4x5 education
Mike and Ted,
We just acquired a Ford 7.3 diesel with an Alaskan camper and we read this forum avidly. "4x5" in your title caught my eye and I believe you are doing the correct thing for your students at this early stage in their education. The professional work flow at the point they choose to become photographers will be whatever it will be, but they will have a firm grounding in the thought processes necessary to produce important photographs. I have abandoned the chemical work flow 6-8 years ago. However, I think black and white is viable and will remain viable because of its nuanced palette, the longevity of the negative and relatively benign chemistry.
When I was the age of your students, Mike, Ansel Adams was my "rock star". I was able to get into photography by studying his work and books. My wife and I were fortunate enough to meet he and his wife, Virginia, at their home while on assignment in California. My favorite Ansel Adams story: Ansel would return to the same spot repeatedly looking for variations in weather, vegetation etc. to strengthen a photograph that he had already done. He took his class to one of his favorite overlooks in the Yosemite Valley. Everyone, including Ansel set up a tripod and camera. Ansel sat down on a rock while the students began exposing sheet film. When the students began to run out of film, one of them turned and said, "Ansel, you have not made a photograph today". Ansel replied, "there wasn't one". This story is probably true and indicatives the difficulty of making an important photograph. It does not adequately reflect the generosity and good humor of the man.
My intention is to proceed with the rest of my career pursuing the kinds of landscapes thrilled Ansel. He would be an enthusiastic adopter of digital technology.
Michael, it must be personally gratifying to challenge young minds, to be creative and to work with the range of tools available now.
Cheers,
Tom
