Hi All LFPFers

I have been lurking for a while as I build up my knowledge and confidence but thought it was time I said hello.

I live in Sussex in the south of England. I have a longish history with 35mm & 120 film photography but I became a bit disillusioned by digital and my interested dimmed. I have taken early retirement and as film seems to making a welcome come back I have I find I have the time and motivation to get my cameras out again. I have always been interested in LF photography but been a little scared off by the investment required and the size and weight limitations. Anyway I have just ordered a 5x4 from Intrepid Cameras, a S/H lens, film holders and a Steerman developing tank and chemicals. My main (only) interest is in B&W (at the moment) landscapes.

I have travelled widely and frequently for my job and also recreationally, taken some pretty good shots (if I say so myself), but my plan now is to explore my wonderful county, stay local and concentrate on the image. I recall reading a quote from Sally Mann that really made me think, it said something like, and I paraphrase (and apologies for any error); I need a challenge, I would find it easier to take take ten great shots in an aircraft toilet than in a beautiful landscape. Anyway this is what I aspire too (not specialising in aircraft toilet photography, but finding the composition, not just taking snapshots of beautiful landscapes).

I am also interested in exploring printing at home, but this may be a problem as I have no darkroom at present. I would also like to explore wet plate Collodion photography and Platinum/Palladium printing now I have the time.

So thats probably more than enough from me. Any local LF photographers who would like to collaborate on an occasional LF day out in the region please let me know.

Paul