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QUESTION:
Hello, I am a photo student at Alhambra High and have grown to love photography. My friend and I are so in love with capturing...no stealing the beauties of life. My friend and I have fallin in love soo much that we wish to start our own darkroom away from school so we can start our own photo studio. We have watched a film on Ansel Adams and found that he has inspired us to use our love to begin our journey. I was wondering if you would given us a push in the right directs on how to start up our dream. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, Ashley

ANSWER:

Hi Ashley,
If Ansel (1902-1984) were alive today I am sure he would tell you to pursue your dream and become involved in photography. This can become a lifetime avocation which will give a lot of meaning and balance to your life and your ultimate vocation. The search for the perfect or "ultimate" image is exciting and worthwhile. Go find it! Perhaps the search is the goal. I met Ansel in the thirties and we were close friends from then until his death. He certainly inspired me to pursue and perfect my photography and I am still doing it at 85, and grateful to him.

I have been in the darkroom for many years making black and white photographs when ever possible taking time from my other profession. While I now also work with digital images by scanning in negatives to the computer, I still prefer the "magic" of the silver print make in the darkroom.

Setting up a simple darkroom with your friend should not be expensive or difficult if you have a room or a corner to devote to such a project. I assume you will be working with a 35mm camera? The people at Freestyle can be a great help to you with the film, paper, chemicals and equipment, such as a simple enlarger and other items that you will need to get started. Be sure and also look at the technical books they have available. Be extra active with your photo group at school and the classes there. I assume you are. Perhaps you have a local community college near by and you and your friend could attend classes. Most have great photography programs. To appreciate what "fine art photography" is all about you should go to galleries, shows and take out books with photography images from your local library. In this way you will know what you like and dislike and what a great photograph looks like. It will help your own photography. There are also many web sites with great photographs to see at the click of a mouse.

Good luck with your dream, and if you become serious you will be involved the rest of your life. It is easier to do nothing important. The real test is to proceed with one's goal despite the disruptions and distractions of every day life.