Dallas - Fort Worth Gathering

[msk2193]

All, is there interest in another gathering of LF photographers in the area?

If so, any recommendation on what and where to shoot?

[Gem Singer]

Good for you, Michael.

You picked up the torch and are running with it.

At age eighty, it is difficult for me to organize these gatherings.

I know there is a huge amount of interest in large format photography in the DFW Metroplex.

We had twenty participants at the last one.

Let's try to beat that number at the next get together.

[msk2193]

Gem,

Eighty? The 29th is a whopping three days away still, why the rush? :)
Happy (early) birthday.

[Gem Singer]

Realizing that some folks work on Saturday, would a Sunday gathering be better?

Michael, I've been told that a day outside, shooting with a LF camera, is not counted against a person's lifetime.

Perhaps that accounts for my longevity.

[Rick Floyd]

Mr. Singer: Sunday sounds wonderful. I haven't been able to attend the other dates because of other commitments but I have always wanted to meet you and the gang. I'll be watching this thread for the next date. If I can be accused of having longevity it's usually attributed to my orneriness.

[Gem Singer]

Looking forward to meeting you too, Rick.

Michael is handling this one.

We'll keep you posted.

[vphill]

I've not had a chance to come to any of the previous gatherings but hopefully this one will work out.

Anytime during the weekend is good for me.

[William McEwen]

I'm probably in, depending on which day.

[8x20_Pano_Shooter]

Michael and Gem,
JB and I will be there. Just let us know when.
Susan

[Gem Singer]

JB and Susan,

We've been trying to come up with a way to make your excellent video presentation the star attraction of our next DFW get together.

Anxious to see you two again.

Will keep you posted.

[msk2193]

ONE OPTION:

Please let me know if there could be an interest from the group....

With the summer heat soon being to intense for many outside opportunities, I thought of moving the next LF gathering indoors.

This morning I spoke with the Tarrant County P.I. Officer about opening up the Old Tarrant County Courthouse to us on a Saturday or Sunday (easier parking!). The proposal will have to be brought before the County Court Commisison about three weeks prior to the established date, but the proposal seemed to sit well with Marc who manages these events.

The kicker is, there is a non-waivable day fee of $1,000 to have staff present and turn on the A/C and lights. Depending on how many participants we would have in attendance, I would set the minimum at ten so that our maximum cost would be $100 per person.

Personally, I think $100 (max) to shoot the interior of such a magnificant building would be well worth it.

your opinion please......

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Sounds like a great opportunity Michael. The $100 per person is a bit steep I think but it may be worth it... depending on how nice the building looks on the inside.

- Wil

[Gem Singer]

Michael,

I think Tarrant County should pay us $100 each to photograph the interior of their building.

I own a minimum amount of lighting equipment and prefer to shoot outdoors.

Outdoor temperatures are manageable during the early mornings. It starts to get hot around 10AM.

I've photographed the outside of the Tarrant County courthouse, glowing in the sunlight. It's a neat old building.

[anchored]

Michael,

If I'm in town the weekend of an outdoor gathering, I'll definitely be there. I would be less inclined to go and pay $100 for an indoor shoot of a courthouse.

[Rick Floyd]

Michael:

For what it's worth. I work at the Old Court House and I have a key to get in. If you don't mind working without air conditioning I think we can wave the fee. I can turn on the lights and open my courtroom since I'm the bailiff. Oh, I'll get the judge's permission just to be on the right side of polite. He might even get us on top of the building.

I have photographed this old building from the tops of two other buildings adjacent to the court house. Across the street from the south face is the Tarrant County Administration Building. There is a wall that is too high for large format as one must stand on a six foot ladder to look over the wall to view the court house. The Family Law building has a better view of the old court house but to get up there will take a formal request which is attainable. There is an elevator up to the roof and some short walls to climb to get to a ladder that leads to the edge. I sat up two tripods that held my 4x5 and a Pentax 645 and shot from about 7:30am to about 11:00. It started to get hot around 9:00. There is normally a breeze that will carry any loose lens cap over the edge. Don't ask how I know.

[Darren H]

I am all for a get together in DFW. The old courthouse in Fort Worth is nice. Personally I think its better photographed on the outside and I would balk at paying that much to photograph the inside.

Some other outdoor areas of interest might be the Kimbell Art Museum. Fantastic building designed by Louis Kahn. Might want to get over and photograph the area before they tear up the green space to build an expansion later this summer.

For a possible day trip, might suggest Fort Richardson SP up by Jacksboro. Historic old frontier fort. Very camera friendly. Some buildings preserved interiors too. Plus a great place to eat in Jacksboro-The Green Frog.

[msk2193]

Thank you Rick.
============

Here are the "no-cost" plans:

Saturday, June 5, 2010

6:15AM = Sunrise for anyone looking to shoot the Courthouse at or near sunrise.

. Rick will open the building around 7AM.
. Outside lamplighters will be turned off at 7:30AM
. Tripod use inside is okay
. Lights will be on in the hallways and stairwells.
. One (and possible more) courtroom will be available for shooting

There might be access to the Family Law Center across the street to shoot the courthouse from a higher angle.

Lunch will be at 12:00 a block or two away at: Riscky's Barbeque; 300 Main Street; Sundance Square; Fort Worth, Texas 76102

At 12:45 we return to Rick's courtroom where JB and Susan Harlin will show and discuss some of their work with (highly customized!) ultra large format cameras.

Following the Harlins' presentation, anyone interested can continue on with us to the Amon Carter Museum to see the Ansel Adams "Eloquent Light" exhibit of 40 photographs currently on display there.

Looking forward to a great turn-out.

Please post to this thread if you are coming. I need a headcount for both the courthouse and lunch.

Please bring along some of your images to show on Saturday.


Thanks,

Mike

[Bob McCarthy]

I'm in

bob

[Darren H]

I'll be there for the morning but am headed with a group to the zoo at 10, so no lunch for me.

[RmFrase]

I'll be there also! I've never been inside but am looking forward to it.
-R

[mattbsx]

I am in...

[anchored]

Unfortunately will be out of town :-( -Glenn-

[msk2193]

Just took a snapshot of the sun's position for June 5.
The yellow line is the direction at sunrise. The red line is the mid-morning direction

[msk2193]

Participating:

Rick Floyd
me!
Gem Singer
Bob McCarthy
Darren H
RmFrase
Mattbsx
Susan & JB Harlin
(9)

[brian mcweeney]

I plan on coming.

[bigdog]

This sounds interesting enough. I haven't been doing a lot of photographing lately since I do not have a darkroom - at the moment! It's under construction. (see the blog below) So, I won't be bringing any prints, but I'll show up with "mini" cameras and tripods! :)

[KOG]

Count me in as well.

Kevin

[msk2193]

Participating:

Rick Floyd
me!
Gem Singer
Bob McCarthy
Darren H - no lunch
RmFrase
Mattbsx
Susan & JB Harlin
Brian McWeeney
David - bigdog
Kevin - KOG
(12)

[msk2193]

bump

[msk2193]

Hello all, a quick update.....

Susan and JB had to cancel today due to other commitments that have come up.
This will allow us to head over to the Amon Carter Museum after lunch.

Additionally, I will let Rick put it in his own words......

This is a follow-up for this weekend’s shoot. I have obtained permission to shoot the court house from atop the Administration Building directly across the street from the court house (south face). I did a walk through with one of the maintenance folks and all is “go” for the nimble among us. We elevator-up to the fifth floor and then to a stairwell that leads up to a sixth floor weight room. Through the weight room to one of two access doors to the roof where we will find a straight-up ladder to the roof of the weight room. This will allow us a view of the southern face of the court house. Now, that ladder will be tough on most and a buddy will be needed to assist each other with moving photo gear up and down. Now, if no one wants to climb up to the hot roof that is fine with me. I must escort the few who take this photo. If there are no takers, we’ll shoot our images of the outside and the inside of this beautiful building. I have a “hard-to-get-for-most” permission for this shot from the roof top and I will make it available.

My judge is a great judge and is connected with the Fort Worth Historical elite so he is all for this LF shoot. He has expressed a desire to see some of the images and has a small gift for each of the photographers which I will give out from inside my courtroom. I have only sixteen gifts to hand out. I am excited to meet everyone and I consider it an honor to host this event.

Rick Floyd

[Rick Floyd]

Since we’re using my own words now, thanks Michael, uh, let’s talk about some practical stuff. You will want to park your vehicle on Commerce Street because, one, it will be in the shade for most of the morning, well, at least until about 9:30ish and two, your super-duper-photo-equipment-hauler will be out of most folks viewfinders come time to shoot the grand exterior. Unlike Dallas, the parking meters are free on the weekends in Fort Worth. You can also park in a few spaces on Houston Street to the west. There is a water main project on Weatherford Street that has taken away two lanes off and on for the last two weeks that could back-up traffic in front of the court house. So the earlier the cable release is in your hand the better the possibility of missing the traffic jam.

Inside the court house, the second and fourth floors get bathed in soft light from two sky lights, at least until about 10:00 when the light is more direct and contrast high. If this is your kind of light you will want to concentrate your work around it. Morning light filters into the two court rooms where we will work. It is best to shoot the east side interiors before ten o’clock. The first floor has light that flows in from the East Door that can reach the stair case depending on the sun’s position. Interesting light can be found some where inside the building at any given daylight hour.

There are lots of trees and ground cover around the building and the pink granite has wonderful texture for your close-ups. The grand views of this pink lady are nice but I like the more intimate views. The lamp-lighter lights around the building automatically go off at 7:30, set on a timer. So if you want them, get them before they go off because I can’t change the timer. I plan to shoot the east side steps from the south with my Ebony very early but after about 6:30 I will be available to assist everyone in and out for the rest of the shoot. The weather guy says it will be hot so plan accordingly. There are water fountains on each floor by the elevators and vending machines in the basement.

If you have questions just post them here and I’ll do my best to find the answers. See you soon.

RF

[Darren H]

Rick,

You and Michael have done a most excellent planning for this get together! I'll be there early myself and looking forward to getting the high view.

See you on Saturday!

-Darren

[Keith S. Walklet]

Looks like fun! Sorry I'll arrive too late for the gathering. I fly into Dallas on the 10th.

BTW, have you folks seen this at the Amon Carter?

June 10, 6 p.m.
Ansel Adams: A Son’s Perspective
Lecture

Dr. Michael Adams offers an intimate look at his father’s work in conjunction with the exhibition Ansel Adams: Eloquent Light. Admission is free, but because seating is limited, reservations are required. Call 817.989.5030 to register.

[Darren H]

Great time this morning. We had a nice turnout and a good time wandering around the courthouse. Thanks to Michael and Rick for getting all this set up!!

A few images from the gathering today. I'll send off the B+W on Monday and post some scans when I get them back.

[Darren H]

And a couple more from this morning.

[msk2193]

Wow Darren, you developed those quick :D
Thank you Richard for geting this organized; it was a great time indeed.

[RmFrase]

Tarrant County Court House


Shen-Hao 4x5
Fujinon 90mm
Kodak TMax 100 BW
Scanned on Epson V700
Metered with Sekonic L758DR



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4673289649_8955f6924f_b.jpg


-Robert

[RmFrase]

Tarrant County Court House: East Side


Shen-Hao 4x5
Fujinon 90mm
Scanned on Epson V700
Metered with Sekonic L758DR



http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1279/4673967990_8c15a720ea_b.jpg


-Robert

[RmFrase]

Tarrant County Court House


Shen-Hao 4x5
Fujinon 90mm
Scanned on Epson V700
Metered with Sekonic L758DR



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4673360433_503f7653b1_b.jpg


-Robert

[Darren H]

Robert those are great! I really like that first one, a very unique view-good eye to see that.

Michael, my B+W my need a 10 day turn around but that Camera RAW is practically like Polaroid :-)

[msk2193]

Great work Robert.

[bigdog]

Excellent morning! Special thanks to Rick Floyd, the man with the keys! (And some killer color prints.)

[brian mcweeney]

Here are some of my shots from the morning. Thanks again to Rick and Michael for putting this together. It was also fun to meet up with the other large format photographers again.

[8x20_Pano_Shooter]

Sounds like everybody had a great time. JB & I wished we could have made it. Looking forward to the next outing. Susan.

[Rick Floyd]

Gentlemen: I am humbled and honored to have been "the man with the keys" especially since the main key did not work out as planned. I have worked at this venue for the past seven years and you all demonstrated views vastly different than mine yet just as vibrant, eye opening, and exciting. I can’t help but put my tripod legs in the holes you left for me. Some of you I have watched for years on this forum and have wanted to meet you and share this type of experience. It is my belief that iron sharpens iron and I am the big winner here. Big thanks belong to Michael for the spark that started this fire. The Ansel Adams exhibit: it was awesome to see up close many of the images that no doubt inspired most of us to pick-up his mantle. All of you in like manner have made me a better photographer. I watched from the sideline as you created beautiful images from new angles. I know I was in the presence of highly skilled visionaries. I know I made new friends and rekindled friends of old. For all of this and more I am grateful.

RF

[Gem Singer]

JB and Susan,

We missed you guys. Wished you could have been there.

Were still looking forward to watching your video presentation.

Planning on it for our next get together.

A group of us went to the Amon Carter after the shoot. Enjoyed the the Ansel Adams "Eloquent Light" display.

Then finished a great morning photographing the historical Terrant County Courthouse by eating lunch at the downtown Riskies BBQ.

[Gem Singer]

Thank YOU for being such a wonderful host, Rick.

Just printed printing the first negative from the shoot.Three more to go.

I'll show you the prints at our next get together.

[8x20_Pano_Shooter]

Look forward to seeing your photos!

[J.B. Harlin]

Sorry we missed this one. Looks like everyone had a great time. Hopefully by the next gathering it will not be so hot, but it is summer in Texas??????????

[Darren H]

Yes, it was good to see how other people worked and it is even better seeing some of the posted images here. I wish I did not have to leave early. I sounds like we missed more good stuff (like BBQ).

Brian, I really like the hallway view. When you were setting it up, I was a little unsure how the harsh light in the windows would work out, but you nailed it.

Rick, you led us on an adventure that was still fantastic, despite not getting all the places you had hoped. Send our thanks to your judge!, BTW, you got me thinking I need to get a 16x20 sized book so I can start toting around some nice sized prints too!

[RmFrase]

Rick - thank you again for the ability to see the court house. And I was blown-away by your prints. You just added another 20 feet to the ladder in which I have yet to climb with my photos. I'd really would enjoy sitting down and going thru your images at some future time.

PS - did you get my EM on the how-to for posting photos here?

Brian - I agree with Darren about you 'nailing' the hallway image.

[msk2193]

In order to post an image, you have to select "go advanced" on the bottom of the message you are typing.
Once the new screen opens you will see a paperclip next to a smiley face on the top line of icons just above where you are typing your text.
Once you select this, a new window opens up, and hit the button that says "choose file" from this window it will allow you to navigate to the file you want posted. Remember the size and KB restrictions for jpg which are 175.8 K and 650 pixels on the longest edge.

Good luck!

[Gem Singer]

Seems like Brian and I used the same tripod holes for our images of the corridor.

I used a Fuji f8 90SW and Ilford HP-5+ developed in Pyrocat HD.

[SlingingGlass]

Dear Gentlemen,
It was very nice to meet all of you at the Courthouse. Hopefully if/when next time my personal calendar will not conflict and I will be able to stay and observe your craft.
Thanks Rick for inviting me!
Rodger

addendum: Beautiful shots! Now I'm drooling for my own 4X5!

[Gem Singer]

There are a few painted ceiling domes with stained glass skylights in the Tarrant County Courthouse.

It's an historical building with a lot of character.

Notice the Texas Lone Star in the middle.

[Darren H]

So when are we planning the next DFW gathering for? Let's not wait three months this time.

Anyone want to offer up ideas for dates or possible locations?

[Gem Singer]

Why don't you Ft. Worth LF photogs. plan the next get together?

I'm sure the Dallas guys will be happy to participate.

Just name the time and place.

[Gem Singer]

Another view from the Tarrant County Courthouse shoot last Sat.

Skylights on the roof allow natural light to be piped to to the floors below.

Clever idea for the 1890's.

[Mike Castles]

sorry missed you guys, other oblications kept me from meeting you (and this was a location I have wanted to shoot for years...sigh)

Hope more photos can be posted, it is indeed a great building.

[brian mcweeney]

Wish you could have made it Mike. It was a lot of fun! Here's another one I recently processed:

[SlingingGlass]

Just a few shots of the LF's @ Tarrant Co Courthouse
Thanks, had a great time.
rj

[Mike Castles]

Wish you could have made it Mike. It was a lot of fun! Here's another one I recently processed:

Thanks Brian, nice tones and texture...looks like you guys had a blast.

[brian mcweeney]

Thanks for the pics RJ (Slinging Glass). I shot the courthouse before I arrived in front. I kind of missed the exposure on the building. The side shot needed a little more sunrise hitting it. I still enjoyed the shoot! Let's do it again sometime.

[msk2193]

Great photos Brian. I love the framing on the front view.
I found this site that is loaded with some interesting spots to photograph. Perhpas we can pick one close to home for a shoot in the next couple of weeks....

http://www.texasescapes.com/

Have a great week.

[Darren H]

Thanks for the pics RJ (Slinging Glass). I shot the courthouse before I arrived in front. I kind of missed the exposure on the building. The side shot needed a little more sunrise hitting it. I still enjoyed the shoot! Let's do it again sometime.

Brian-

I like your image looking down Main Street. A great time of the year to do that image is during December since they block off Main at Sundance Square for the Christmas tree.

We should plan on all of us meeting then and putting a little holiday into our photography.

RJ- like your images but that one guy with the spot meter is sure scary.

[Darren H]

Finally got my film processed. Here are a few from the courthouse.

One from outside. I think I was metering this image when rj got my picture.

Arca-Swiss 4x5, Nikon 75mm lens, Efke 25 processed in dr5, Epson Scanner.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4711730778_d2ddd3ec13.jpg

[Darren H]

Another image of the staircase. This one with my Fuji 125mm.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4711730774_08a8946787.jpg

[Darren H]

My version of the top floor. Nikon 75mm lens

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4711730760_c4996795de.jpg

[msk2193]

Wow, all great images Darren.
Hopefully I get to the processing of my film on Sunday!

[Darren H]

A couple more. I wanted to get the front of the courthouse but to do so requires standing in the middle of Main Street. I set what I thought would work on camera for focus and exposure, pulled the darkslide and then walked through the intersection when I had the crosswalk light stopping mid street making the image and then getting across. All rather quick. Kinda worked.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4711730764_64e8bafd68.jpg

I was not paying too much attention at the time, but one of the other guys was on the steps making his own image.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4711730768_4a3494f1b2.jpg

[RmFrase]

Great images Darren, and I like the selective focusing on the Staircase Baluster (Bannister) whichever one calls it.

[brian mcweeney]

Great shots Darren! Sorry about that guy being in your shot ...

[Darren H]

Great shots Darren! Sorry about that guy being in your shot ...

I laughed when I saw this. Always amazed at what you can find in an image.

[msk2193]

Always late to the party, but nonetheless I finally got to developing some film this weekend!

The Roof

http://kan.com/images/LF_Texas_Roads/Tarrant_Cnty_Courthouse_Library_TX4.jpg


Grand Stairway

http://kan.com/images/LF_Texas_Roads/Tarrant_Cnty_Courthouse_Library_TX3.jpg


Courtroom

http://kan.com/images/LF_Texas_Roads/Tarrant_Cnty_Courthouse_Library_TX2.jpg


Library: a study in Depth of Field!

http://kan.com/images/LF_Texas_Roads/Tarrant_Cnty_Courthouse_Library_TX6.jpg

[D. Bryant]

Always late to the party, but nonetheless I finally got to developing some film this weekend!



Nice work!

Don Bryant

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Awesome stuff Michael! Love all of 'em.

- Wil

[msk2193]

Thanks guys.

[Darren H]

Really nice. Really like the stairs and the courtroom-both are very well done.

[KOG]

Finally got my scanner working!

All shot on HP5+ 4x5, developed in XTOL 1:1

Kevin