D/FW LF GROUP

We had another great gathering in East Texas this past Saturday. Twelve dedicated photo enthusiasts braved the heat for a day with Ty Guillory to learn about wet plate photography. Ty gave us a tour of his workshop where he builds period cameras and showed us many of his wet plate photographs. There was a lot of discussion about period lenses, a subject about which Ty can give you plenty of information.

Once we had a good understanding of the cameras we moved outside for a hands on demonstration of the fine art of making tintypes. We were all fascinated with the simplicity and complexity of the process.

After a jam packed morning of photography we were treated to a great picnic lunch prepared by Ty’s wife Tina. After a break to recharge, we braved the 100 plus heat for even more photography.

One fun high point of the day was getting to drool all over the 5×7 camera that Michael purchased. Seems none of us were aware that Michael is now moving into the world of wet plate photography. Ty had even mounted a beautiful period lens that Michael had  purchased.

and the two of them took a great risk by making the first photo of yours truly. That lens may never be the same! As the afternoon progressed we moved inside to Ty’s shop and some welcome A/C.

At this point it was discovered that Michael needed a 3/8-16 mount, so Ty proceeded to install a second tripod socket on Michael’s new camera while we all watched. By the time the last few of us really die hard types decided it was time to head home, it was near 4:00.  The thermometer in the van read 110 most of the way home.  What a day!

The D/FW LFG would like to thank Ty and Tina for a very informative and fun day. We all had a great time, despite the heat, and some of us just may have learned something new. Once this heat subsides we will be planning more outings.

JB

It is near impossible for me to get motivated in the heat. This Texas summer started early this year and we are in a period of above normal temperatures. The D/FW LF Group made the trek to The Dallas Museum of the American Railroad last Saturday. It was an incredible adventure just to look at all of the rail cars, and I found myself in complete fascination with the steam locomotives, especially the Big Boy.

The trouble was no matter how much I tried, I just could not get past the heat and bring myself to drag out even a 4×5 camera. In fact, I barely mustered the enthusiasm to use my digisnapper. All I can say is I certainly hope we get another opportunity to photograph at the museum. Hopefully by this winter they will have completed their move to their new location and we will try again. Lunch was a high point as usual.

I would like to thank everyone for an interesting day. Thanks Michael for making the arrangements, and Bob for lunch. Thanks to Robert and Mark for braving the heat with their cameras. Hope you guys made some good photographs!

Next outing will be Sat, 07/30/2011 in Pilot Point. This will be an early shoot so we can stay ahead of the oppressive Texas heat, and of course, we will conclude with brunch at the local greasy-spoon on the town square. Hope to see everyone there! In the mean time, keep your film cool!

JB

On Saturday, August 20 we will head east to meet Ty Guillory on his ranch in Mineola, Texas. Ty is one of only two craftsmen still handcrafting traditional wet plate cameras. Although there will not be time to see him mix the chemicals and prepare the plates, we will see how the camera is used to capture a couple of images and how the plates are then developed and varnished.

Once the demo is done, we will spend time in the workshop learning about the wet plate camera, we will enjoy burgers and hot dogs, and then have an opportunity to photograph on Ty’s 25 acre property. Ty would love some of us to photograph his family on Large Format as this has never been done before. Consider this our contribution to a fun-filled outing.

Ty’s cameras are historically correct, built from plans from the George Eastman House Museum of Photography. Many of us saw the story a few months ago about Ty and his studio on Texas Country Reporter and this should be a very interesting trip.

Mineola is about 2-1/4 hours east of Fort Worth, 1-1/2 hours from Dallas on US 80. We are limited to 12 photographers due to the size of the studio where Ty builds his cameras. Please RSVP by e-mailing Michael directly at: michael@kan.com.

As soon as we reach 12 participants, he will place additional names on a waiting list in case there are any cancellations. Again, RSVP only through e-mail! Directions (and caravan point of departure for those who want to ride in a group) will be e-mailed to you closer to August 20th.

Here are some great videos of photographer Luther Gerlach practicing the art of wet plate photography:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JuuCDXR6-I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-d89SSKedA&feature=player_embedded

This gathering will fill quickly, so be sure to e-mail Michael at the address above to reserve your slot.

For more continuing information and discussion, drop by the Large Format Photography Forum.

Looking forward to another great outing!

JB