Lady in the Window
Author: Tim Jeffers
Using Nikon cameras, I enjoy taking photos of whatever catches my eye. Most recently, I have had an avid interest in wet plate collodion photography, especially tintypes.
Hackberry Arizona
Hackberry is an unincorporated community in Mohave County. Arizona, United States. Hackberry is located on Arizona state road 66 (former U.S. Route 66) 23 miles northeast of Kingman. Hackberry has a post office which serves 68 residential mailboxes with zip code 86411.
A former mining town, Hackberry takes its name from the Hackberry Mine which was named for a hackberry tree in a nearby spring.Prospector Jim Music helped develop the Hackberry Silver Mine in 1875. Mining of various metals developed the town, sending it from boom to bust based on fluctuating commodity prices.
Recent Trip to Paris
Paris France
World Wet Plate Day 2017
Today we celebrate World Wet Plate Day!
May 6th 2017
Every year, we celebrate the World Wet Plate Day the first Saturday in May. Block your agenda for this 8th edition. Organize your Wet Plate Day event and have some fun.
What is a Wet Plate Day?
World Wet Plate Day is a day to celebrate the work of the artists who practice it today. Wet Plate Collodion is the photographic process of pouring Collodion onto a plate of thin iron or glass, then exposing and developing that plate while it’s still wet. This process was the primary photographic method from the early 1850s until the late 1880s. It replaced paper negatives/Calotypes (Talbot) and Daguerreotypes (Louis Daguerre). The current revival of the Wet Plate process is due in large part to the ubiquity of digital photography and because of the unique Collodion “signature” and aesthetic.
Who We Are and Why We Do This
From reenactment tintypes, to still life ambrotypes, to studio portraits, photographers have embraced the ethereal look, handmade process, and arcane yet simple materials of Wet Plate. Wet plate photographers can be artists, engineers, wilderness travelers, studio operators or backyard hobbyists. But they all have been deeply impacted by this beautiful technique.
Mechanical System-a system that manages the power of forces and movements to accomplish a task.
I have always been fascinated with mechanical things. Whether it be a vintage watch, clock, or typewriter, I find that the inner workings are like of work of art with all the levers, gears, springs coming together to perform a task. That is one reason I like to collect and use vintage film cameras, there is something about adjusting for distance, aperture and shutter speed then cocking the shutter and look at the subject and take the image. It makes me slow down and see things a little differently.
Solomon’s Castle
I recently had the opportunity to visit this unique place out in the middle of nowhere. Mr. Solomon was a very eclectic, humorous and creative artist transforming ordinary items into beautiful artwork.
Located in the tiny town of Ona in Hardee County, Florida, Howard Solomon’s unique home is three stories tall and covers 12,000 square feet. This medieval-style castle was built entirely by Solomon himself, utilizing reclaimed and recycled materials. The shiny exterior of the castle was made from discarded printing plates, and the “bricks” on the road to the front door were stamped onto the cement.
Solomons Castle
Cannon Ready
Guarding Solomons Castle
Solomons Castle
Florida State Fair
Had the opportunity to visit the Florida State Fair recently, always a fun time, visiting the exhibits, rides, shows, animals and eating great food.
Persistence-firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
While I was out walking I happened upon this fern growing out of a crack in a brick wall. It was thriving even though it had to overcome several obstacles just to survive. It was a reminder to me that in my photography I need to overcome daily obstacles to becoming a better photographer. While our obstacles may not be as severe as the ferns, there are things we can to do to grow as photographers, maybe a class or workshop to learn something new or better our skills. Reread our camera manual again, most of today’s SLR’s can do so much more than what we know. Maybe volunteer at your church, school or another nonprofit organization to take photos of their programs or other needs. Don’t give into the temptation that more or better camera equipment will make you a better photographer. Finally, I think the most important thing is just to get out and take photos.
Heritage Village, Pinellas County Florida
Heritage Village is a cool place to step back in time and see how our ancestors lived. It is a 21-acre open-air living history museum located in the heart of Pinellas County. The natural pine and palmetto landscape is home to some of Pinellas County’s most historic buildings.
More than 31 historic structures and features, some dating back to the 19th century, include a school, church, sponge warehouse, firehouse, railroad depot and store, as well as a variety of historic homes.
Book & Photos
Books & Photos
I recently stopped by a local bookstore to look for vintage photography books. I could have easily stayed home and browsed a Kindle, Nook, or some other type of electronic reader but I like a real book. To me, there is something about the look and feel of holding a real book. I often underline and write notes in the margins, something I find difficult in an electronic book.
Photography can be like that, most of our photos are in electronic bits of information that we view on a computer or smart device. I find it rewarding to pull a photo album or book off the shelf and relive the memory.