Foto 3

[Ted Harris]

Steve Simmons has requested that all arrangements for Foto3 be directed to him.
Accordingly, I have stepped down from my role as originally conceived. I wish Mr. Simmons a very successful conference. Please direct all questions to him via email rather than the Forum.

[steve simmons]

View Camera has always been financially responsible for this event and we have been responsible for the conference arrangements.. We are now within two months of the event it it will be more efficient to have the communication come though one office.

foto3 is continuing as planned and the program will remain the same.

steve simmons

[hoffner]

Steve's reasoning is logical. Would enjoy the conference if I had a freer period in that time. Heard good things about it from others. I wish you full success!

[gr82bart]

Seems like foto3 is turning out to be foto1. Calumet and APUG have withdrawn their sponsoship. Les McClean and Bill Schwab, so far, have cancelled their workshops.

I wonder why none of that information is being communicated here? :eek:

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum240/

Regards, Art.

[hoffner]

Thanks for the link, Art. An interesting reading. What cannot be missed is the hidden yet voluntarily revealed (!) hint given at the Apug forum as well as here by Ted Harris of his dislike of the outcome of the situation and a hint of critique of Mr.Simmons. Ted, either you really wish Mr. Simmons a successful conference - and then, please, restrain yourself from the hidden negative remarks, or - if you want to reveal your dislike, do so honestly with courage and openly. To sit on two chairs, as you do in your posts at Apug and here is just more bothering to all others and makes things worse. Just my 2 cents.

[John Voss]

Thanks for the link, Art. An interesting reading. What cannot be missed is the hidden yet voluntarily revealed (!) hint given at the Apug forum as well as here by Ted Harris of his dislike of the outcome of the situation and a hint of critique of Mr.Simmons. Ted, either you really wish Mr. Simmons a successful conference - and then, please, restrain yourself from the hidden negative remarks, or - if you want to reveal your dislike, do so honestly with courage and openly. To sit on two chairs, as you do in your posts at Apug and here is just more bothering to all others and makes things worse. Just my 2 cents.

There is an enormous difference between correcting misinformation about one's self, and wishing the Foto 3 conference well. The only thing the two statements have in common is that they arise from the same event.

[hoffner]

There is an enormous difference between correcting misinformation about one's self, and wishing the Foto 3 conference well. The only thing the two statements have in common is that they arise from the same event.

Common John, it's not only the rather irritated "correction" of Mr. Simmons presented in the thread in Apug - there is also the previous comment... Not to make the smelling spot bigger - just read the reactions, most of them realized the hidden hostility, the strife lurking behind the scenes. Were it just a question of a "correction" it could be done without the hostile tone. What I don't like is the hidden agenda - I wish you a very successful conference... but "originally" it was not as you want to do now... therefore I quit... If someone wished me publicly well in this way, I would kick his leg for such well wishing. Better to tell me sincerely - I'm pissed off... Just my 2 cents.

[steve simmons]

During the week before last I asked that all communication for foto3 regarding exhibitors, etc. come through my office. View Camera, at the request of Calumet, APUG, and Mr, Harris , had always been the administrative center of the conference, financialy responsible for the event, and responsible for the hotel arrangements, etc. Because of the closeness of the event this simply seemed more efficient and gave me a better picture of all of the details. I regret the fallout from this decision and up to Calumet, APUG, and Mr. Harris's public announcements I was still consulting and informing the other partners of all the actions originating from my office as we had agreed and done from the beginning. The program was remaining the same, the speakers were remaining the same, etc.

foto3 is happening with the exceptions of cancelations by Mr. Schwab and Mr. McLean. Despite his public comments Mr. Harris has twice sent me notes stating his continued interest in participating in the event and will do his scanning workshop and be on the panels as indicated in the program and I appreciate his continued participation. It takes strong people to pull of this type of event. I take Mr. Harris's desire to continue his participation as an endorsement of the concept and program. Sean and the other moderators at APUG have also been supportive of the event continuing as planned and I appreciate their comments as well.

steve simmons

[Jim Graves]

I have registered for the conference and am really looking forward not only to the program and the workshop I signed up for but to meeting people who share the same interests I do. Reading the APUG posts has not dampened my enthusiasm for the conference ... if anything, I'm a little more intrigued. The program, presenters, and workshops look great ... a few naysayers ... and there's always a few on these Forums ... don't detract from the breadth and scope of what is being offered. I know I will gain something from the presentations and from talking to the other attendees ... that is what conferences are for. I hope I'll see you there.

[steve simmons]

here is a post that will go up shortly on APUG re foto3


I do not understand the explosion re foto3.
Let me review the facts.

All I did was ask that all communication re foto3 come through my office as we were in the last 70 days or so before the event. Since View Camera was responsible for paying all of the expenses for the conference and making all of the arrangements for the facilities this seemd very logical and straight forward to me.

The program was developed by Ted Harris, myself, Sean and Bob Carnie. The program was not being changed. Sean posted a note to this effect.

With regards to the Les Mclean situation I have been bashed on that as well. I have been bashed even after Bob Carnie came on and verifieds that I had been trying to contact Les for several weeks and that I had even asked Bob's help in doing so. FWIW, Les and I have exchanged very friendly e-mails since our misunderstanding.

The event is happening. John Sexton is still the keynote speaker, the following pre-conference wokrhops are either full or have nough participation at this point to be locked in

Gordon Hutchings' darkroom workshop on Thursday

The intro/intermediate large format workshop Gordon and I are doing in Victor the Sunday-Tuesday prior to the conference weekend

the environmental figure study workshop with Kim Weston and Peter Legrand

the alt process workshop with Kevin Sullivan

the ranch workshop with David Stoecklein

Nicole's workshop


I will check on the other workshops.

looking forward


steve simmons

[John Bowen]

the following pre-conference wokrhops are either full or have nough participation at this point to be locked in



steve simmons

Steve,

Perhaps you should double check your posts prior to posting....you wouldn't want any Apugers to pick on your spelling ;)

[Eric Biggerstaff]

I look forward to the conference and hope to meet many of you there! It will be a great time with plenty to do, lots to see, and good times to be had by anyone who attends. If anyone going wants to get together and go photograph let me know!

Despite the politics, I hope many people will attend and have a positive attitude. It should be great. There are always a few negative people who want to see the bad side of things (on forums like this they usually are always posting something negative) and I try to avoid those types whenever possible. It really doesn't matter who the sponsors are, or are not, the conference will be great because it is a time when a large group of people who are passionate about what they do have a chance to get together and share their love for photography.

So, I hope to see many of you there!

[steve simmons]

The foto3 is now up and working again after being revised.


www.foto3-2008.com


we will have a conference program on the site that can be downloaded as a pdf in the next day or so.

With regards to the speculation about the changes in foto3

There was another conference we all liked that had serious problems because multiple people were making financial commitments for the organizer and a lot of unexpected bills came in after the fact. This may be one of the reasons that event has not happened again. Since I was the one responsible for all of the bills at foto3, I did not want to be put in this situation and wanted to know all of the communication about foto3 that was going on. That's it. I want this event to have a long life and be more than a one year flash.

steve simmons

[Preston]

Steve,

This looks like a wonderful opportunity for learning and good fun! I wish I could attend. Maybe next year.

You and your team have done a grand job putting the conference together, and you all deserve many kudos for your efforts!

-PB

[hoffner]

The foto3 is now up and working again after being revised.


www.foto3-2008.com


we will have a conference program on the site that can be downloaded as a pdf in the next day or so.


steve simmons

I'm glad it goes well with your organizing. Don't let yourself be down for the Apug bashing you received. After all, it's the Apug itself that is the biggest looser now. I sent messages to my friends, some of them are very positive about going to participate - I'll see them afterward for the latest news. Good luck, Steve!

[steve simmons]

Workshop updates


If you are taking the Gordon Hutchings Darkroom Workshop bring negatives to print. The participants will actually be printing during the session. There are 10 enlarger stations and we have limited the workshop to 10 participants. If you have negatives you want to develop in PMK let us know ahead of time and you may be able to develop them on Wednesday, the day before the printing session.

If you are taking the Intro/Intermediate LF class in Victor bring your equipment. Whatever lf camera you want to bring is fine. Bring a light meter, len(es), tripod, everything. The workshop will start promptly at 1pm at the Victor Hotel.

If you are doing Kevin Sullivan's alt process workshop bring a negative or negatives to print. You will be making prints during the session.

If you are doing the environmental figure study workshop bring your camera and related equipment. This workshop is for all formats.

More updates later.

steve simmons

[Kirk Gittings]

If you are taking the scanning class with Ted and I, bring film too!

[Jorge Gasteazoro]

Workshop updates


If you are taking the Gordon Hutchings Darkroom Workshop bring negatives to print. The participants will actually be printing during the session. There are 10 enlarger stations and we have limited the workshop to 10 participants. If you have negatives you want to develop in PMK let us know ahead of time and you may be able to develop them on Wednesday, the day before the printing session.

If you are taking the Intro/Intermediate LF class in Victor bring your equipment. Whatever lf camera you want to bring is fine. Bring a light meter, len(es), tripod, everything. The workshop will start promptly at 1pm at the Victor Hotel.

If you are doing Kevin Sullivan's alt process workshop bring a negative or negatives to print. You will be making prints during the session.

If you are doing the environmental figure study workshop bring your camera and related equipment. This workshop is for all formats.

More updates later.

steve simmons

Someone e mailed me commenting that maybe the judges for the competition had pulled out as well. I don't know if this is true or not, I am posting this so that Steve can head up any rumors.

[steve simmons]

The two judges were never able to get things confirmed and their schedules filled up. I have lined up Gary Huibregtse who is a Professor of Photography at Colorado State in Ft. Collins as one judge and I jhave a lead on a second. I will make the announcement as soon as I can.

There have been an incredible number of details to attend to in the last two weeks. Everything is now coming together.

I apologize for the apparent confusion but I am glad I asked to have everything come through my office.

The web site is being updated as an ongoing project as well.

steve simmons

[Jorge Gasteazoro]

The two judges were never able to get things confirmed and their schedules filled up. I have lined up Gary Huibregtse who is a Professor of Photography at Colorado State in Ft. Collins as one judge and I jhave a lead on a second. I will make the announcement as soon as I can.

There have been an incredible number of details to attend to in the last two weeks. Everything is now coming together.

I apologize for the apparent confusion but I am glad I asked to have everything come through my office.

The web site is being updated as an ongoing project as well.

steve simmons

Bummer, as someone who lived in Houston and visted the MFA many times to see their photography collection I would have loved to see what Ann Tucker would have chosen. She did an excellent job with the museum collection.

[Ted Harris]

In response to several inquiries, this confirms that I will not be attending the event in Fort Collins and that Kirk and I are canceling the preconference scanning workshop. I've requested again that my name be removed from the web page, and hope this will eliminate any further confusion.

[steve simmons]

The scanning workshop is not cancelled. This is a foto3 workshop, not a Ted Harris workshop. We are working on a replacement, actually someone with more experience.

steve simmons

[Ralph Barker]

Please keep it civil, Steve.

[steve simmons]

My post is civil and truthful.

I think it is a shame that the posts about Mr. Corey have been interrupted by this personal issue.

I am saddened by Mr. Corey's passing. I enjoyed working with him on his article and felt privileged to show his work in View Camera.

steve simmons

[Marko]

The scanning workshop is not cancelled. This is a foto3 workshop, not a Ted Harris workshop. We are working on a replacement, actually someone with more experience.

steve simmons

The foto3 website (still) says, squiggly quotes et al:


Scanning and Digital Workflow – you will spend three days of “hands on” digital processing and printing working with experts Ted Harris (editor of View Camera) and Kirk Gittings (noted architectural photographer and a member of the faculty of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago).

Your post doesn't specify whether you are working on a replacement for the scanning workshop or for the VC editor? Or perhaps both?

[steve simmons]

I've requested again that my name be removed from the web page, and hope this will eliminate any further confusion.

As recently as Saturday, I was assured that they would be doing the workshop and until this morning I had heard nothing to the contrary. However, for a variety of reasons I'd prepared a backup and will make the announcement later today.

The web site will be updated by the end of the day as well.


steve simmons

[John Voss]

[I] However, for a variety of reasons I'd prepared a backup and will make the announcement later today.


Steve, I hope they recruit you for "Dancing with the Stars" (of course you'd first have to be a star...but hey!). I've rarely seen such an adroit two-step. :rolleyes:

[steve simmons]

John Latimer will be doing the scanning workshop for foto3. We will shorten the workshop to 2 days. This will be a hands on experience. John is an Adjunct Professor at RIT and operates his own scanning and digital output service in Rochestor, NY.

steve simmons

[Once]

Steve's post WAS civil, Mr. Baker!

[Brian Bullen]

The scanning workshop is not cancelled. This is a foto3 workshop, not a Ted Harris workshop. We are working on a replacement, actually someone with more experience.

steve simmons


you will spend three days of “hands on” digital processing and printing working with experts Ted Harris (editor of View Camera) and Kirk Gittings (noted architectural photographer and a member of the faculty of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago).

These two statements seem to contradict. I generally consider an "expert" to be someone who has the utmost experience in their field of expertise.

[Marko]

These two statements seem to contradict. I generally consider an "expert" to be someone who has the utmost experience in their field of expertise.

I didn't write that, I simply quoted it from the foto3 website.

Those two statements do not necessarily contradict each other either - if you read more closely, you'll notice that he said "more experience", not "more expertise".

Conferences of that type are, IMHO, primarily PR events and therefore more about egos (and hence experience handling them) than about real expertise. ;)

[Jorge Gasteazoro]

Ah jeeez....guys, unless you are using a 4x5 digital back (which I think few here can afford) we are all dependent of having LF photography and it's conference a success so that film makers see we are still a healthy viable sector.

How about giving Simmons a break and let him use his time to organize a good conference instead of wasting it here?

[Brian Bullen]

I didn't write that, I simply quoted it from the foto3 website.

Those two statements do not necessarily contradict each other either - if you read more closely, you'll notice that he said "more experience", not "more expertise".

Conferences of that type are, IMHO, primarily PR events and therefore more about egos (and hence experience handling them) than about real expertise. ;)

Marko, I should have done a better job of quoting, I realize it is from the Foto3 website and I didn't mean to imply you wrote it.

Jorge you're right, there is a lot of "bad air" around Foto3 and I should have known better than to get involved. Hopefully this event will be a success for the photographic and large format world.

[Charles Hohenstein]

Is this still getting advertised as Foto 3? Isn't it really a View Camera conference now?

[steve simmons]

No this is planned as more than a large format conference. We have planned for things that are not format specific and some for smaller formats.

steve simmons

[Kirk Gittings]

Just to set the record straight. I have not pulled out of the conference. The scanning workshop was really a thing Ted set up and invited me to do it with him. When he decided to leave, I did not feel comfortable continuing with it without him. I am still involved with the architecture workshop and seminar presentation. I look forward to seeing some old friends and new faces there.

[steve simmons]

There is still time to enter the foto3 photo contest. The deadline is the end of April. The Grand prize is $2,500.00 and there are several smaller cash prizes as well. The entry form is on the foto3 web site

www.foto3-2008.com


steve simmons

[steve simmons]

We are working up a schedule for Portfolio Reviews at foto3. Here is the schedule and it will be expanded.

Friday June 6th 10am-12 noon Gordon Hutchings and Gary Samson
3:30-5pm Gary Huibregtse and John Latimer
Saturday June 7th 9-11:30 Karen Kuehn and Gordon Hutchings
2-4:30 John Sexton and Peter Legrand


Sunday 10-12noon TBA

Each review will be 25 minutes in length. Bring a concise body of work to show the reviewer. Bring prints or transparencies. Do not plan to show your portfolio on the screen of a laptop.

If you have a conference ticket the reviews are free and will be scheduled on a first come first served basis.

Call us to schedule

505-899-8054 m-f 7-3 mountain time


steve simmons

[Dave Henry]

What are the exhibitor hours of the show? I looked at the site and can't find anything on those hours or days.

Thanks

[steve simmons]

The exhibitor hours are Friday from 1pm-7pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. There is a reception in the trade show from 5-7pm on Friday.

steve simmons

[steve simmons]

foto3 Updates

The judges for the photo contest are

Gary Huibretgse who is a Prof of Photography at CSU
Eric Paddock who is the newly appointed Curator of Photography and New Media at the Denver Art Museum.

These are highy distinguished and qualified judges and it is quite a coup for foto3 to have them. There is still tme to enter the foto3 photo contest as the entry deadline is April 30. The Grand Prize is a cash award of $2,500.00. There are smaller cash awards as well.

There is still room in the Alt Process workshop with Kevin Sullivan, the wet plate workshop with Gary Samson, and the ranch workshop with David Stoecklein.

We will be updating the web site in the next 24 hours.

If you have questions about foto3 go to


www.foto3-2008.com

or call us at 800-894-8439

or e-mail

amiles@viewcamera.com


thanks

steve simmons

[GPS]

Thanks, Steve, for the info. Sounds like a good event.

[steve simmons]

ALL inquiries about foto3, the foto3 photo contest, etc. should be sent to

largformat@aol.com

or

amiles@viewcamera.com

or

505-899-8054


or

800-894-8439


thanks

steve simmons

[steve simmons]

Although we knew all along, we have official confirmation that Kodak, Ilford and Fuji will be at foto3. Microtek has joined the list of exhibitors as well.

The deadline for the foto3 photo contest is April 30th. The entry form is on the foto3 web site

www.foto3-2008.com

The grand prize is $2,500.00 and there are smaller cash prizes as well.

The web site has been updated also.

steve simmons

[steve simmons]

Because of cancelations due to illness we have an opening in the Intro/Intermediate Large Format class in Victor, CO June 1-3. Gordon Hutchings and I are doing the class together and the limit is 10 This is part of the foto3 week of activities although going to the actual conference is not a requirement to take this workshop.

The group is staying at the Victor Hotel in Victor, CO.

If you have any questions you can call us at

800-894-8439

or e-mail me at

largformat@aol.com


There are also a couple of openings in the alt process three day workshop as well.


thanks

steve simmons

[timbo10ca]

Because of cancelations due to illness we have an opening in the Intro/Intermediate Large Format class in Victor, CO June 1-3. Gordon Hutchings and I are doing the class together and the limit is 10 This is part of the foto3 week of activities although going to the actual conference is not a requirement to take this workshop.

The group is staying at the Victor Hotel in Victor, CO.

If you have any questions you can call us at

800-894-8439

or e-mail me at

largformat@aol.com


There are also a couple of openings in the alt process three day workshop as well.


thanks

steve simmons

And I have a double occupancy room booked in Victor if anybody wants to split it.

Tim

[Mark Sawyer]

Steve ~ Is there a pre-sign-up for any of the portfolio review sessions, or for any of the seminars, if there's limited seating? Or will it all be done day-of?

[steve simmons]

The seminars are open to anyone who has a conference ticket. No pre registration needed for the seminars. The portfolios require a sign up as it is first come first served.

steve

[GPS]

It seems all is ready for a good time. Wish you full success with Foto 3!

[steve simmons]

Yes, thanks. It is finally here:)

steve simmons

[steve simmons]

Here is a link to an article about foto3

http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080521/BUSINESS/805210312/1046/CUSTOMERSERVICE02


steve simmons

[Photoe]

When I signed up for workshops, the Environmental Figure Workshops were scheduled to be on Tuesday and Wednesday. Now I see that it is listed as being on Wed and Thurs on the Fotot3 website and also in the latest edition of Large Format magazine. Has there been a change? If so, this has created a schedule conflict with the othe (Hurchins) workshop I signed up for.

[steve simmons]

PM sent this afternoon.

We have been sending out e-mails and letters via snail mail to all of the participants in the pre-conference workshops. These went out 2 weeks to 10 days ago.

If you have a question about foto3 it would be much more efficient to contact us directly at 800-894-8439 if you are in the US and 505-899-8054 from outside the US, You can also e-amil us at

largformat@aol.com
amiles@viewcamera.com


steve simmons

[Jeff Graves]

Steve, I signed up for the enviomental nude workshop as well (in december)and have been waiting for some info. Please, let me know whats up, I don't want to miss this one.
Jeff

[steve simmons]

If you have questions about foto3 it is most efficient if you will contact us directly.

largeformat@aol.com
amiles@viewcamera.com

505-899-8054 m-f 7-4 mountain time.

We've sent out e-mails to all the pre-conference workshop participants and letters via snail mail. This all happened two weeks ago.

thanks

steve simmons

[steve simmons]

We have sent a second e-mail to Mr. Graves giving him the information he needs. We have also left a message on his voicemail.

steve simmons
www.foto3-2008.com

[Caroline Matthews]

Hmmm. Looks like Foto3 has the same sort of quality control issues that View Camera Magazine has!!! Anyone suprised? I'll be anxious to hear feedback from anyone attending, if anyone attends. I know three other photographers who decided to pass, even though it's being held near by

[steve simmons]

foto3 does not have any quality control problems. The moment Mr. Graves expressed a concern we e-mailed him and left a message in his voicemail. He got both and everything is fine. Our record keeping system functioned as it should.

We have over 100 people taking part in the pre-conference workshops, hundreds of attendees and every reason to expect a large walk-in crowd, twenty five vendors with many, many special requests for their booths, dozens of speakers with requests re their presentations, room reservations to coordinate, etc., etc. and one person has a problem and someone jumps in and says we have a quality control problem. We are coordinating hundreds of issues and activities and it is all coming together as it should.

I realize there are people who would like to see this fail.

Sorry, its success is guarenteed and has been for weeks.

We are looking forward to next week.

steve simmons
www.viewcamera.com
www.foto3-2008.com

[Caroline Matthews]

Only View Camera Magazine would have "venders."

[steve simmons]

????????????????


steve simmons

[Jim Graves]

I, for one, am attending Foto3 ... and one of the pre-conference workshops.

I have had excellent contacts and updates about the conference ... including mailings, emails, and even a phone call from Mr. Simmons.

I'm looking forward to all the sessions by excellent presenters and the trade show by over 20 vendors. If you read the agenda and workshop list ... and the vendor list for the trade show, I think you will find this is an excellent opportunity to learn and share.

[Mark Sawyer]

I've never quite been sure why some find joy in rooting for the failure of others. Especially when someone is trying to do something worthwhile.

[Jeff Graves]

Message recieved....thanks Steve:)

[Blacky Dalton]

If you are interested in photography, and you are able to attend Foto3, then you should show your support for the medium. Regardless of your personal feelings about any one person, your support for the photographic community is what counts.

The photographic manufacturers and vendors see your presence as a vote for their life blood, the products and services they provide. You don’t have to like everyone in the world. You don’t have to agree with everyone. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone. You don’t have to purchase from every vendor, you just need to show your support for photography by attending.

Put away your childish predisposition, go to the event, learn what you can, contribute what you can, and above all, enjoy yourself. If photography is your passion, then support it, or risk loosing it!

If my job allows, I will be there as a last minute walk in. If not, I will be there in spirit!

B. Dalton

[Eric Biggerstaff]

Caroline,

If you have nothing positive to say then don't post. There is NO reason for you to say what you did other than to try and stir up trouble. I love this forum and the fact that most people are positive and want to contribute. But, there are some, such as yourself, who appear to have other agendas.

I know many people in the area, myself included, who will be attending and are looking forward to it. If you choose not to, that is fine but stop being a jerk and posting things that are in no way contributing to this thread, or to this forum, in a positive way.

[Blacky Dalton]

Thanks Eric. As my parents taught me as a child, "if you can't say something positive or constructive, Keep It To Yourself."

B. Dalton

[QT Luong]

Thanks Eric. As my parents taught me as a child, "if you can't say something positive or constructive, Keep It To Yourself."

B. Dalton

It would be great indeed if all the posts in the forum followed that rule. Most important is "or constructive". It's too limiting to be only positive. In fact constructive is more important than positive. For instance, if I published something, I'd actually put more value on a comment saying how the publication could be improved, than on a "great job, Tuan" posting.

[Blacky Dalton]

It would be great indeed if all the posts in the forum followed that rule. Most important is "or constructive". It's too limiting to be only positive. In fact constructive is more important than positive. For instance, if I published something, I'd actually put more value on a comment saying how the publication could be improved, than on a "great job, Tuan" posting.

I 100% agree! The key word is "Constructive." There is nothing wrong with disagreeing, but a disagreement should be "Positive." To respectfully disagree can lead to greater understanding and enlightenment. To disagree in a provocative manner only leads to hostility. Snide, sarcastic remarks promote a defensive posture and ultimately a hostile argument, in which nothing is gained.

But back to the subject at hand, I am very much looking forward to Foto3, and if you are going Tuan, I look forward to meeting you.

B. Dalton

[David Spivak-Focus Magazine]

It would be great indeed if all the posts in the forum followed that rule. Most important is "or constructive". It's too limiting to be only positive. In fact constructive is more important than positive. For instance, if I published something, I'd actually put more value on a comment saying how the publication could be improved, than on a "great job, Tuan" posting.

amen

[jetcode]

It would be great indeed if all the posts in the forum followed that rule. Most important is "or constructive". It's too limiting to be only positive. In fact constructive is more important than positive. For instance, if I published something, I'd actually put more value on a comment saying how the publication could be improved, than on a "great job, Tuan" posting.

Great call QT - I wanted to make a comment along the lines of internalizing conflict rather then stating what needs to be said at the moment it needs to be said.

[Photobackpacker]

I am preparing my packing list and am looking forward to it. To all of you, please stop by my booth and say hi. I always enjoy a chance to put a face to a name.

This will be my 4th VCM conference, (my 3rd tradeshow as a vendor) and I cannot tell you how much I enjoy it. We are a small community and this event helps to make that a reality.

Bruce

[Michael Roberts]

Thanks Eric. As my parents taught me as a child, "if you can't say something positive or constructive, Keep It To Yourself."

B. Dalton

hear, hear!

[Bob Alden]

Absolutely! I am a long time lurker but was compelled to register and show support for Steve (an unsung hero of LF Photography). This is an excellent opportunity to learn and share. If you are interested in photography, and you are able to attend Foto3, then you should show your support for the medium. I'm looking forward to all the sessions by excellent presenters and the trade show by over 20 vendors. http://www.foto3-2008.com don't miss it!

[steve simmons]

Thanks to all for the support. I am always happy to hear constructive criticism as I can learn from that type of dialogue.

I leave for foto3 on Saturday as Gordon Hutchings and I are doing a view camera workshop in Victor, CO starting Sunday. After early Sat morning I won't be able to responds to questions about foto3 here on this forum.

So, if you have questions, concerns, etc. please contact

amiles@viewcamera.com
or call 505-899-8054.

Andrea will leave for Ft. Collins on Wednesday morning, June 4th. At that time we will leave a contact number in our voicemail system for last minute questions.

thanks

steve simmons

[Photoe]

When I signed up for workshops, the Environmental Figure Workshops were scheduled to be on Tuesday and Wednesday. Now I see that it is listed as being on Wed and Thurs on the Fotot3 website and also in the latest edition of Large Format magazine. Has there been a change? If so, this has created a schedule conflict with the othe (Hurchins) workshop I signed up for.

Well I called the number given to me by Mr Simmons in an email attempting to clear this up. In fact I called TWICE. All I got both times was a promise to call me back to resolve the issue. I NEVER got a call back. So finally I called a third time and cancelled the Hutchins darkroom workshop that I hoped to attend. Additionally, an attempt was made to charge me for withdrawing from that workshop. The person I was talking to only relented when I pointed out that it was their changing the schedule causing all this mess. All this as a result of the workshop schedule change that I only recently noticed. The current schedule is both on the FOTO3 website and in the latest issue of View Camera magazine

I never recieved an email or a snail mail or a phone call reagrdiing the schedule change. Or anything.

Everybody needs to check their workshop schedule to make sure their plans are not screwed up also.

I hope the rest of FOTO3 proceeds more smoothly

[steve simmons]

We talked to this gentleman a week ago or so and told him of the change. We asked him how he wanted to handle this and offered to let him have a day in each workshop for the price of one workshop. He was supposed to call us back and let us know what he wanted to do and we did not hear back from him until this morning.

There was no attempt to charge him a cancellation fee and this matter was resolved - or so I thought.

steve simmons

[Photoe]

We talked to this gentleman a week ago or so and told him of the change. We asked him how he wanted to handle this and offered to let him have a day in each workshop for the price of one workshop. He was supposed to call us back and let us know what he wanted to do and we did not hear back from him until this morning.

There was no attempt to charge him a cancellation fee and this matter was resolved - or so I thought.

steve simmons

You did NOT talk to me a week ago!! There WAS an attempt to charge a cancellation THIS MORNING. The ONLY communication was when I called. Two promises to call me back were not fulfilled.

[steve simmons]

My office manager is very good at customer relations and we both remember her talking with him at least a week ago. He has not been charged any cancellation fee and no attempt has been made to do so. He is taking the Env Figure Study course and only being charged for that workshop.

I am done with this. Andrea has been very professional with this gentleman and acted very appropriately and professionally.

steve simmons

[Photoe]

My office manager is very good at customer relations and we both remember her talking with him at least a week ago. He has not been charged any cancellation fee and no attepmpt has been made to do so. He is taking the Env Figure Study course and only being charged for that workshop.

I am done with this. Andrea has been very professional with this gentleman and acted very appropriately and professionally.

steve simmons

The only conversations were when I called your office!!

As I know the truth of the matter, I will let this rest as I find this exchange useless.

I still encourage everybody attending FOTO3 Workshops to check on their schedule
also to avoid unnecesaary stress next week.

[steve simmons]

We are getting a lot of calls from people saying they will sign up at the door. We are happy to have you but it will streamline the check-in process if you pre-register.

thanks

steve simmons

[Bob Alden]

Photoe I supplied the contacts please acknowledge so this matter can be resolved.

amiles@viewcamera.com
or call 505-899-8054

steve simmons

[Photoe]

To what contacts are you refrring?

[Monty McCutchen]

Steve,

Am I missing something? The post below is under the registered name of Bob Alden, a supposed long time lurker who felt the need to sign up and show support to your conference (post # 73), but in the post listed below Steve Simmons signed under that registered name.

I may be daft but this doesn't look so good.

Reputations are rarely given. They are however earned.

Monty McCutchen









Photoe I supplied the contacts please acknowledge so this matter can be resolved.

amiles@viewcamera.com
or call 505-899-8054

steve simmons

[Stephanie Brim]

Wow. Yeah. That's...wow.

I don't even know what to say. As a newbie to view cameras, I thought about subscribing to the magazine. I'm not so sure anymore.

Clearing this up would be good.

[billschwab]

Absolutely! I am a long time lurker but was compelled to register and show support for Steve (an unsung hero of LF Photography).


Photoe I supplied the contacts please acknowledge so this matter can be resolved.

amiles@viewcamera.com
or call 505-899-8054

steve simmons

Un freakin' believable! It would be funny if not so very sad.

"Unsung Hero"... good grief.

[Bob Alden]

Was lending a hand that is all. I inadvertently copied Steve's name and now it is being misconstrued.

[billschwab]

Was lending a hand that is all. I inadvertently copied Steve's name and now it is being misconstrued.OMG ... Can this get worse?.

[Monty McCutchen]

Is that why you typed/spoke in the first person?


I was kidding when I said I may be daft.

[vinny]

Way back when Foto 3 was Foto 3, i and a friend considered going and taking some workshops. I almost registered early for the discount but decided against it due to finances at the time. My friend signed up for some workshops and booked a flight. When i mentioned that several sponsors had backed out and that the workshops may not go on, they had no idea. This was about a week after i heard the news. They weren't notified and my phone call was the first they had heard of it. That's unfortunate and it's too bad things weren't handled on a professional level. I think there are things we aren't being told for Foto 3 to lose so many participants like Freestyle and Calumet. This chain of events and this thread will make it hard for anyone to organize a successful, organized event of this kind in the future and that's really unfortunate.

vinny

[Asher Kelman]

Guys,

Do you love film? Do you care what happens to this fragile community? Of course you do. Why would anyone keep a LF magazine going when there is limited audience? We cannot destroy the cohesive fabric that supports the commerce that holds together this small world. The courses and workshops bring only a modest income to those who organize them. These work and are really "mom and pop" operations, often organized from a home office. There's a lot at stake. Each lens you own has value because there is a community. The community in turn needs that lens should be available. Same with all these stores that supply us! Think about it, Samy's Camera in LA has just perhaps 4 LF cameras to sell (all used, the guy showing them could just as well be handling a part for a swivel chair) as of 6 months ago! They do still have film but not a lot of choice. A&I does not even sell 8x10 film! We are a fragile community.

One cannot keep digging up an olive tree to check on the roots. Same with the relationships of people involved. Solve your issue in private. Having egos override the communities interests is foolish. Who will be there to buy a View Camera magazine or take a course in scanning? Each person rightly feels they should be respected but we haven't got a clue how to behave!

It's very easy to damage things but so hard to create beautiful things.

Guys, get together no matter what transpired!

It's in everyone's interest to bring about a great meeting where there is reinforcement, meeting friends and strengthening all the suppliers and photographers who depend on each other. Every so often we get together to jointly order a special size of film, otherwise unobtainable. We don't have to feel any love for one another to cooperate for our own good! So guys, get together, put aside this nonsense and close the gap!

Just my 0.02 cents!

Asher

[jdc]

Photoe I supplied the contacts please acknowledge so this matter can be resolved.

amiles@viewcamera.com
or call 505-899-8054

steve simmons

Oh the tangled web we weave. One would think a photo conference wouldn't require the drama this one has.

[Mark Sawyer]

Yes, it must all be a secret conspiracy... and the CIA, the NSA, and maybe the Knights Templar are in on it. I bet there are lenses carved from crystal skulls too...

Jeez, it's a photo conference/get-together, not a plot for world domination.

[steve simmons]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Alden or Steve Simmons;
Photoe I supplied the contacts please acknowledge so this matter can be resolved.

amiles@viewcamera.com
or call 505-899-8054

steve simmons

Oh the tangled web we weave. One would think a photo conference wouldn't require the drama this one has.

I did not make either of these posts and the matter has been resolved AFAIK

steve simmons

[steve simmons]

Bob Alden


Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 4 Re: Foto 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Was lending a hand that is all. I inadvertently copied Steve's name and now it is being misconstrued.

There is no conspiracy here. I am continually surprised that people come on here, people who really don't know anything, and post theories about this that and the other. Their theories are all negative of course. Some seem to relish the thought that foto3 might not do well.

This is a photography event. We should all support these types of events, whether it be foto3 or some other conference, festival, etc. The more of these there are, and the more successful they are, the more vibrant the photographic community will be.


steve simmons
www.viewcamera.com
www.foto3-2008.com

[snuck]

I suspect that the state of Large Format Photography may be slightly healthier than one might suppose it would be, especially looking at the expressions of wonder I see when I whip out my large format camera and show it to my high school students. The large format community depends very much on the craft and integrity of it's participants. Conduct is important in any community, and good conduct says more about it than any other media.

[Dave Wooten]

Yes, it must all be a secret conspiracy... and the CIA, the NSA, and maybe the Knights Templar are in on it. I bet there are lenses carved from crystal skulls too...

Jeez, it's a photo conference/get-together, not a plot for world domination.
Knights Templar are not involved.

[Once]

Knights Templar are not involved.

Aren't they? How is it then possible that it rained today and it was 23°C? Is it just a coincidence???

[windpointphoto]

Wow. Yeah. That's...wow.

I don't even know what to say. As a newbie to view cameras, I thought about subscribing to the magazine. I'm not so sure anymore.

Clearing this up would be good.

Good grief, VC's been around since the late 80s. Some articles are of interest to some, other articles are interesting to others. To base a decision to subscribe on the anti Steve Simmons attitudes on this site is silly. I understand that Mr. Simmons subjects himself to the abuse here is a business tool. He must just shake his head at night. We're lucky he does all these things regarding LF. Len

[windpointphoto]

Way back when Foto 3 was Foto 3, i and a friend considered going and taking some workshops. I almost registered early for the discount but decided against it due to finances at the time. My friend signed up for some workshops and booked a flight. When i mentioned that several sponsors had backed out and that the workshops may not go on, they had no idea. This was about a week after i heard the news. They weren't notified and my phone call was the first they had heard of it. That's unfortunate and it's too bad things weren't handled on a professional level. I think there are things we aren't being told for Foto 3 to lose so many participants like Freestyle and Calumet. This chain of events and this thread will make it hard for anyone to organize a successful, organized event of this kind in the future and that's really unfortunate.

vinny

Even if the whole conference cancelled, which would be bad, no doubt about it, you're still in one of the most photographic parts of the country with your camera. Go make pictures!

[Don Hutton]

Steve,

Am I missing something? The post below is under the registered name of Bob Alden, a supposed long time lurker who felt the need to sign up and show support to your conference (post # 73), but in the post listed below Steve Simmons signed under that registered name.

I may be daft but this doesn't look so good.

Reputations are rarely given. They are however earned.

Monty McCutchenThat has to be the saddest behaviour I've seen from anyone over the age of about 4 - no, make that anyone of any age - for some time. The good news is that both Steve and Bob will apparently be attending so that makes at least one attendee!

[steve simmons]

Who are/is the Knights Templar???

Guess I can't belong in an organization sooooo secret I have never heard of it:)

Anyway, we just finished the Victor Large Format workshop portion of foto3. It went very well. Victor is a great place to shoot any format.

If you are doing the Gordon Hutchings printing workshop Thursday meet in the lobby of the Hilton in Ft. Collins (425 W Prospect) no later than 8:30am. You will take a 10 minute walk to the CSU darkroom.

If you are doing the ranch photo workshop tomorrow, (Wed) meet at

www.sylvandale.com

at 8:30 and be ready to shoot.

If you are doing the Env. Figure Study workshop Wed and Thursday meet in the hotel lobby at 8:30 and be ready to go.

If you are coming to the conference but have not yet registered just come to the hotel Thursday afternoon from 3-7 or Friday anytime after 9am to register. We are out of the office either here in Co or in transit.

thanks

steve simmons

[Jay Wolfe]

Steve,

Have you ever heard of a book (and movie) called "The DaVinci Code"? The book was a bestseller a few years ago. Referred to the Knights Templar a few times.

[jnantz]

Who are/is the Knights Templar???



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Templar