and is somewhat cheap, and the reason for the popularity of this meal are the Russian tourists who come to Egypt, as they fell into the strife of that meal,,

every journey is baby steps. you'll get there!
xray film is nice and inexpensive, like using photographic paper ( similar image type ). be aware there are several types of X-ray film, some have texture
some have light sensitive coating on BOTH sides. have fun!

yes, I read the link provided by your signature. food is the great umbrella all humans stand under!

peace
John

 

[Petrochemist]

I checked postage from Germany it seems like max for most countries a postcard is 1,10 Euro.

From the UK it's £1.70 worldwide (plus the cost/time of printing) for each print sent.
Opinions from local photographers can be achieved with a single larger print. Most weeks I meet at least 4 suitable people without going out of my way at all..

 

[Don_ih]

Not just random prints no.

The different attitudes are interesting. I wouldn't consider prints made and selected by someone else as "random" - but I can see that as an apt description, nonetheless. And not everything will appeal to me or you, but that doesn't (by my estimation) deprive it of value in itself.

As for room - I most definitely don't have room for anything. I have a 5-foot tall filing cabinet filled with photo paper boxes....

 

[Don_ih]

Opinions from local photographers can be achieved with a single larger print.

I think the one thing people are not looking for with the print and postcard exchanges is an opinion. I think some people are a bit wary of joining because they think they may receive an opinion (in particular a "stop wasting film and paper and take up knitting" opinion).

Maybe this is appealing only to people who would have wanted pen pals when they were a kid.