The Hasselblad Family

I was asked to show the cameras that I use. Well here they are.










Left to right:
Hasselblad Flexbody with 150mm CFI lens
Hasselblad 503cw with 80mm CFE and PM45 Prism
Hasselblad 905 SWC
Hasselblad H2 with 80mm HC lens

Before Boston

This is Elizabeth two nights ago. Wired. I miss her and her momma immensely.

Through The Lens: Contemporary Santa Fe

Through the Lens: Contemporary Santa Fe opens this Thursday, January 29, 2009 at Santa Fe Community College, School of Arts and Design Gallery with a gallery talk by historian and writer Andrew Lovato at 6pm.
Artist include Sam Adams, Gay Block, Kent Bowser, David Bram, Polly Brown, Robert Chavez, Briar Clark, Brian Edwards, Jamie Hart, Doug Keats, Howard Korder, Herb Lotz, Lynn Lown, Lawrence McFarland, Melanie McWhorter, Duane Monczewski, Margaret Moore, Joan Myers, Teresa Neptune, David Noble, Jack Parsons, Alan Pearlman, Pat Porter, Ian Ramirez, Ford Robbins, Alan Ross, Meridel Rubenstein, Nancy Sutor, Melanie West, Richard Wilder, And Wendy Young

Film Prices 2009 - for the record

Here are film prices from Freestyle as of this writing. This is all 120, medium format.

Ilford Pan F+ $3.79
Ilford FP4+ $3.99
Ilford HP5+ $3.49
Ilford Delta 100 $3.69
Ilford Delta 400 $3.79

Kodak Tmax 100 $3.99
Kodak Tmax 400 $3.99
Kodak Tri-X 400 $3.79

Fuji Acros 100 $2.89
Fuji Neopan 400 $3.09

Facebook

Facebook is a funny place. I joined sometime last year but really did not do much with it. Then I went to PhotoNOLA is December and everyone I met was using it and encouraging me to "network" on it. So I did. My friends list went from about 20 to 181 as of today.

This month has been a interesting month for me on FB. My college roommate found me again. A couple of high school friends have been in touch, and so have three ex-girlfriends. I am happy to know that they are all well. Kind of weird talking to the exes, but it's a good thing. Two of them are happily married, with kids. Very cool.

So, if you are on facebook, look me up.

Home Alone

Amelia and Elizabeth are on a jet plane, heading for Boston. Amelia's grandfather, Elizabeth's great grandfather, is 94 years old and wanted to meet his great grandchild. It's really sweet.

I miss them so much and they've been gone a couple of hours.

Little Elizabeth is quite the traveler already. She was in LA two weeks ago and now she is on the other coast. Then she will be in Fort Lauderdale in March. In July, it will be NY, NH, MA, and PA. Wow.

So, I am home alone for the next few days. I have work in a show that opens tomorrow night at SFCC so I will be in Santa Fe for a little bit.

On Friday I am expecting a cool new camera. More on that later.

On Portfolio Reviews

My good friend Jörg Colberg has put together a nice little blog post about why one would attend a portfolio review. He asked me, Alec Soth, Bill Hunt, Andrew Hetherington and Brian Ulrich.

Read can read the post here.

If you think you are going to attend a portfolio review for the first time, make sure you check this out.

Iceland's Government Collapses

Today, the Icelandic government has collapsed.

It is so sad to see such a beautiful country, with beautiful people, implode.

All of the details and headlines are here.

Review Santa Fe

I am grateful to Laura and Maggie of Center, for being asked to be a portfolio reviewer at Review Santa Fe.
I am also thankful to the folks of PhotoNOLA for getting this ball rolling for me.

If you were thinking about applying for the Review, better think fast because the deadline is today.

Almost over

My birthday is almost over, and it was a very nice day. Spent it with Amelia and Elizabeth. We had dinner at the Artichoke Cafe, where Elizabeth delivered a surprise she has been working on for about 4 days. Great. I also got a really nice gift from Amelia. Something I had been hoping for.

Here is a photo of me that Melanie McWhorter took while we walked around New Orleans, the day before PhotoNOLA. Me and my Hasselblad 905 SWC.

Birthday Cards

My father and his wife decided to order birthday cards off of ebay. When the box arrived, they were the wrong cards. Instead of sending them back or getting age appropriate cards, they decided to still use them. Apparently there are enough of these to cover the next 14 years.

This is the card they sent me for my 40th birthday.

Priceless!

Baby and Me

This was done with my iPhone about 10 days ago in Los Angeles.

FORTY

Forty years ago today, in the late afternoon, I was born in New York.

Feels kind of weird to think that I am forty. Feels great to say I am a father.

Not sure what I think about all of this. Not sure what I will do today. Maybe some darkroom time. Maybe a walk with Elizabeth and Amelia. Dinner tonight at the Artichoke Cafe. Definitely some time to write in my journal.

I don't know.

Ilford and Polaroid: a match made in Heaven

Ilford Photo / Harman Technologies has just issued this press release concerning the making of new Polaroid films.

19th January 2009 : HARMAN technology Limited : Mobberley : CHESHIRE UK

ILFORD PHOTO INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT OF NEW 'POLAROID' STYLE INSTANT FILM :

After the decision by Polaroid in 2008 to cease production of its instant films, a much loved method of photography looked set to disappear forever. However, leading photo-imaging company, HARMAN technology Limited can confirm it is now involved in a new venture which could deliver welcome news to millions of Polaroid instant camera fans across the world.

The manufacturer - whose brands include the ILFORD monochrome analogue range, HARMAN PHOTO inkjet papers and KENTMERE PHOTOGRAPHIC products - is supporting 'The Impossible Project' which is being spearheaded by a Dutch business known as Impossible B.V.

Formed by a group of businessmen and a number of ex-Polaroid employees, Impossible B.V. has signed a 10-year lease on part of Polaroid's former factory in Enschede, Netherlands and acquired some of Polaroid's original production machining for producing integral films for SX70 cameras.

As the business aims not to rebuild Polaroid integral film but to develop a new product with new and improved characteristics, it has turned to HARMAN and its 130 years of experience in the production of analogue films for product development guidance and additional insight on manufacturing methods.

HARMAN's product development team has confirmed the manufacturer is able to create the desired instant film but negotiations continue as to the extent of future involvement.

As Howard Hopwood, HARMAN technology's Chairman, points out:

"Recognising the almost cult status and huge following of Polaroid instant cameras, we would love to be involved in any initiative which preserves their future use. To this end, we did try to take on production of Polaroid instant film in the latter half of 2008 but could not reach a commercially viable agreement with the Polaroid Corporation.

The Impossible Project represents a new glimmer of hope but we must also stress that discussions are still in the early stages. We would like nothing more than to reach a satisfactory agreement and should this happen, a prototype could be unveiled by late 2009 with a view to full scale production commencing is 2010".

Very good news in deed. Now, will they be re-introducing Type 55 ?

powerHouse Portfolio Review

Any one going to the powerHouse portfolio review in February?

The Banking System should be burned to the ground

Without going into details, the entire banking system should be ripped to the ground and started over. Bank Of America should be at the top of the list. Their lack of customer service and logic is pathetic, yet my tax payer money goes to fund their mistakes and stupidity and greed. Shame on us.

Proud

Today, I am so proud to be an American. So happy to be alive.

Today is a new day. A day of Hope.

God Bless America

Barack Obama: The Road to the White House

Soulcatcher Studios, in Santa Fe, is showing an online exhibition of Callie Shell's portfolio of Barack Obama's Road to the White House. You can view it here.

Review Santa Fe - three days left

Only three days left to register for Review Santa Fe.

Drinking Coffee and Developing Film

Yesterday, I did 9 rolls for my trip to LA.

Today, I have 13 rolls that were shot in 2008 and I am not quite sure what they are, but I need to get them done.

I will have a recap of my LA trip up shortly. It was a terrific time that was jam packed with photo stuff.

More to come...

A little more Polaroid news

From this article:

"If all goes to plan, the Polaroid factory in Enschede, Amsterdam, will soon be making film again thanks to its new owner, an eccentric Austrian artist and businessman named Florian Kaps. Mr Kaps, 39, has dedicated the past five years to instant photography. He set up Polanoid.net, the biggest Polaroid gallery on the web, and the first ever Polaroid-only art gallery in Vienna, called Polanoir."

The "new" Polaroid film

Apparently a new company, based in The Netherlands and support by Ilford Photo, plans to make new instant film for polaroid cameras. This new company has purchased the old film making equipment and plans to give it a go.

This is very good news.

See more here...

On I-40

We are speeding along I-40 on the east side of Flagstaff. We are about two hours behind but desperate to get home. Elizabeth had a small meltdown outside of Seligman AZ but has been asleep ever since.
Our trip was fun and very productive and fruitful for me.
I am looking forward to being in my own bed.

About to head home

It is our last night in Southern California and as we are about to head home in the morning. I have a belly full of sushi and sake. We had a wonderful dinner with Jason, Leith, and little Collin, our gracious hosts.

Today was terrific. We had lunch and coffee on Sunset Blvd. In the Silver Lake area, where I got a $55 parking ticket. Then we went to vist Hiroshi Watanabe at his studio, one of the nicest I have ever seen. It's also about Paul Kopeikin's new gallery. Hiroshi is such a nice guy. His work is amazing as is his darkroom.

Then on the way home, while stuck in LA traffic, I got some good news that I cannot announce until next week. Good times ahead.

All in all, the trip was terrific. Review LA was great and I hope I am invited again next year.

I'll write more in a day or so.

Exhausted but happy

The Getty was fantastic. A beautiful day with a gorgeous sunset. The Carleton Watkins show was one of the best I have ever seen. His Southern California work is the best. It makes me sad that he is not as famous as he should be. After taking the 405 to the 101 to the 134 to the 2, we got back to Leith & Jason's in an hour. Crazy. Elizabeth slept for the ride home, which is always nice while her Poppa cursed the traffic. This is her about 30 minutes after we got home.

At the Getty

We are here at the Getty in LA. It's a lovely day. Elizabeths first trip here.

More later.

Fraction Magazine - Issue 5 out now

As always, Josh and Melanie did a great job with the new issue.

Josh came up with the new design and layout. I love it and we hope you do to.

We love feedback so let us know.

happy new year.

fraction magazine

My time in California

I have three days to go and I am going to make the most of it. On Monday I am going to LACMA to see the Vanity Fair Portraits. On Tuesday I am going to the Getty to see the Carleton Watkins show. And finally, on Wednesday, I have been invited to Hiroshi Watanabe's studio for a look around and for a cup of coffee. I could not be more thrilled.

So far the trip has been great. The Review went well. Photo LA was amazing. I got to meet so many great people like Michael Itkoff, Andy Adams and Aline Smithson. I got to spend time with Susan Burnstine and the fun ladies of Center.

There are a lot of things ahead for me, and for Fraction.

It's going to be a good year.

Saturday by the Sea

I am now in Eagle Rock with our friends Leith and Jason who have kindly put us up for a few days.

Last night was a wonderful time with Andy Adams, his awesome wife Kristin, Susan Burnstine, Kevin Longino. I briefly met Hiroshi Watanabe and Chris McCaw, who I had "met" previously on the internet. He is a very nice guy who asked me to clear his plate (I'll explain later). I also got to spend a little time with Aline Smithson, who I hope to work with in the future.

Before dinner, Andy, his wife and I were a bit early to dinner and decided to walk Main Street in Santa Monica to find a bar to have a drink. Somewhere, in the middle of Main Street, we ran into Darius Himes. We ended up spending a little bit of time and had a drink talked about his previous and current jobs. Darius is always good to talk to.

In a bit I am heading up to Photo LA to check out the galleries and book dealers. I brought my postcards and workbook portfolios to show to anyone who will see them. I'll get to see Susan and Kevin again, as well as a few other folks I met at Photo NOLA.

A great day

It was a great day at Review LA. I saw a lot of great work, connected with a few folks I met at PhotoNOLA, and met lots of great people.
More to come.

Review LA

One review down, seven to go.

In Santa Monica

After a brief discussion near Flagstaff, Amelia and I decided to drive the entire 800+ miles to Santa Monica.

So, we are here and getting settled in. It is 12:45am PST.

Elizabeth was perfect. The only sound she made was snoring. Not a single tear or any crying whatsoever. We are so blessed.

Tomorrow (today) we will have some time to ourselves and then will meet up with some relatives tomorrow after I get the review stuff done.

It's good to be in bed.

On the road

Had hoped to leave at 9am. Ha!

Should be on the road by 11am.

Odometer at 128986

Home alone with Poppa

Amelia is at the gym for an hour or so, so I get Jelly Bean.

Before TV


















After TV

JPG Magazine is now up for sale?

Just a couple of days ago, the powers that be sent out an email saying they were closing on January 5, today, and warning their members/subscribers that they had just a couple of days left.

Now it seems, someone wants to buy them. Someone like Smugmug or Flickr.

You can read more at PDN.

Making Postcards

I thought I should bring some promotional swag with me to PhotoLA, so I spent about 4 hours in the darkroom today, making 100 silver gelatin postcards of my Black Church photograph.

Spring Arts Collective Call for Entries

The awesome Susan Burnstine is judging the latest Call for Entries for the Spring Arts Collective.

You can read the details here. The due date is February 7.

And check out Susan's website to know what she is all about.

Cactus

Shot with my iPhone. Not too bad.

For Mature Audiences Only: Expiration Notice

There is a new blog and website for emerging photographers. I know what you're thinking. Great. Another site for people under the age of 25 or maybe 30. Oh boy.

Well, hang on to your shorts kids because if you were born after 1974, you're ineligible. Yep, this new site is for photographers over the age of 35. Cool.

It's called Expiration Notice and I think it's a damn good idea. Just because you're old, doesn't mean you're not emerging.

No matter your age, check it out.

I wish Stan and Mark all the best.

Urgent Care. What a joke.

So I'm here at the local urgent care office because of my pink eye. There are about 20 other people here and I was told the wait is 3 to 4 hours. Fuck.

COLOR Magazine is born

Seems kind of funny but B&W Magazine will be introducing a new print magazine, COLOR, in about two weeks.

We wish them luck.

Be sure not to confuse them with
Color Magazine
Colors Magazine
Color Magazine

Pink Eye

How does a grown man, almost 40, get pink eye?

JPG closes

I just received the following email:

Today is a particularly sad day for all of us at JPG and 8020 Media.

We've spent the last few months trying to make the business behind JPG sustain itself, and we've reached the end of the line. We all deeply believe in everything JPG represents, but we just weren't able to raise the money needed to keep JPG alive in these extraordinary economic times. We sought out buyers, spoke with numerous potential investors, and pitched several last-ditch creative efforts, all without success. As a result, jpgmag.com will shut down on Monday, January 5, 2009.

The one thing we've been the most proud of: your amazing talent. We feel honored and humbled to have been able to share jpgmag.com with such a dynamic, warm, and wonderful community of nearly 200,000 photographers. The photography on the website and in the magazine was adored by many, leaving no doubt that this community created work of the highest caliber. The kindness, generosity, and support shared among members made it a community in the truest sense of the word, and one that we have loved being a part of for these past two years.

We wish we could have found a way to leave the site running for the benefit of the amazing folks who have made JPG what it is, and we have spent sleepless nights trying to figure something out, all to no avail. Some things you may want to do before the site closes:

- Download the PDFs of back issues, outtakes, and photo challenge selections. We'll always have the memories! www.jpgmag.com/downloads/archives.html
- Make note of your favorite photographers. You may want to flip through your favorites list and jot down names and URLs of some of the people you'd like to stay in touch with. You may even want to cut and paste your contacts page into a personal record.
- Catch up with your fellow members. Our roots are in this humble flickr forum and we recommend going back to find fellow members, discuss the situation, or participate in another great photo community. www.flickr.com/groups/jpgmag/
- Keep in touch. This has always been much more than just a job to each of us, and we'll miss you guys! We'll be checking the account jpgletters@gmail.com in our free time going forward. We can't promise to reply to every email (since we'll be busy tuning up our resumes) but we'd love to hear from you.
- Stay posted. Although the magazine is ceasing publication, we'll be updating you on what's happening with your subscription early next week.

We're soggy-eyed messes, but it is what it is. At that, JPGers, we bid you goodbye, and good luck in 2009 and the future.

Laura Brunow Miner
Editor in Chief

Very sad indeed.

Happy New Year

Just because.

Kodak says film is far from dead

Unless a 3 year old 5 mega pixel Fuji or a 2 megapixel iPhone counts as a digital camera, Kodaks statement that film is far from dead is good news. Hell, I don't even own photoshop, although a good friend just gave me a brand new box containing Lightroom 2. Now if I only had a computer to run it.

Anyway, film is far from dead. Ilford is alive and kicking and apparently Kodak is too. Actually, Fuji just released a new color film and will have the new, much anticipated GF670 camera due out in a few months. Some films might go away, and some oddball film sizes might disappear as well, but film will be here for a long time. We artists who like to shoot film, will have to deal with a minimization of the medium but there will always be something to shoot. I am not worried.

So, if you want to read the Kodak statement, it is here.