It
is only natural to shop around from one company to the next when in
need of small group darkroom seminars or a hands on session with
quality large format systems. But Cole Images wants the photographic
community to have a valid and clearly reliable option. If you are
spending your hard earned money, you should end up with your desired
experience.
I hold workshops on:
- Composition and pre-visualization four hours
$ 25.00 per attendee up to four attendees
- Introduction to general photography four hours
$ 20.00 per attendee up to eight attendees
- Miniature cameras ( 35mm and "medium") four hours
$ 20.00 per attendee up to ten attendees
- Darkroom advanced LF workshop six hours
$ 100.00 per attendee please two students only!
- I also conduct digital seminars on request. Call for details.
* The class number is based on the amount of personal attention and time required for each person to handle the 8X10 cameras, film, darkroom equipment, training aids and to learn the most important hands on procedures covered.
We also offer a two day comprehensive workshop session for small classes so that every one
receives personal attention and maximum exposure to the fine offering of cameras and equipment we use in these classes.
I prefer four attendees. The cost per person is $ 150.00.
Day I.
Cole Images
workshops begins with and stresses classic composition and pre
visualization. These are the foundations of a good final image.
One
part of pre visualization is understanding the relationship of the
initial lens and film format to the final size if the print you
desire the viewer(s) to enjoy.
The relationship of the taking lens, the print size, and the proper viewing distance are discussed. We provide hand out charts to aid you in this decision.
Using these tools we then cover the view camera,
lenses, and accessories. Film loading is demonstrated and every one can practice with new holders, and real film. A large collection of cameras, tripods, and
other needed tools are demonstrated hands on. Innovative cost
effective support systems are exposed for your kind consideration.
Lighting, useful gadgets, and planning a shoot are presented to help
you to obtain the fine images you deserve. We use a simple equipment,
location data, and other helpful information check list. Years
of professional architectural, aerial, and location photography have
convinced me that to be human is to err; and to forget some essential
item is bound to occur if a procedural "packing list" is
not followed.
A field trip follows and these lessons are
applied. We will solicit suggestions as to your areas of interest to
help us all to select the subjects of your interest. We offer many
historic, wildlife, and artistic subject matter. You will select subjects, pre
visualize the final print presentation, compose, and then photograph
them with 8X10" cameras.
Camera
movements, macro adjustments, camera set up, and accessories are
covered in detail. This is a hands on period which may help you in assembling your own system or improving your existing one.
Day 2.
The next day we cover innovative, time
saving, cost effective darkroom work. Your personal needs, given
your interest, in constructing or improving your personal darkroom
are covered in detail.
You will go through the whole darkroom process in daylight lighting so that
you have a clear hands on experience of the darkroom process. Thomas darkroom lights provide an almost daylight intensity. If you have not experienced this lighting it is so bright that you will feel you are under normal lighting. A large six foot K&E light table makes negative assessment and selection a pleasure. Negative retouching, pre-bleaching proceedures, and enhancement are discussed.
You will then then print the negatives on a fine Saltzman enlarger with an Aristo cold light head. We will use a 40" vaccum easel. We do have a larger eight by ten foot vaccum easel but the prints are cost prohibitive for most clients and classes. Enlarger calibration, film exposure calibration, paper calibration, chemistry, maintence, and time saving tips will be presented. Chemical handling, preparing, and legal disposal are cvered as well.
You will leave
with a large print that you can display with pride.
We have a
few excellent DVDs on the history of photography to share if you are interested.
A general session for however long
follows dedicated to your questions.
Enjoy!
I stress
the KIS ( keep it simple) system.
Initially select one camera and support, one
lens, one film, one paper, one development process, one enlarger --
and learn to calibrate these. You can then produce an image that will
print as you want to present it. After you conquer this you will be well prepared to experiment on your own with processes and equipment.
If you bring your own camera we can at this time help you with questions or problems you are having. There may be a nominal charge if this is a prolonged session.
