Talk In February

 

I hope this will be the first of dozens and dozens of talks Canada wide. Am working on my PowerPoint presentation now.

Video: Glowing Trees, Version 2,

Glowing Trees, Version 2, AMBROTOS KANATA, Clear Glass Ambrotype, Preacher Point, Alberta, August 2023

Video: Glowing Trees, AMBROTOS KANATA, Clear Glass Ambrotype, Preacher Point,

Glowing Trees, AMBROTOS KANATA, Clear Glass Ambrotype, Preacher Point, Alberta, August 2023

RV Life. Dimsum Killer Cat

Dimsum looking for prey from the RV window. There is some bird action outside in the parking lot. 

Killer boy was at it yesterday . Was at a campsite for 3 days. If I let him out of the motorhome he would catch and eat a mouse within 15-20 minutes. Happened 2 times.

Today minutes before we left he managed to catch a chipmunk. Did that in about 15 minutes. His success with chipmunks is not high but Dimsum is persistent, he keeps trying. I freed the little critter, he was active and ran away. Not sure if he survived.

No snake bites, this time! Last month he was bitten on the face by a snake.

We are parked for free in Hinton Alberta. The good part of a motorhome is that you can sleep for free in reasonable comfort all over the country. If we use the water moderately we (2 people) can run the toilet and sinks for about 6 days with about 7 or 8 quick showers. Last night we dumped the tanks and filled up the water for free as well.  

The major expense is the diesel. You get more pulling power thou from the diesel engine, which is great for my heavy darkroom trailer. I was climbing steep mountains roads yesterday at 70-80 km per hour.

The RV Fanny is a good, cheaper way to travel the country making Ambrotypes. Very happy we got it.

Also Dimsum can watch birds from the windows!!

24x24 Chamonix Camera, Almost Ready To Ship

My new used Chamonix camera is almost ready to ship from the Netherlands. Alex T built me a nice plywood case for it. I plan on using it ti transport the camera around Canada for AMBROTOS  KANATA. I will simply place the case with camera in my darkroom trailer and off we go!

I hope to use the camera next shooting season!

24x24 inch Chamonix View Camera

Video: Successful 16x20 Ambrotype

Made some 16x20 and inch Ambrotypes yesterday. After the recent 20x24 Plate attempts, 16x20 seemed a lot easier. 

The biggest difference that 3 years of shooting experience has given me is the ability to problem solve. When something goes wrong most times I can figure it out. At least that is the way things have gone this shooting season. Here’s hoping that continues!

Wet plate has been a lot easier and more successful this year, especially the 8x10 stuff.

$20 Big Metal Cases

I had a 20x24 Ambrotype break on me a month back, it was heart shattering. All that work, all that effort, GONE!!

No more of that!Today  I picked up two beat up but still usable cases for $20 a piece. They measure 30x24x20 inches each. I will use them combined with foam to transport empty glass and completed Ambrotypes.

They will be added weight but should provide protection as I travel the baddest roads across the country!

Note* I have limited finances, so figuring the best and cheapest way to accomplish the AMBROTOS KANATA WET PLATE project is always in the back of my mind. Even thou these cases are heavily used the $20 CAD price tag is something I like. I will make it work.

New/ used 20x24 transport cases 

Video: Blurry Portrait

This is filled with mistakes but still intriguing.

Lisa, August 2023

Bought Me A 18 Inch Projection Lens

 Shipping cost more on this lens then the lens did. Total was $72.78 CAD. The lens was won with a $12.99 USD bid. It looks a bit dirty, but I hope I can clean up the elements a bit. Should be a good experimental lens. I have a 14 inch, now I have 14- and 18-inch projection lens. I will need to make up a lens board for it, then can test it over the wintertime in the studio/wet plate/flash.

If things go well I might be able to use it for Ambrotype portraiture, MAYBE!

18 Inch Projection Lens

Cover Photo, Thanks Donna and Thanks "Neigbor's of Botanic Park"

Thank you, Donna, for doing such a great job on the cover photo!! Thank you, “Neighbour's of Botanic Park”.

A cover and a nice little article about AMBROTOS KANATA. There is also mention of THE FAMILIES OF THE DUMP.

Thank you, folks, for helping to spread the word!

Video: Overexposed But Like It Still

Even thou this image is probably overexposed; I still like this Ambrotype. The silver in it seem so glowing, so alive!

Fallen Tree Landscape version 2, Near Drumheller, Alberta, July 2023

Video: First Portrait Attempt #2

The image is out of focus and has collodion damage. It is hard to focus this f2 type projection lens. The plate was not washed properly, so the collodion peeled off.

Still you can see the possibilities for future portraits, especially if I can make them at 16x20 or 20x24 inches. Am working towards that goal!

With the right face, right expression, right size plate and right technique, something very special might be created!! A strong, thoughtful, beautiful portrait with heart and meaning.

Lisa, August 2023

Video: First Portrait Attempt

14 inch, F2, Projection Lens. 6 second exposure. 8x10 inch Clear Glass Ambrotype.

Lisa, Edmonton, Alberta, August 2023

Video: Daisies in my backyard, 8x10 Clear Glass Ambrotype

Daisies in my backyard, 8x10 Clear Glass Ambrotype, August 2023

Bought Me A {MINT!} Lens INDUSTAR 51 f 4,5, 210mm For Large Format Camera

Bought an old Soviet era lens from Kazakhstan tonight, an INDUSTAR 51 4,5/210, cost was $190 CAD plus shipping. I saw a close-up headshot made with a similar lens had a great depth of field for the portraits, just the eyes in focus. This lens covers 5x7 and I am told 8x10. Will try to do 8x10 Ambrotype portraits with it.

INDUSTAR 51 f4,5 210MM