silvery moon

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Robert

The Print- Basic Photo3 – Ansel Adams (New Edition)

Toronto. “by the light of the silvery moon” goes a line in a very old song. Ansel Adams made a photograph in 1941 called “Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico“.  It was so popular he made thousands of prints and at auction today, one print is approaching a million dollars in value.

Adams was a practitioner of large cameras and landscapes. He was also a creator of the famous Zone System for black and white (monochrome) negatives and prints as well as an author of popular photographic processing books such as “The Print – Basic Photo 3” released in 1968. It was one of five books in the series. I bought my copy of the fifth printing (1971) in Boston in September 1977.

Adams was a great photographer, teacher, and author. I first saw Moonrise in 1970 in the Time-Life book “The Camera”, the first in T-L’s series on photography. A rather imperfect version of Moonrise is shown below – Time-Life ran the picture across the book’s gutter.

Moonrise- Hernandez, New Mexico (1941) by Ansel Adams

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darkroom dreamin on a winter’s day

Posted on September 25, 2019 by Robert

Nude 1936 – Print by Cole Weston

Toronto. To paraphrase the Mamas and Papas 1966 song, “California Dreamin” – and it’s not winter yet.

In the days of film, all the magic took place in the darkroom under the dim glow of the ruby or later dirty orange bulb/filter with soft music gently playing in the background.

The camera let you choose the lighting, subject and frame. The film determined if it would be monochrome (B&W), colour negative, or transparency. ISO (ASA), shutter and aperture would generally determine proper formation of the image on the negative. The film could be developed in total darkness using a light-tight rubberized bag or a special day light loading tank. But it was in the gloom of the darkroom where the true artist shone.

The image for this post is the cover of the book “Darkroom 2” by Lustrum press and edited by Jain Kelly. Both Darkroom (1977) and Darkroom 2 (1978) contain essays and illustrations by well-known photographers of the mid 20th century. The post image, Nude 1936, was taken by Edward Weston. Weston’s son Cole printed this version years later and described his process in the Darkroom 2 book. Continue reading →

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a colourful addition to the family

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Robert

Kodacolor announced in June 30th, 1958 LIFE ad

Toronto. Kodacolor first hit the retailers in 1942. By 1958 the use of 35mm cameras forced Kodak to offer the venerable colour negative film for prints in 35mm camera format and cassettes,

Kodak initially charged for processing when you bought the film. A USA decision in the early 1950s went against Big Yellow Father splitting developing the film from the price of the film, opening the door to other companies both large and small to do developing using Kodak’s chemistry or formulae.

After creating 35mm cassettes, Kodacolor was short lived as the name changed with increased speed to Kodacolor-X and then Kodacolor II and so on.

My sincere thanks to PHSC member George Dunbar for alerting me to this advertisement in the June 30th, 1958  issue of  LIFE magazine. On page 58, just after the Brigette Bardot article (A Lot More Than Meets the Eye 🙂 and before the Parkay Margarine and Shell Oil  ads .

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TDPC to take part in the Fall Fair this year

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Robert

Toronto Digital Photography Club

Toronto. Don’t miss the Big One this October 27th, 2019. Visit the tables of cameras, lenses, accessories, darkroom gear, studio gear, and more.

In addition, the TDPC will be mounting a display of award winning prints for all visitors to see and enjoy.

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I get a kick out of you

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Robert

Brownies and Guides in the 1950s – by Ron Laytner

Toronto. George Dunbar sent me this hilarious shot taken by Photojournalist Ron Laytner and featured in many periodicals over the years. Ron’s photograph, taken for the Toronto Telegram, was featured in LIFE magazine’s July 14th “Miscellany” column back in 1958.

Ron writes many books as well and has moved south to Florida.

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fair time again – Oct 27, 2019

Posted on September 22, 2019 by Robert

PHSC Fall Fair Bookmark

Toronto. The PHSC is hosting its Fall Fair – The Big One! – at the pierogi palace once again (Trident Hall at Evans and Islington in the west end). Set Sunday, October 27th aside and come out to see Clint, Mark and the guys and gals.

Lots of great gear available for your collection (or user kit). In addition to authentic pierogis, there is an open bar to quench your thirst as you gather the goodies.  Free Parking – $7 admission (students with ID free) – Join us at the Fair!

And in collaboration with the Toronto Digital Photography Club, we will have a number of photographs on display too. This pdf describes the club efforts at the fair. Note that some of our members also belong to the TDPC.

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as easy to set as a clock…

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Robert

Argus MATCH-MATIC C-3

Toronto. The old saying “lipstick on a pig” implies cosmetic changes to a product with little or no internal changes. Argus up graded the C-3 in various ways as the camera market evolved.

The Match-Matic (sometimes shown as Matchmatic) added an accessory shoe and simple exposure meter to the venerable C-3. Once the marketeers got hold of the changes, they touted in ads like this in the May 5, 1958 issue of LIFE that the camera was “as easy to set as a clock”. The meter wasn’t coupled. Just match the meter number to the lens – after setting the shutter dial for “scenes” or “action” (ASA or ISO rating of the film is not mentioned).

NB. This is one of a number of photographic ads in LIFE magazine spotted by George Dunbar who actively browses the web for photographic material.

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Fred Herzog, Vancouver Photographer, 88

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Robert

Fred Herzog by Jeff Vinnic

Toronto, Years ago, I enjoyed watching Knowledge Network each weekend via satellite. Sadly, the Vancouver based public broadcaster was not included in the Fibe TV service from Bell as it is SD only (no HD or 4K).

Often Knowledge would feature photographs between shows – many the colourful street scenes of Vancouver taken by Fred Herzog about half a century ago.

Fred died from cancer on September 9th. He was 88 years old. I was reminded of his activity when I read his obituary over breakfast in Thursday morning’s Globe.

 

 

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curators in conversation at RIC next Wednesday Sept 25th

Posted on September 19, 2019 by Robert

Conversations at the RIC Wednesday the 25th of September 2019

Toronto. Come on out to the RIC in downtown Toronto next Wednesday to enjoy this scintillating session hosted by Ryerson and open to all at no charge!

The session is being held at the Ryerson Image Centre (RIC) next Wednesday evening (7pm start). The two curators, doctors Sandrine Colard and Julie Crooks, converse with the audience about the making of the RIC exhibition celebrating the viewpoints of women in African photography from the 19th century to today.

Dr Julie Crooks spoke to us at the February 2018 meeting, She is a vibrant and engaging speaker. Don’t miss it!

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20th WestLicht Photo Auction October 12

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Robert

Ilsa Bing – Self Portrait with Leica, Paris 1931

Toronto. The Westlicht Photo Auction next  month gives you the opportunity to add some truly iconic photos to your collection.

Mind you, it helps to have deep pockets! Click on the link above and take a careful look at the remarkable offerings that will go under the WestLicht hammer.

Browse these rare and famous photographs and just think how great they would look on your wall – or donated by you to a favourite university or museum. Awesome!

 

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