The Passage of Time

 

Back at Lunbreck Falls!!

We are back at Lundbreck Falls, Alberta. Spent three nights at a local campground, then came to the falls at 7am to get a spot. We left at around 6pm after a long day of 11c1; inch Ambrotypes making.

Note* My 8x10 Ambrotype from 2023 is currently going through second judging at the Alberta Foundation for the arts Acquisition Program. The shots this year are on larger plates from the other side of the fall's area.

IF I get the $1000 CAD check for that purchase, I will use it to buy wet plate chemicals.

Silver Spill

I had an expensive silver bath spill in the trailer. I lost part of a funeral during filtering. Got stains on my body, arm and feet.

Note* I ordered a better clamp system to prevent another accident.

Note** I was as wearing gloves and safety glasses

Canada’s Unique Names

 

Ansel at Thrift Store!

Thrift stores are fun. You never know what you will find. Picked up 2 huge Ansel Adams posters in black metal, glass frames for $30 CAD each. Clearing Winter Storm and Oak Tree. Will hang them for beauty and inspiration! We also got some $1 books, a bunch of $2 clothes! It was fun.

New supersized Posters!

Obsession with Money

 

Videos: Second Day at the Church

Woke up and spent a full day and night at the church in Insinger, making plates. 

At the abandoned Church, Saskatchewan. AMBROTOS KANATA project.

Gerry Collodion. 14x14 inch plate, clear glass, Vinegar developer.

14x14 inch Ambrotype

Back at the Church!

Got to the church again. Managed to make one ok plate, with the clock flicking on night fall. Will do more all day tomorrow. Spending the night alone on the prairies of Saskatchewan!!

Flat Tire on the Trailer

Picked up a nail on our rear right trailer tire. We went through a long construction site on entering Dauphin, Manitoba yesterday, probably got it there. Called AMA, waiting on the tow truck, to change the tire.

Video: How to Deal with Highwinds?

Now that I am in the land of internet again. Here is a video from the shooting on lake Winnipeg yesterday. I had to hide behind a tree and load the camera tripod down with rocks to get the shot.

Videos: Bye, Bye #3

 Bye to 24x24 plate number 3, made at Lake Winnipeg.

24x24 Plates, First Try!

My first ever attempt at the 24x24 plates!! It was fun and VERY challenging.

First time using the camera to make 24x24 inch plates. First time using the silver tank for that size, first time flowing that size plate with collodion, first time developing that size plate. 

I made 3 -24x24 inch plates tater in the day yesterday at Lake Winnipeg. 1-a complete disaster, 2-better but terrible, 3- almost OK (over exposed with edge issues).

It was a great learning experience. 14x14 inch Ambrotypes seem so much easier. I made 9 -11x14 inch plates earlier that day without too many issues. 24x24 is monster hard in comparison. 

This is my second last big jump. After 24x24 is accomplished only 35x35 remains! It is important to figure out 24x24. I will take the camera across the country making plates for AMBROTOS KANATA.

24x24 Chamonix Camera

#1

#2

#3

Dimsum at the camera position the next day.

Lake Winnipeg 11x14 Plates

A few issues to start but then the plates came fast and easy. Lake Winnipeg, 11x14 Ambrotypes. Did 3 setups of about 8 plates in about 4 hours time.

Setup #1

11x14 Chamonix camera. Bought last winter, second hand.

Video: Shooting in High Winds

Shooting in high winds at Lake Winnipeg. Am weighing my camera down with rocks. I had both my 8x10 and 20x24 camera both go down in the wind. Now I am highly paranoid about it happening again.

A Good Memory

 

Manitoba Lake First Nation

Language Power!!

So am walking the streets of Gimli, Manitoba and come upon a Thai shop selling clothing. I go in speak English to the pretty lady running the shop. Halfway through the talk I switch to Thai. At first she says “excuse me”? I repeat, then her eyes grow very large, her mouth drops open, she looks shocked. Then she laughs and tells a customer “He speaks Thai!”. She then tells me how smart I am to speak Thai. Then we speak Thai together, she launches into a Thai soliloquy, I get about 80% of that. We joke about “SomTum” (Papaya Salad). We are both laughing and having fun.

This story illustrates the importance of language to make friends, gain acceptance and grow trust. The fact I can speak basic Thai made me a friend new today. When I am in Thai, that kind of friendship leads to access and photographs.

I learn Filipino for the same reason. This Thai girl spoke English but speaking in Thai to her made things closer. In the Philippines most folks speak English but if I am walking Tondo slum in Manila and sit down beside a man and can launch into Tagalog (Filipino), it will help! People love it when you can speak their language. 

Note* If I speak Thai in Thailand, people always respond quickly. Whenever I speak Thai to a Thai or Laos person in Canada, there is always that shocked moment where I need to repeat myself. I have grown to expect it, quite funny!

Video: Washing Plates 11x14 and 14x14 Inch

Washing the plates at a FREE boon docking place in Gimli, Manitoba! List one plate in transport.

2nd Setup

2nd set up!

First Setup of Trip

Photographing at Winnipeg Beach today. A good learning day. Tons of firsts and second. Lisa guarding my camera, using the 360mm Nikon on 14x14 inch plates, vignetting. Have to be out of the campground by 3pm, so a rushing day. Will do the wash and dry at a different location.

Note* I love the new Garland trays!!