VIDEOS: First Decent 11x14, 14x14 Ambrotype Portraits

Finally got some decent 11x14 and 14x14 Ambrotype portraits done.

Ironic Ring Flash Thing

Years back I ordered a ringflash from Austrailia, it cost around $1000. The flash was delivered then sent back, when I did not know it had arrived. I lost the money, it was my biggest loss when buying things online/

Lost Ring Flash 

The flash I got yesterday was the same one, and I got it super cheap, $75. So maybe it was destiny I was able to get it. I still need to get the battery unit, that was in the original deal,

Pushing the Envelope

 

VIDEI: Pigeon Lake

Pigeon Lake!! First time here since childhood. Kinda shitty camping space, last of 2 available  Too open for my taste, with too many screaming kids.

Will spend the day on Sunday making Ambrotypes, not sure of what. Maybe some portrait attempts tomorrow. I brought the new-used flash gear to play with.

Buy More Gear!

When in doubt buy more photo gear. Total cost $240 CAD. A super cheap, sweet deal! Will try using the gear to make Ambortype portraits.

Cambodian Crab Dream!

Dreams are so weird.

I just dreamed I was in Cambodia watching “The Killing Fields” with a large group of people in a grand old movie Cinema. Something I did in real life in Phnom Penh in 1999. Then in the dream a crab like creature crawled down from the roof, down the wall and jumped on the neck of the late actor Martin Landau. He screamed after the attack, stood up in the dark and tried to pull the creature off. Something that never happened to me in real life! Then I woke up.

Not sure how the real and unreal meshed like that on this night!! I was reading a book about the Khmer Rouge killings and recently in real life met some Cambodian refugees. That’s where this is probably coming from. Martin Landau and a killer crab? Who knows! 

I have started to plan a return trip to Thailand. Is the dream a sign  I need to return to Cambodia?

Stairs Before and After

One of the good things about retirement is you have more time for things like this. Even though I am far from a carpenter, with my tools and after watching YouTube vids I can get small things done.

Now we have easy and safe access to the backyard and to the motor home for loading. 

Note* One time a few years back I fell strait through the stairs to the ground below, rather dangerous! No more worries now. I am quite proud of myself :).

Honey Thoughts

One of the great things about Facebook is the exchanging of knowledge. One of the main groups I belong to “Collodion Bastards” has been a great learning source for me. After 7 years in the process I also try to teach what I have learned about the process to help others.

This is from a post yesterday about the use of honey.

I love the international membership in the group!!

 

Sink Water Breakdown

There was a water problem in the darkroom trailer yesterday.

I had an issue with water from the tank spilling onto the floor instead of going through the faucet. Water was draining out the trailers man door creating a huge mess in the trailer.

I had to stop using the faucet and change over to a water tank to stop development of the plates. The sewage tank was still working. 

It’s always good to have backup systems for everything!

I will need to repair the sink.

A/C Help? Kinda!

I had the A/C going most of the day in the darkroom trailer. I went through 1 1/2 of the 2 Jackery batteries. I could not get the temp down below 27.2 C even with constant closing of the man door.

The A/C did help as I was able to place my hot sweaty face into the cool air. It did help lower the overall in the trailer buy probably 3-4C but I still had some heat related artifacts on some plates. It was not as bad as years past but the were still there.

Maybe I can place the collodion and decay in front of the A/C blowing cool air. That might help. I am not sure how to cool the silver any. 

I am unsure what will happy on the really hot days.

Spreading the Work Around

Just woke up the next morning after my Coliseum shoot, I  feel sore all over. Arms feet, back!! Lots of work involved in making ULF plates. 

Trying to figure out ways to spread the work around. I will hook up the trailer to the truck the night before not on the same day as the picture making from now on. Am 62, need more rest time.

VIDEO: Plate Transport

 

Picture Making at the Coliseum

Was at Northland's Coliseum last night making Ambrotypes. It was a tough, hot day and I only did variations on 1 set up. I was trying to tell the story in a more visual way. The building ain't the most exciting structure ever invented! I tried to add some interest in the composition by shooting the subject from the abandoned back side. I might return to take a more traditional shot.

Yesterday

Northlands Coliseum Scouting Trip

Will try to photograph the old Edmonton Northland's Coliseum tomorrow on Ambrotype, possibly a second time later in the week. It is scheduled for demolition. So many great Edmonton memories here.

Am scouting shooting locations today on my scooter. Also hunted down and spoke to their security dispatch people, left my card. I think it should be OK to shoot from the parking lot.

Different viewpoints of the Coliseum

Possible Return To Thai

I am thinking of possibly returning to Thailand. I want to continue my photography and donation work. Not sure if I will return to the "Families at the Dump" in Mae Sot, maybe not. I would like to return very much to the "People Under the Freeway" series. I want to buy them more food, help their lives, and make more photographs. Several artist talks raised money, so buying food for them with that money, is a promise I need to keep. 

I am thinking of getting a room in Bangkok, and staying 2 months to do the work. I should be able to use some of the flood insurance money for the trip. I will likely stay in Bangkok the whole trip. As I get older, a simple trip seems the best trip. It would be nice to see my friends, make new photos and help those in need.

A few PHOTOS from the People who Live Under the Freeway series.

 

Trying to Write Autobiography Again.

Trying to write my book again, really struggling with it. The only way I can think of muscling through this, is doing a bit everyday, and not giving up.

I want the writing to flow, to have are relaxed joy to it. How thou?  Will try to keep at it. 

Another Freebie!

Picked up a nice FREE book shelf off Facebook marketplace last night. It only cost me a bit of diesel and a bit of muscle. I got a bunch more books organized and off the floor. A good thing all round!

The 4th bookshelf I have downstairs, 3 bought cheap now this freebie. I could probably use another 3 or 4!! I tried to count how many book shelves I currently have in the house. I think it is around 9.

Heartwarming!

Heartwarming moment of the day!!!

I was working in my backyard when I heard some singing coming from the nearby elementary school yard. There were 15 children, around 7-8 years old, likely all new immigrants, some Muslim, mostly black kids in the group. They were all dressed in red shirts. The song they sung? Oh Canada!!  

They sung with such joy!! Gotta love it.This is what Canada is about, multiculturalism at its best!

VIDEO: Fav Plate from Elk Island

My favourite plate from Elk Island National Park. Shot on Thursday last week.

I should be making plates later this week. Cut some plates last night, 3mm and 4mm from the free farmer glass. Will wash and edge albumanize them today.

Not sure where to shoot. Somewhere in the city I think.

14x14 inch, Clear glass Ambrotype- Tree Study, AMBROTOS KANATA, Elk Island National Park 2026