Tips and advice for a young(ish) Photographer on getting into HAL/HAER/HALS

[pchaplo]

John,

Yes, now all HP5+ here. Test and calibrate. Available locally here, so it has become my "go-to" film. I shoot 4x5.

[schafphoto]

Yes I'm also using HP-5 in 25 and 100 sheet boxes for 4x5 and 25 sheet boxes for 5x7.
I have used T-max and TRI-X 320 but in D-76 (Clayton C-76) developer I got better results with the HP5. Less mottling in the sky, and lower contrast which was better for my workflow.

[jonesp]

A good reference book.

[Mexipike]

Thanks! I checked it out from the library a while back. It really is a great book.

[schafphoto]

John, since I just posted a new HABS thread, I was looking through the old ones. Is that you at DT?
-Schaf

[jnantz]

the best advice I can give you is to get yourself a good dictionary of engineering, architectural, planning and "historic" terminology and learn how to do site research using Sandborn Insurance Maps. the "lingo" from the dictionary &c will help you navigate the descriptions, and the sandborn maps will help you decipher what the site "was" if that's not how it still "is". the insurance maps are invaluable because they show the whole site, building materials, foot prints &c. usually when one is asked to do HABS/HAER work there are remnants of the "feature system" ( how the site works ) that the photographer might have to hunt around for. oh, you should also poke around the society of industrial archaeology website for HAER related, there might be a similar website for architectural historians that you might benefit from to do HABS type work ... good luck, and enjoy the go.

[Mexipike]

John, since I just posted a new HABS thread, I was looking through the old ones. Is that you at DT?
-Schaf

Hi! Sorry I missed this- Yeah, that is ndeed me, I'm not at DT anymore but still in the Cultural Heritage imaging field working at UC Davis. I just sent you a DM.

[Andrzej1]

I'm 33 and looking for any and all ways that I can make a little bit of money with photography while I continue my education. I recently moved to Los Angeles from Austin, Texas to complete BFA in photography at CALARTS, where I have one year left before I continue to move onto a masters program somewhere.

When I read a recent thread here about HABS/HAER/HALS photography it really sparked my interest and inspired me. I have a huge passion for working in black and white and over the years have used various large format systems. I realize that I would definitely have a learning curve to get started, between the actual taking of the image, through the processing, through the labeling etc. All of this is the kind of think I enjoy doing and reading about. I also realize that it would probably take some years to make it viable and even then it would probably only be a supplemental income. I'm willing to start now putting in the time and effort in order for it to be something that I can make some money on in the future, of course realizing it is probably never that lucrative.

So, I would love to hear from the community here any advice. How can one even get started in this field? Do you just submit images? Basically how do I build the connections necessary. Do you make at least some money? I'm sure I'll come up with more questions a long the way, but I feel that's a good starting point!

Thanks in advance for your help, I don't believe I've posted here very often but I lurk here a lot and truly value this community.

You can see my website here: www.pike.photo and my recent LA work here http://www.pike.photo/los-angeles-2018/. None of which is shot on large format or especially "documentation quality" but just thought I'd post some work to add to the conversation.

Best,
John

Hi,

It's great to hear about your passion for black and white photography and interest in HABS/HAER/HALS. Start by researching the specific requirements for these programs on the National Park Service and Library of Congress websites. Refine your large format photography skills and create a portfolio tailored to historical documentation. Network by attending relevant events and joining online groups, and look for internships or volunteer opportunities with historical organizations. Submit your work to relevant projects once you're confident in your skills. Meanwhile, consider freelance photography to supplement your income and explore grants for additional support.

Jack