WmRenick
9-Dec-2014, 08:36
Good day to all
I am a senior citizen and have enjoyed the wonderful world of LF photography for about five years now. 5x7 is my preferred format. I am a volunteer at our South Central Kentucky Cultural Center/Museum here in Glasgow, Kentucky. We recently recieved a donation of 43 glass plate negatives. I have made a basic scan of each and have made a few prints in my darkroom. I am very impressed with the detail of the images. This is the first time I have ever had the opportunity to work with glass plates. I want to classify and give a better description of them. Also is there a way to distinguish between a wet and a dry plate? I hope to convince the center to have a showing of them. My main interest is twofold: One to honor the photographers that made them and to make, when possible, a historical connection locally.
I want to exhibit them in two forms. As is done now, digitally, but also some prints from the darkroom. Contact prints are such a joy to see. Most are 3.25x4.25 but some are a beautiful 5.0x8.0. Hoping that the public can see and learn the difference of the two processes.
Any suggestions on a good, not elaborate paper? My darkroom skills are average at best.
I have noticed the difference on some of the negatives. The background does change the appearance on some but not others. I "assume" they are ambrotypes. I would like to understand ,how and why, the change takes place. Also why do the others not? Finally how best to store them.
Again my thanks to you
William Renick
I am a senior citizen and have enjoyed the wonderful world of LF photography for about five years now. 5x7 is my preferred format. I am a volunteer at our South Central Kentucky Cultural Center/Museum here in Glasgow, Kentucky. We recently recieved a donation of 43 glass plate negatives. I have made a basic scan of each and have made a few prints in my darkroom. I am very impressed with the detail of the images. This is the first time I have ever had the opportunity to work with glass plates. I want to classify and give a better description of them. Also is there a way to distinguish between a wet and a dry plate? I hope to convince the center to have a showing of them. My main interest is twofold: One to honor the photographers that made them and to make, when possible, a historical connection locally.
I want to exhibit them in two forms. As is done now, digitally, but also some prints from the darkroom. Contact prints are such a joy to see. Most are 3.25x4.25 but some are a beautiful 5.0x8.0. Hoping that the public can see and learn the difference of the two processes.
Any suggestions on a good, not elaborate paper? My darkroom skills are average at best.
I have noticed the difference on some of the negatives. The background does change the appearance on some but not others. I "assume" they are ambrotypes. I would like to understand ,how and why, the change takes place. Also why do the others not? Finally how best to store them.
Again my thanks to you
William Renick