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Rod Dresser's Safelight Test
We are addressing the problem of safelight fogging and not
fogging due to out-of-date paper. It is mandatory, however,
that you properly test for safelight fog in your darkroom.
This applies even if you are using a darkroom that does not
belong to you. In fact... full
article
The Challenge of Creativity
Creativity implies something created which further
entails the production of something new. One can argue with
considerable vigor that there is practically nothing in terms
of subject matter that has not been photographed by one artist
or another. So how do we as contemporary photographers create
something new or different? Carelton Watkins photographed
Yosemite before Ansel Adams was born... full
article
Studio Lighting...My Way
In the past few years I am doing more and more photographing in the studio.
There are several reasons for this. One, I find that I can set up a subject, light
it the way I choose and photograph it until I get a negative precisely the way I
want it. Second, I can photograph when I want to without regard of natural lighting
(time of the day). Lastly, I can create subject matter that pleases my aesthetic without
restrictions (unwanted people, telephone wires, etc.).... full
article
Friday Harbor Photographic Workshops
Call for Entries for this unique one-week-long photographic workshop conducted at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories in
Friday Harbor, Washington in the San Juan Islands. Instruction and housing for students is at the Whiteley Center on the Laboratory campus.
more information...
If you wish to visit Mr. Dresser's website, please visit:
http://www.roddresser.com/
To ask Mr. Dresser a question please fill out
the form below. The most popular questions and answers will
be posted on this page.
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| Ask the Expert Question/Answer |
Question:
I have a question regarding the development times of TMAX, and Tri-X 35mm films. I recently downloaded a developing chart that lists TMAX and Tri-X and "old" and "new" and the development times are quite different.
I use TMAX and Tri-X for most of my black and white photos. Some rolls I have had in cold storage for several months. Some are 400 speed, and the others are 100 speed. I process using either D-76 or TMAX developer.
How can I tell for sure if I have the old film, or the new film? Is there any difference in the packaging or canister label that would indicate a difference? I had several various rolls stored together on a recent trip. I had taken each out of the cardboard package to better fit into my luggage, so I can't tell development times from the material on the inside of the package...
Any advice you can offer me will be greatly appreciated!
Answer:
Jeff,
I never pay attention to Kodak's or any manufacturers recommendations.
Instead I test each batch of film with my developer of choice. I suggest you get a copy of Ansel Adams' book The Negative and follow his testing procedure.
Good luck,...full answer
Question:
Mr. Dresser,
I am an instructor at an Alternative High School and a photo enthusiast. I am looking for a good portable studio to use for portraits. I am shooting with either a Nikon D100 or an F5. I have not done studio work in the past and the choices of lights, backgrounds, stands, etc are overwhelming. What would you suggests as a good place to start - that is also upgradeable should I enjoy studio work.
Answer:
You have to make a decision first if you want to use "hot" lights or strobes. Hot lights are less expensive and have the advantage of "What you see is what you get." Their disadvantage is you must use special (tungsten) film if your are shooting colo...full answer
QUESTION:
What kind of camera do you use? Medium Format or Pro Digital.
MR. DRESSER'S ANSWER:
I use a variety of cameras none of which are digital. As a traditionalist
I still adhere to the feeling that nothing quite matches a gelatin
silver print (unless it is a platinum print). All of my work in
Death Valley was done with a 2 1/4 (Hasselblad) because of the short
time one has to photograph and the ability to change lenses quickly.
All of my work in the studio...full
article
QUESTION:
Comments: Sir. I use much black and white 35mm and enlarge
selected photos to 11x14. I've been using this TMax film (i've been
out of photography for some time) and I'm not sure if it's the film
or not, but I'm not completely happy with the results. I shoot with
a lot of daylight and the images are harsh because, I believe, the
longer recommended developing time for TMax film as opposed to Tri-x.
The negatives are heavy even with reduced developing time. If TMax
is a better film, maybe there is something I should learn, or, perhaps,
go back to Tri-X. Any thoughts on this? Thank you.
MR. DRESSER'S ANSWER:
Edward: It has been my experience that T-Max can give you problems
when developed unless you are very precise with developing procedures
-i.e. dilutions, temperature and most important time. If you have
had good luck with Tri-X I would suggest... full
answer.
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