Edmonton Society Of Photographers Meeting

On Friday night after much trouble and tribulation traffic wise I managed to make it to my photo groups meeting 45 minutes late. I have belonged to 4 different photography clubs in my lifetime and this one "The Edmonton Society of Photographers" is the best by far. At the meeting we each got to talk about our own photography as we had 2 new members joining the group. There was lots of photographic philosophical chit chat, which is so rewarding.

ESP (The Edmonton Society of Photographers) puts photography first, it is not a social club, not a nice get together for old folks or a beginners group, it is a society of extremely dedicated artists and professionals, where photography comes first. Sometimes I feel that I am not qualified to be amongst such skilled photogs. I need to refine my thoughts and photographic approaches and improve my photography to feel more like I belong in ESP. It is a challenging group that I am very fortunate to included in, but I need to live up to what the other photographers in the society are producing. Being part of ESP will push me to work harder and be better than I have been.

The main speaker of the meeting night was member Pieter de Vos. He is working on a series of photographs shot in a black community located near Pretoria South Africa (Woodlane Village). The photographs he showed us were stunning, detailed and spoke from the heart. I was wowed by what I saw and envious that I had not made the pics. Pieter is an outstanding photographer. He also recorded the back stories and histories of the people of Woodlane Village, which is now in book form.

Pieter's amazing Woodlane Village photographs.
http://www.pieterdevos.ca/xas87e6no1fzb8x62jqimsyapxy6zu

Here is Peter's site, interview.
http://www.pieterdevos.ca/blog/2014/11/19/reflections-on-documentary-photography-and-storytelling

Links: Gerry Yaum Goes Portuguese

Found this tonight, a Portuguese website posted 6 of my sex worker photos from years back. Sort of a strange mix, not sure I would have chosen them.

http://ounicoverdadeirodeusvivo.blogspot.ca/2016/01/6-x-gerry-yaum.html

O Único Verdadeiro Deus Vivo = The One True Living God

The site seems to contain a mixture of arts and other interesting graphics. It includes lots of music related stuff, painters, and some photography (like to Edward Weston film). It is worth a look see, here is the link to their home page.

http://ounicoverdadeirodeusvivo.blogspot.ca/

Small Print For Filters

My eBay friend in England Paul is sending me some filter, his price, a photograph. I will print him a 8x10 image from "Forgotten Laughter" and send it out to him before I go back to Thai soon. Will print a couple of extras and try to sell them on eBay at a cheap price. Hopefully I can make a few extra dollars that I can donate back to the families.

Here is the 8x10 print I am working on for Paul.

Small print attempt 1

-120 seconds, filter 1.5, f8, Durst condensor enlarger
- dodge face with small round tool -40s
- dodge arm with cut mask tool -40s
- dodge hand with small round tool -50s

Possible Carts

Been looking at some possible ULF gear carts, some collapsible some not. The first is not collapsible but available locally, the 2nd 3rd are collapsible and possible overseas cart. I could lie the ULF gear box flat on the first garden 4 wheeled cart and unload and load from that position. The other two carts I would have to remove the gear box and place it on the ground before using it, then load it up turn it on its side and back in the cart to haul, far from ideal! I could also abandon the heavy duty plastic case and just load everything into these smaller carts, but then how do I protect my camera and gear?

I might be able to get a cart like the third collapsible version made for me in Thailand. I could get it built larger allowing the 31 inch ULF gear case to lay on its bottom not its side. When making photos I could then wheel up, unload, take my pics, load up and wheel off without ever touching the ground.

60 inch x 36 inch Green Heavy Duty Nursery Wagon, $229 CAD, rated to 800 lbs.

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.60-in-l-x-36-in-w-green-heavy-duty-large-flat-nursery-wagon.1000753449.html

Collapsible "Smart dock cart", inside 38x16, $325 CAD rated to 300 lbs.

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.smart-cart-dock-cart.1000651460.html

Collapsible dock cart, inside 38x22.75, $204 USD, rated to 330 lbs

A ULF Case Or Cases

Thinking of buying a case something like this for all my ULF gear. This case I believe would be able to carry

-the 16x20 camera (MAY LEE)

- 5 or so 16x20 holders

- meter
- changing tent

- dark cloth

- Gitzo 9 foot tripod with head (the angle of the box is 38 inches)

- 1 or 2 lens with lens boards

- reducing back? with second set of holders?

I should be able to put everything into one case then put that case on a cart system of some kind. This would probably be the best option. The case would weigh a ton (100 lbs+?) but having all the gear in one waterproof and very tough case seems the way to go. I could have the cart folded up and load the case in any Asian bus, then on off loading for photos put the case on the cart and move it where I require. More thought needed but this is probably the way I will go. This style case goes for $503 USD plus shipping.

If the case is too heavy then I will have to go with 2 separate cases.

- Case 42 lbs

- Camera 34 lbs

- Tripod 8lbs

- miscellaneous 10 lbs

- lens?

- holders probably more than 20 lbs

SKB Cases 3R2727-27B-E 3R 27" Deep Roto Molded Military-Standard Empty Case New

SKU: SKB12-3R2727-27B-E

Waterproof and dust tight design (MIL-C-4150J)

LLDPE Polyethylene impact resistant

UV, solvents, corrosion, fungus resistant (MIL-STD-810F)

Pressure relief / breather valves

Resistant to impact damage (MIL-STD-810F)

Stainless steel latches and hinges

WEIGHT

Shipping Weight: 52.00 lb / 23.59 kg

Product Weight: 46.20 lb / 20.96 kg

INSIDE DIMENSIONS

Lid Depth: 3.50 in / 8.89 cm

Base Depth: 23.50 in / 59.69 cm

Interior Length: 27.00 in / 68.58 cm

Interior Width: 27.00 in / 68.58 cm

Interior Depth; 27.00 in / 68.58 cm

Interior Cu. Volume: 11.39 cu ft / 0.32 cu m

Having 2 of these at $457 USD each might be a slightly better option, each case is 9 lbs lighter and would carry less gear, making them more manageable. Two 50-60 lb boxes versus one 120 lb box.

SKB Cases 3R2727-18B-E 3R 18" Deep Roto Molded Military-Standard Empty Case New

SKU: SKB12-3R2727-18B-E

Waterproof and dust tight design (MIL-C-4150J)

LLDPE Polyethylene impact resistant

UV, solvents, corrosion, fungus resistant (MIL-STD-810F)

Pressure relief / breather valves

Resistant to impact damage (MIL-STD-810F)

Stainless steel latches and hinges

WEIGHT

Shipping Weight: 40.00 lb / 18.14 kg

Product Weight: 37.20 lb / 16.87 kg

INSIDE DIMENSIONS

Lid Depth: 3.50 in / 8.89 cm

Base Depth: 14.50 in / 36.83 cm

Interior Length: 27.00 in / 68.58 cm

Interior Width: 27.00 in / 68.58 cm

Interior Depth: 18.00 in / 45.72 cm

Interior Cu. Volume: 7.59 cu ft / 0.22 cu m

Plastic Baggies

Got the largest PC brand zip lock plastic bags I could find at Superstore last night. I plan on bringing back items from inside the dump for possible shows in 2017-18.  I want to use "found objects" along with video, blog entries, artist talks and of course the photographs in any future exhibitions for "Forgotten Laughter, "Families of the Dump". "Found Objects" will add to the exhibition experience for the viewer. Not sure how many bags to take with me, at least 10 maybe more.

Bought My First ULF Film

Just did up my first buy of Ultra Large Format film from Fotoimpex in Germany. I bought 10 sheets of Adox CHS 100 ll and 25 sheets of 5x7 Adox CHS 100 ll. Got the 5x7 film to play with before the big stuff comes out. The cost with shipping was $356. CAD. Later on if this film works for me I will move up to larger orders of 50-100 sheets of 16x20 at a time.
https://www.fotoimpex.de/shopen/films/adox-chs-100-ii-406x508-cm-16x20-inch-10-sheets.html

I still have to get plenty of gear to shoot ULF. I need to buy a Gitzo high end  tripod, 2-5 16x20 holders, a super large film changing tent, cases to hall everything and at least one lens with enough coverage to do 16x20. I am on the path to making pictures with MAY LEE (16x20 Chamonix Camera), the first photos should be in the summer.

I plan on starting out slow doing an "Edmonton At Night" series and a "Trees" series of pics first. I am so excited by all the possibilities MAY LEE holds. If things go well, this camera (with Adox CHS 100 film?) will be used in Asia to do important photos on Buddhism and to do wet plate work here in Canada, recording and interpreting what it is to be Canadian.

"Ain't Photography Grand!!"

Update* Got my first box of 8x10 X-ray film the other day. This film is the one side coated slightly more expensive X-ray film. Am still waiting for the second company to ship me their style of X-ray film. This second  company had some outdated film (blue sensitive) that I bought for $20, am waiting for them to receive some fresh film after which they will ship me 3 boxes. 1 box green sensitive fresh, 1 box blue sensitive fresh and 1 outdated box of blue sensitive.

I will end up having 400 sheets of X-ray film from 2 different companies in 2 different types (green and blue) to practise with before moving on to the 14x17 size film. It should be fun, I want to end this testing crap and move onto my choice and make photos!!, soon!

Link: Unboxing Video! For 16x20 Chamonix Camera

Here is the unboxing video I did up for my Chamonix 16x20. I always felt these unboxing vids were pretty stupid ideas, but hey when you got get 16x20 you just got to do one!

Here is the link to the unboxing video.
YouTube-Unboxing 16x20 Chamonix

Joyful Gerry with his new toy errr tool!

Note* I made this video with my new used Sony RX100II point and shoot digital camera. Everything worked great the only downside is you have to convert the files from Sony's MTS to Mpeg4s before you can edit it in iMovie.
Update* I gave my beauty a name, May Lee (Mae Lei) which is Mandarin for "PRETTY" (close enough anyway). Since the camera came from Shanghai and is a lady, it seemed like a good name. Crazy? Maybe so, but May Lee and I are going to make beautiful pics together!
Update** Good thing I made this video when I was putting the camera back together, it did not fit in the velcro wrap. I had to review the vid to see how to put on the wrap again. With a bit of help I eventually figured it out, you need to turn the camera at an angle to get the wrap to close properly, DOGHHH!

It's Here! : ))

The camera arrived, in tip top condition and it's FRICKING BEAUTIFUL!!!

My brand new, fricking beautiful 16x20 Chamonix camera

Wet Plate Photographer Chris Honeysett

I have been exchanging emails with a wonderful wet plate photographer, Chris Honeysett. His work and videos have inspired me, I might try a Canada based project using wet plate partly because of Chris's influence. All photos below were made by Chris Honeysett using the wet plate process.
Here are links to his work.
http://www.wetcollodion.com/
Chris Photographing With His 12x20 Camera (Video)

Trees series photographs by Chris Honeysett

Bumpity Bump, Bump, Bumping!!

It is 140pm and I am still waiting on my 16x20 Chamonix. The camera did not arrive yesterday but is in the delivery truck today. It is bumpity, bump, bump, bumping down the streets of Edmonton right now as I type this. Hopefully they packed it well in Shanghai and no damage is being done. You do not want your $8500 CAD camera, a camera you have dreamed of using most of your life being damaged!

Fed Ex, hurry, hurry!! Bring me my new beautiful super large camera! I need to fondle it : ))

Travel History

---

Date/Time	Activity		Location
3/01/2016 - Tuesday
7:08 am	On FedEx vehicle for delivery		EDMONTON, AB
2/29/2016 - Monday
5:40 pm	At local FedEx facility		EDMONTON, AB
3:50 pm	At destination sort facility		EDMONTON INT'L AIRPORT, AB
10:09 am	International shipment release - Import		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
10:09 am	Shipment exception		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
	Held, cleared regulatory agency(s) after aircraft/truck departed
8:33 am	Clearance in progress		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
8:24 am	In transit		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
	Package available for clearance
2/26/2016 - Friday
3:50 am	In transit		MEMPHIS, TN
2/25/2016 - Thursday
10:30 pm	In transit		SHANGHAI CN
10:28 pm	International shipment release - Export		SHANGHAI CN
10:23 pm	Arrived at FedEx location		MEMPHIS, TN
5:57 pm	International shipment release - Export		SHANGHAI CN
8:11 am	Clearance delay - Import		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
2/23/2016 - Tuesday
10:30 pm	At local FedEx facility		SHANGHAI CN
7:49 pm	Picked up		SHANGHAI CN
	Package received after FedEx cutoff
2:15 am	Shipment information sent to FedEx

Bought A Ball Head For My 16x20 Chamonix Camera

Bought a used Gitzo Systematic Ball Head Series 5 with quick release today of a eBay. Not sure that ball heads are the way to go with view cameras especially super large ones like a 16x20. I wanted to give this head a try thou. If it works it would be a lot lighter and easier to carry about then a more heavier geared head of some kind. If this head does not work out I might go with a more traditional head from a Ries wooden tripod.

The Gitzo GH5381SQD is rated to 66 lbs, in combination with the 9 foot carbon fibre Gitzo tripod I plan on buying (rated to 88 lbs), I should have a great and light combo. The Chamonix 16x20 weighs 34 lbs, with film holder and lens it should be in the 45-55 lb area, well under the 66 lb max. capacity of the ball head. What I am worried about is loosey goosey tight movements when I try to make slight adjustments in composition. The whole thing might just fall over : ))

I got the head used (mint condition) on eBay for a decent price $382 USD versus a new version which sells for $599 USD ($639 USD at B&H). With the good used price I decided to take a swing at this head and hope it is the answer I am looking for. I could probably use it with my 8x10 cameras (got 3 of those) or a future 11x14 camera if it does not work with the 16x20.

Update* I ended up getting free shipping from the eBay seller in the States, a good deal all round!

Gitzo Series 5 Systematic Ball Head Specs. 

• Load Capacity: 66 lb
• Arca-Type Compatible
• Low-Profile Friction Ball Head
• Fits Into Shoulder of Systematic Tripod
• Quick-Release Plate & Safety Mechanism
• 360° Panoramic Rotation
• +28° / -28° Lateral Tilt
• Fast & Smooth Hydraulic Locking System
• Included Ring Adapter

Direct Positive Printing Out Paper From Ilford!

While studying the work and techniques of the Chamonix photographer Tim Layton I came across a no negative direct positive paper (had to learn what that was). The paper is called "Harmon direct positive printing out paper", it is  made by Ilford. Pretty cool stuff, you can put the stuff in your view film holder then expose and develop it leaving a one of a kind unique print. It is available with free shipping from B&H in 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20 FB.


I want to try this process, experiment with it, see what it looks like. Later on it might become a part of my creative technique, I might even try giving workshops on it! Will order a package of 4x5 my the next time I get some stuff from New York. The ASA on this stuff is 1-3.
http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/product.asp?n=65

Here is Tim Layton's site, loads of fun, strong work and many things to learn here. This site is highly recommended, please visit.
http://www.timlaytonfineart.com/blog

25 sheet box of 4x5 direct positive paper from Ilford

Here is a sample portrait made by photographer Alessandro Bocchi (gosh Italian names are exotic, everyone sounds like an opera singer). I included the artist process details for the making of this direct positive photograph.
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?111617-Italians-Gone-Surfing/page2

Photo by Alessandro Bocchi

Milano Marittima - Cervia (RA) Italy - "Italians Gone Surfing" a Series of Portrait of Surfers, Windsurfers, Kitesurfers and also Skateboarders. Portrait of Stefano Manzi, a surfer from Cesenatico.

- Camera: TOYO-FIELD 45 AII L (Linhof)
- Lens: Voigtlander Heliar 210 1:4.5 in Compound shutter
- Exposure: 1 second between f 4.5 and f 6.3
- Film: HARMAN FB Direct Positive Paper - 3 ASA - size 4x5"
- Developer: ILFORD PQ UNIVERSAL 1+9 - 2 minutes at 20° C
- Stop: ILFORD ILFO STOP
- Fixer: ILFORD RAPID FIXER
- Lightmeter: Gossen Lunasix 3 reading the incident light.
- Lightning: Ambient light only.

- Scanner: EPSON V700 and EPSON Scan 3.81
- Software: Adobe Photoshop CS4

Note* One positive thing about using this stuff overseas is that with an ASA of 1-3 it probably could go through 50 airport X-ray machines and not be fogged. 

My 16x20 Chamonix Camera, Arriving Today?

Think my 16x20 Chamonix camera should arrive from Shanghai today, probably in the next 2 hours. It is fun to track the history of this 41.46 lb package around the world! Lots of camera fondling to follow this week. The trick is after this initial romance is over to keep using and keep shooting the camera for the rest of my life!! More importantly, I need to make strong/strong/STRONG photographs with it. Can I do "In Buddhas Path" with this tool?

Here is the Chamonix 16x20 travel history from the factory in Shanghai China to Gerry's crib in Edmonton Canada. Unboxing video and photos to follow!

Travel History

---

Date/Time	Activity		Location
2/29/2016 - Monday
10:09 am	International shipment release - Import		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
10:09 am	Shipment exception		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
	Held, cleared regulatory agency(s) after aircraft/truck departed
8:33 am	Clearance in progress		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
8:24 am	In transit		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
	Package available for clearance
2/26/2016 - Friday
3:50 am	In transit		MEMPHIS, TN
2/25/2016 - Thursday
10:30 pm	In transit		SHANGHAI CN
10:28 pm	International shipment release - Export		SHANGHAI CN
10:23 pm	Arrived at FedEx location		MEMPHIS, TN
5:57 pm	International shipment release - Export		SHANGHAI CN
8:11 am	Clearance delay - Import		EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AB
2/23/2016 - Tuesday
10:30 pm	At local FedEx facility		SHANGHAI CN
7:49 pm	Picked up		SHANGHAI CN
	Package received after FedEx cutoff
2:15 am	Shipment information sent to FedEx

Quotes: Photographer Billy Kwan (The Year Of Living Dangerously)

"Don't think about the major issues. You do what you can about the misery in front of you. You add your light to the sum of all light."

" Starvation is a great aphrodisiac."

"Most of us become children again when we enter the slums of Asia. And last night I watched you walk back into childhood. With all its opposite intensities: laughter and misery, the crazy and the grim, toy town and a city of fear."

"In the West, we want answers for everything. Everything is right or wrong, or good or bad. But in the [shadow play], no such final conclusion exists. Look at Prince Ajuna. He's a hero. But he can also be fickle and selfish. Krishna says to him, "All is clouded by desire, Ajuna, as a fire by smoke, as a mirror by dust. Through these, it blinds the soul."

"What then must we do? We must give with love to whoever God has placed in our path."

Quotes: First Corinthians

"Love never fails, it tells us; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud,"

2 More Forgotten Dad Photos

As I was making up my "Fathers Last Days" submission for the AGSA gallery in Saint Albert I came upon these two forgotten photos. These photos were taken during the hot summer of 2014 when dad used to lay in bed shirtless.

The Dad Dreams Return

It is mid day, keep waking up after dreaming of dad. Lots of dreams of his funeral, just after he was buried, lying in the coffin, walking and talking beside mom and me, me telling him how much I miss him, telling him how we wished he did not die, tears, sadness. Too many dreams, 3 or 4 I think. Not as intense as last year but still pretty real, dad has been gone over 1 year now, his death day was Feb 22.

Not sure why all these dreams have returned, maybe preparing the submission, the recent passing of the day we lost him, maybe the photo I posted last blog (seeing his eyes again). Have not dreamt like this for many months, but they are all back again this afternoon. Need to get some sleep before work tonight.

More On The Blurred Photo Idea

Found this photo today while looking through dads scanned negs. This pic was made with a 35mm fairly early in dads last year with us. I am making up a 2nd submission for the AGSA (Art Gallery of Saint Albert). Hopefully this submission "My Fathers Last Days" or "Forgotten Laughter" will get in to the gallery.

The neg is only slightly blurred, more blur would probably add to the isolated, confused feel. Maybe if I show this in a gallery series I can add a second later more blurred portrait of similar style to show the illnesses progression and dads feelings later on. My father was so open to be photographed, one of his last gifts to me.

This is the type of portrait I was referring to in the earlier post about how I might use my 16x20 Chamonix camera. I could shoot X-ray 14x17 or Adox 16x20 and do tight face portraits. I would probably need a second bellows to focus this closely.

I pumped the contrast a lot in photoshop to create a harsher effect, would probably darkroom print it the same way with a filter #5 in the Durst with a condenser head, cold tone fibre paper and straight Dectol for max contrast.

Note* Do not have my Chamonix yet but already wish I would have bought it earlier so I could have photographed dad with it.

Blurred dad 35mm, early 2014

My 16x20 Chamonix Is On Its Way!!!!!!

Got my tracking number today for my brand new 16x20 Chamonix camera, it is currently in Shanghai China (where it was made). Arrival is expected on the 29th of February!!! Exciting stuff!!!!

I plan on ordering at least 4 reducing backs for it in the next year, possibly as many as 6. Some of the possibles include:

1) 11x14 (portrait work)
2) 14x17 (X-ray film, possible portrait work and landscape work)
3) 8x20 (super panoramic landscapes)
4) 12x20 (part panoramic landscapes)
5) 14x14 wet plate (square format portrait and landscape)
6) 16x20 wet plate (max size I can fit on the camera, portrait and landscape)

I am also interested in 7x17 and 20x24 size cameras, but would probably buy those formats as separate cameras.

Update* Spent last night studying about alternative processes, hopefully I can use this camera to create some of that work.

Update** Think I found the tripod for this beast. I is a carbon fibre Gitzo that can carry up to 88lbs that can stand 9 feet tall and can fold down to a reasonable size and carrying weight. The tripod will cost $1300-$1500 USD but should be outstanding to use, much better than any wooden model.

Update*** I guess with the wet plate backs and Chamonix cameras you can get some kind of adaptor board to fit in. I would buy a 16x20 size wet plate back then adaptor board to fit that back at any size smaller than 16x20 that I wanted. 15x15, 14x14, 11x14 etc.

Photo Idea: 14x17 Blurred Portraits

Been thinking over the last few days of a unique type of portrait I can make with my ULF Chamonix camera. A vertical tight portrait of faces with blur on 14x17 film (possibly X-ray).

The idea is I would focus in tight on the face, then expose in available light at maybe F9 (with the 450mm Nikkor f9) and have a 1-4 second exposure. During that long shutter speed the subject would inevitably move somewhat creating the effect I want. I might have to purchase a second 16x20 bellows and end up with a bellows factor of 3 or 4 stops but I think this can be done.

When I was doing the "My Fathers Last Days" series of dad I often would incorporate movement in the 35mm exposures, sometimes the camera shook, sometimes dad moved. I love the look of those portraits, the look in his eyes. This technique seemed to tell a better story of what my father was going through than a sharp more static image would. I would try to get that same feel with this new photo idea, everything would just be magnified to ULF inch film.

Having a large 14x17 negative that I could then contact print on fibre silver gelatin or in an alternative process like platinum could create a powerful feeling/looking portrait.

Note* Wonder if I could take such a major camera setup to Asia? If I could do the white background stuff with studio, lights etc I am sure I could manage this, it would be a major undertaking. Lets first see if I can get this working the way I want in Canada. Can try some tests of my photo group friends later this year.