Re: [Leica] Death of darkroom? was print techniques

[tedgrant@islandnet.com (Ted Grant)]

Mike Boreham wrote:

<<<<<<>"People don't get the same buzz from making a digital print as they
do from a conventional one."
>
>"I work on a computer all day. The last thing I want to do when I get home
>is sit at another one. I want to get in the darkroom and create something
>with my own hands."
>
>Professional/journalistic needs of speed and transmission are a different
>matter, but for fine art and hobbyists the future may not be too bleak.>>>>>>

Hi Mike,

Having yesterday purchased a new Epson 700 photo colour printer ( heaven
only knows why,)  hell I don't even know how to drive this Mac properly in
Photo Shop, I let assistant Sandy do all that stuff.:) Now I have to learn!

It appears after all these years, I'm about to embark on a new life of
printing.

However, with trepidation, as I really enjoy working quietly in the
darkroom, it's a kind of escape from the maddening world.  The more I've
read about electronic printing and have seen some marvelous results, I do
this with  reservation, as I may find I'll miss the darkened "black room",
smells that permeate the air, the gurgling of water and music softly in the
background.

I must admit I'm facing this adventure with some anxiety, but also
excitment, that is until I find it'll cost me a fortune for inks!

I can understand why more photographers are venturing into their own
darkroom, not on the business side as I'm sure they are moving to the
electronic medium, but the amateur because until one does it, they are only
half a photographer.

There truly is something to taking the picture and finally seeing the
results appear as a positive photograph floating in a tray. I really don't
expect to see the demise of darkrooms in my lifetime nor the next.

I think this falls into a similar category when camera's and photography
were in their infancy and it was going to be the end of the artist with
paints and brushes. Artists and photography co-exist, they support each
other.

Darkrooms are forever! :)  Colour printers until you run out of ink !  :)



Ted Grant
This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant