Following trends...

DON'T do it.

Here's an article explaining why.

CLICK HERE.

Photo Paper For Sale

Here's a guy selling some photo paper...it'll go pretty cheap.

CLICK HERE

Film isn't dead...it's only mostly dead.

Read this article. You will like it...I think.

For those of you who don't know who Miracle Max is, CLICK HERE.

What are you creating?

A good article

This is a good article. 

John, you should read this.  Wait, everyone should read this.

Portraits

From Wikipedia (yeah, a terrible source, but I liked the definition...)

Portrait:

"A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expression is predominant. The intent is to display the likeness, personality, and even the mood of the person. For this reason, in photography a portrait is generally not a snapshot, but a composed image of a person in a still position. A portrait often shows a person looking directly at the painter or photographer, in order to most successfully engage the subject with the viewer."



Three rules to this assignment...no, wait...SEVEN rules to this assignment.

Rule #1: NO MYSPACE PHOTOS - I think you all know what this means. You've seen 'em, you've taken 'em, I don't want 'em. If you need a reminder about what I'm talkin' 'bout, watch this video.



Rule #2: You need to shoot at least three different people.

Rule #3: No pets.

Rule #4: One of the people you photograph must be someone you do NOT know.

Rule #5: One of those three people MUST be yourself...but, you can't BE yourself...

Rule #6 No groups.

Rule #7 Present them in color (black and white portraits will be next)

Here is Cindy Sherman doing her version of Lucille Ball.



Here is a link to the National Portrait Gallery. You will get a lot of good ideas here from paintings, sculpture and photography.

National Portrait Gallery

Here is one of my favorite portrait photographers...Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon Portrait Gallery

Hiroshi Watanabe's gallery has a few sections of portraits that are interesting.

August Sander was a German photographer who made portraits of farmers and working class people near Cologne prior to World War II. After the Nazi's gained power, Sander continued to shoot the people in his city, many of them shown in Nazi military uniforms. Sander's portraits provide possibly the widest cross-section of Germans during that time.

Here is a self-portrait of me as Abraham Lincoln.



Here is our friend Steve McCurry talking about what you should do BEFORE YOU START PHOTOGRAPHING SOMEONE'S PORTRAIT.

Student Show - Call For Entries

Dear Visual Arts students and faculty,

The following is information about the Annual Student show that is coming up.

 

CALL FOR ENTRIES for the BYU Annual Student Show.
Drop off work March 19th-21st, 9:00-4:00 at Frame Shop, B315 HFAC
Pick up declined work March 29th-30th

The work will be on display April 5th-20th
Pick up work on display April 20th 3-5 PM and April 21st 10-3 PM

Limit 3 Entries per Student. NO COST.
Over $2,000 in awards will be offered!

 

 

Thank you,

 

Jessica Roylance

Secretary

BYU Department of Visual Arts

3122 JKB

Provo, UT 84602

 

Improve your printing...here's a good article.

Magnum's master printer talks in this interview on how he prints in the darkroom.  This might give you some ideas on how to start thinking about your printing.  It can get way more involved than just a simple dodge and burn.


READ THIS.

Edible Developers - for film

So here's an interesting...albeit somewhat long...discussion about developers that you can use for your film that you could also EAT!

Yummmmy!

Read this, then go grocery shopping.

Might be an interesting idea for a final project...hint, hint...

Photography Projects - some sites

Landscape Stories

Visura Magazine

Photo Lucida

Fraction Magazine

Unless You Will

These should keep you busy for a while.

I didn't know Paul McCartney had a darkroom...

Chernobyl - photo essay

Check this out.

My new camera...

I shot six portraits yesterday with my new camera. It's from 1900 and the lens is from 1907. Truly old-school. I'll process the film this week. Here's the camera. It's pretty sweet, but the shutter was being totally finicky.

Final Project Idea

Here's a pretty neat idea for a final project. Too bad it's been done now...

Start thinking guys!

One less item for my 'do not shoot' list...

They removed the last train car that headed out to SaltAir on Saturday. It's sad to see it go, but it was an attractive nuisance and it was only a matter of time before someone got hurt on it.

How to make your Canon lenses better...

READ THIS.

30 frames per second

Here's a cool page showing home run hitter Barry Bonds hitting his 756th home run.

CLICK HERE



I'll show a video in class that will demonstrate how it was made. Remember, this is pretty old-school, so it took some creative thinking and problem-solving.

Washed Out - also on being creative

The Creative Process

Watch this. It might help you figure some stuff out this term.

Colldion Wet Plate

Check this out. I am going to start doing this.

Ansel Adams - Documentary

This is quite long, but you will learn a lot by watching it. Listen to the philosophy behind his image making.

Clearing Up Any Confusion

So there might be some confusion as to the lyrics that are in the song Blinded By The Light by the Manfred Mann's Earth Band.

I wanted to make sure that we were all clear on the lyrics, so I am showing this wonderful video that ought to clear up any questions you may have had in the past.

Assignment #2 - Get It Right

Get it right? What the heck does that mean? This is what it means:

Shoot one roll of film.

Make all of the images on the roll of film about the same thing, theme or idea.

This thing, theme or idea should be one that you feel that you were unable, for *whatever reason*, to accomplish during the last photo class you had taken.

Oh, you haven't taken a photo class in years you say? Well get over it, don't over think this and realize that what I'm asking you to do is photograph something that you really have wanted to for a while.

This assignment, along with assignment #1 will be due on the same day...probably the second Thursday in February. We'll talk about that in class next week.

Still confused? You're thinking about this WAY too hard.

Twinkies and Film - you can rest easy now...

Well, there's finally some truth-in-reporting showing up regarding the alleged demise of Kodak and Twinkies.

READ THIS ARTICLE to get the truth.

Another Reason To Love Film

Here's an article from Variety about the problems with archiving digital material.

CLICK HERE

Film Still Profitable To Kodak

This is an article that should give you hope now that you have fallen in love with film.

Clickez-vous

Controlling Black and White Contrast On A Color Enlarger

Using Ilford Multigrade paper - you can try the following -
but remember each manufactures enlarger will behave differently!

LOW CONTRAST

Grade 0 = approx 110Y
Grade 1= approx 70Y
Grade 2= approx 0M & 0Y

Grade 2.5= approx 30M
NORMAL CONTRAST

Grade 3= approx 45M
Grade 3.5= approx 55M
Grade 4= approx 95M
Grade 5= approx 170M

HIGH CONTRAST

NOTE: These are approximations only - you will have to do a few tests with your own enlarger or email the manufacturer for recommendations!

A Little Photo History

Watch this.

Film To Process

Each of these boxes is full. I can process 5-sheets of film at a time. It takes roughly 40 minutes to an hour to process those 5-sheets. I have a bit of work ahead of me.

The Massive Development Chart

Here's the developing chart to end all developing charts. CLICK THIS LINK.

You may want to bookmark this page. It will also give you some ideas about what other types of films you might want to try.

First Image Of 2012

Each year I like to go out and make a final image on December 31st, then go out again on January 1st to start off the new year right.

I have been experimenting with some new material from Harmon/Ilford that makes a positive image onto a piece of photographic paper. This is a four-panel image made with my 8x10 camera. It is a location I like to photograph repeatedly and this would probably be the 30th time I've been there in the past 10 years.

We'll talk about this type of image making more as the semester progresses, so if this is all lost on you don't worry about it. Some of these terms will become clearer as your knowledge of the darkroom and of different cameras increases.



Lee Creek, Great Salt Lake, 2012

Kodak Bankruptcy Imminent

Read This.

Let's plan on discussing how this impacts our participation in film-based photography.

Syllabus

Brigham Young University
Department of Visual Arts
Vapho 170 - Intro To B&W Photography
Instructor: Michael Slade
E-mail: sladephoto@yahoo.com
Phone: 801-703-6919

Syllabus

Introduction:

Photo 1 is designed to introduce the beginning photographer to various concepts that will help them interpret and communicate their world visually using a film-based camera, a darkroom and various presentation techniques. We will build on what you have previously learned in the digital darkroom and will move beyond that.

Seeing and learning how to communicate the things that an individual deems important will be the emphasis of this class. Camera technique and manipulation will be of utmost importance. Learning how to creatively control exposure and composition at the time of initial image making is the primary objective. Commenting on your world accurately and with purity of intent is vital. Turd-polishing is NOT allowed.

Equipment:

35mm OR medium format camera. But...let's start with the 35mm camera...it'll be easier.

****OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED****

Textbook - The Negative by Ansel Adams, The Print by Ansel Adams

Buy them used or check them out from the library. Indispensable for understanding exposure and printing.

Tripod - it will become your best friend. Apart from the camera and darkroom, it is the most important piece of equipment you can purchase. They do NOT have to be expensive.

****END OF OPTIONAL BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED SECTION****

Commitment:

This is college. It is for adults who want to learn. Sometimes it is hard, sometimes it is fun. Oftentimes it is both. This course will return what you put into it, if you give this course maximum effort, you will learn and earn a high grade. To do this will require you to take charge of your own learning. This is a commitment. Part of this commitment is to come to class on time, be attentive, ask questions, keep your mind open to new ideas and fulfill assigned projects on time. Sometimes problems may arise that may interfere with your learning. It is important for you to communicate beforehand with your instructor about any problems. When understood and anticipated beforehand these problems can be easily resolved.

Learning is a synthesis of ideas. You will build upon the knowledge and ideas that you already have learned. Try and approach this course from that perspective. You are the one responsible for your success in this course. Make a commitment now to your own learning and success.

Revisions to Syllabus:

The standards and requirements in this syllabus may be modified at any time by the course instructor. Any changes will be announced in class.

Disability Accomodation:

Student should inform the instructor of any special need he or she may have. Academic Accommodations are granted for all students who have qualified documented disabilities.

Attendance:

Please be present not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Be on time, and prepared with the proper materials, reading, research and assignments. Excessive absences will have a drastic influence on your grade. If you are aware of absences that may occur due to illness, doctor appointments, or other circumstances, please discuss them with your instructor via email or phone before you are absent.

If I am late in arriving to class, you must wait a full 20 minutes after the start of class before you may leave without being counted absent, or you must follow any written instructions I may give you about my anticipated tardiness. 

Classroom Conduct:

I will conduct this class in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I encourage your active participation in class discussions, lectures, and demonstrations. Please be attentive, respectful, and prepared to learn. Each of us may have strongly differing opinions on the various topics of class discussions. The conflict of ideas is encouraged and welcome. The orderly questioning of the ideas of others, including mine, is similarly welcome. However, I will exercise my responsibility to manage the discussions so that ideas and argument can proceed in an orderly fashion. You should expect that if your conduct during class discussions seriously disrupts the atmosphere of mutual respect that I expect in this class, you will not be permitted to participate further. The student is expected to follow all policies regarding photography. Any misuse of the equipment or failure to follow policies may result in an immediate dismissal from the class.

Work/lab days:

Lab days are given for you to work on your projects. Lab days are a time used in the lab where you will work on your projects and have more personal feedback from the instructor both with technical and conceptual issues. Lab days are not just free days you must be present for your assigned lab time.

Critiques:

Critiques are one of the most important elements of this course. Attendance and participation in each critique is mandatory. Critiques will give you feedback that will help grow and develop your work, as well as push you as an artist. Taking notes from the discussion of your own work as well as from others work is required. Critiques are another place for you to learn to talk about and discuss your work. Incorporating and following the advice given by the instructor through the critiques is also critical to your growth. I ask that you conduct yourself with respect for each other. Be sensitive and open to each others ideas and techniques. But come with an attitude of how we can grow and improve. Critiques are a place where we discover solutions to the challenges we face in our image making. Critiques are about the work, not about the person. They are not a place to hurt each others feelings. Critiques are for us to be critical in a constructive way. They create dialog that can help you grow as an artist, and make your work stronger. To do achieve this it is important to separate your personal feelings you may have for the content and form of your work.

Lecture / Discussion / Demonstrations

You will receive most of your instruction through lectures, discussions and demonstrations. It is important for you to be actively involved in paying attention, taking notes, research and contributing to the class activities.

There will be additional material posted to the blog. This material will usually be for your profit and learning. Occasionally it will be for fun. It is up to you to check the blog frequently...there may be lecture material that will come from posts on the blog.

TECHNOLOGY USES IN THE CLASSROOM

Communication Devices:

The use of cell phones or other communication devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class. Except in emergencies, those using such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. This will include text messaging. Remember that your phone does have an off button. There are very few things in the world that absolutely cannot wait. Please turn off your phone at the beginning of class.

Computers:

Students are permitted to use laptop computers during class for note-taking and other class-related work only. Working on projects, or internet use during lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted, unless it is designated by the instructor. Those using computers during class for work not related to that class must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

If you would like to make audio recordings of lectures and critiques, please feel free to do so. I would like a copy of all the recorded material at the end of class...it will help me generate material for my first book. It will be titled 'How to Photograph'. You are my guinea pigs for this book. Congratulations! You can thank me later.

MP3 players:

Students are permitted to use mp3 players and other music players during workdays. Use during lectures, class discussions, or demonstrations will not be permitted.

Grading:

Assessment of learning will consist of number grades. More specific objectives will be provided with each assignment. Final grades will be determined by a simple formula: total number of points earned/total points possible. Additional explanation of the assignments will be provided in class demonstrations, lectures, and discussions. We will also be having in class critiques. Through critiques we will be learning how to asses your own learning. From this assessment we can make adjustments and directions for improvement. Late work will receive a full-letter-grade reduction. NO late work will be accepted after 1 week. An assignment that is turned in on-time can be re-done at any point of the semester. Late work can NOT be re-done.

If there are circumstances that cause missed deadlines, it is your responsibility to inform your instructor. For some circumstances accommodations can then be made to avoid late penalties.

Grading will be determined by the following items:

• Following assignment directions and requirements
• Formal and technical aspects of image making- exposure, composition, lighting, etc.
• Creative ideas and techniques
• Presentation - quality of prints, presentation
• Participation in class discussions
• Attendance (I don't keep roll, but I do pay attention to who is in class...and also who is NOT.)