Large Format Group - Group f/64

[Dream Merchant]

Some of those who attended the first LF group (2009) outing may have heard the name 'Group f/64' being loosely mentioned, and may wonder what it was about.

Indeed, many large format photographers take educated stabs at guessing.

Here's a post from the archives of the large format forums, and an excerpt from a biography of Ansel Adams:

From a post by Ellis Vener on the LF forum's archives:

Quote: From Mary Alinder's biography of Adams: "Historically, most avant garde movements in modern art...have proclaimed themselves with manifestos. So, too, did Group f/64, whose creed was actually nailed to the de Young gallery walls: The name of this Group is derived from a diaphragm number of the photographic lens. It signifies to a large extent the qualities of clearness and definition of the photographic image which is an important element in the work of the members of this Group...The Group will show no work at any time that does not conform to its standards of pure photography. Pure photography is defined as possessing no qualities of technique, composition or idea, derivative of any other art form." "...The Group f/64 manifesto was a declaration of war on the photographic infidel: the pictorialists. ...Group f/64 was formed not merely in reaction to the pictorialists, but as a response to the challenge everywhere posed by modern art....Group f/64 was an expression of modern art in photography, its aim to marry everyday subject matter to a clear, sharp camera vision rather than the precise edges of line in paint. Group f/64 had two commandments: The first...held that there was one God, and its manifestation was detail...If God dwells in the details, are photographs our best window on God? Ansel would say yes." The second commandment admonished, thou shalt not covet any other art by imposing its presence upon photography. ...Ansel evidently considered f/64 to be a state of mind, not an unbreakable doctrine." The members were Ansel Adams, Imogene Cunninhgham, Edward Weston, Sonya Noskowiak (EW's student and lover at the time), John Paul Edwards, Willard Van Dyke, Mary Jeannette Edwards, Henry Swift, Consuela Kanaga, Alma Lavenson, EW's son Brett Weston, & Preston Holder.According to Alinder, "...Holder recalled that the group only met three or four times, on occaisions that were probably more social than official."

[forward]

Thanks for initiating into this disciplined area of learning LF.
Certainly we'll be delighted for such guidance so that people
in the group will be able to keep pace with the team.

As we moved along we'll soon not only be able to see the
bigger picture but be able to grow in our own area of
responsibility as a team member.

Bless you'll find bliss going through the procedures during
the next outing and have less difficulty in all areas of
providing such wonderful learning experiences.

---------------------------------------------------
I feel success everytime I get to the end of the
day and I have connected with other people
and made them happy. Likewise too when I
turn up somewhere on time.

[Dream Merchant]

Forward, you do have a very unique way of voicing your thoughts!

Hey guys, please feel free to share your comments, ask questions or voice out your thoughts and feelings.

Learning about LF photography need not be restricted to equipment and technique.

In fact, you'll find a whole world of very interesting thoughts, history, ethos and artistic visions among the different groups or schools of thought, apart form a huge body of the world's most memorable works from the old masters that have in some way or another, shaped, or at least paved the way for modern photography, and with it, the evolvement of the new masters in large format photography.

It would be a dire shame if all we focused on was just the gear...

[forward]

In love with Life, then with the camera




1. Take a few minutes to ask yourself why you are
in love with this "magical" object.

2. Can you identify those characteristics originated from
that piece of equipment?

3. Have you find out from fellow photographers, peers,
photography teachers, colleagues, friends and family
members the reasons for their negative conclusions to
using the view camera?

4. Are those messages valid today for the shear
enjoyment of a fascinating hobby?

5. The beliefs these folks adopt don't hold when
they can view photography objectively with the
true passion of what they want to achieve.

6. You, yourself, including the tools you used,
deserve your true love and affection.

7. You are orginally guided by the excellent
qualities of your photography spirit where you
begin to see yourself as a unique expression of life,
which indeed is a genuine gift to your country
and the world.

-------------------------------------------------
Indeed you can come to the conclusion
that you have to love yourself in order to
take positive actions for further appreciation
into the words and pictures that were chosen,
the questions you asked of yourself and the
internal language you use when you go into
happy and joyful expressions.

[starvingjack]

I've always wonder if there are local photographers who still uses Film LF (printing, alternative processes) for their professional work, be it commercial or fine art. I know that a couple of studios do use a view camera, but with a Phrase back.

In the other side of the world (LFforum, graflex.org, apug.org), there's still quite a number of people sticking to what they believe as the way to photograph. Granted, maybe they are not based in the fast paced city but in small towns, still they got a living while doing it the traditional way.

Any thoughts about this?

Jackson

[Dream Merchant]

Thanks for chiming in Jackson!

The love for photography in itself is not, I believe, solitary, or at least, it doesn;t have to be, even if the act of taking or making a photo is often the case.

I would love to explore alternative processes, as the are referred to abroad.

I won't get into the discussion of whether that's 'the way' to photograph or not as there are as many doctrines and philosophies as there are schools of thought and photographers.

I would rather say, why restrict oneself?

Has anyone seen the works being produced today?

And it's not just in small towns. I was chatting awhile back with a NatG photographer who uses one of the old processes (tintype wet plate) for a large portion of his work, which has so far been highly and internationally acclaimed.

And even more exciting is the fact that technology and the internet has made the wide-spread availability of many of the necessary materials and chemicals as easily gotten as a click of the mouse button.

To whet our readers' appetites, please do have a look at a video of Robb Kendrick working with tintypes:

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ng...edia_vid2.html

Further reading: http://photography.nationalgeographi...-kendrick.html

There are, of course, so many other processes which one could try. I won't reveal what they are not because I do not want to share, but more a case of preferring to allow those interested to search and discover for themselves.

[Dream Merchant]

Hmmm...it gets quiet in here.

Common LF guys, come on in and share your thoughts. We won't bite. Promise! LOL!

[forward]

A few words of encouragement for all who are following this thread.

1. Though you may have yet to get that dusty LF out of your cupboard, may it be
the prosperous time to do so. Be quickly reaslized that revival is needed as we
count on your participation for success.

2. For those who are already hunting to get hold of one such beast,
do pop up your questions or suggestions as to how we can improve in
future meetings.

3. The fine point is one can be surprised to see more exciting light at the end of the
long tunnel because this new wave of young LF shooters are absolutely nice,
cheerful, humble friendly.
All are eagerly wanting to meet again, to shoot together without
being afraid or feel shy even when loading sheet film is a chore.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever decision, choice or application you may make, whatever needs
and issues you may address, whatever queries you may put on the table,
whatever content you want to share, the crown of it all is found when
the heart reaches positively upwards.

:

[forward]

A bit funny to think of being able to bite... h'mm not for highest
peak people who are about to find out what large format
or f/64 means.

We should always be ready to give enthusiastic people a chance
to grow and bloom with us together. If they know you can bite
and whether you want to do it or not is still not a ....eh.....

However it is interesting to note there are:

1. Very enthusiatic beginners who need effective
guidance as well as directions.

2. There are also disillusioned learning photographers
who really want someone to coach them.

3. Also be aware of those cautious completers who will
benefit most with whatever support they can get.

4. The self achieving and self-reliant photographers
who may want some kind of a responsibility in order to make
things look brighter and favourably successful as a group.

--------------------------------------------------------
It would be great when everyone could give
more thoughts and attention to one another,
to establish some points of contact.
Development starts the moment we are able
to give something to one another.

[yamcake]

its great to see so many people getting so excited about LF..

F/64. hmm cool.. focuses on "pure" photography. academic style..
Another different movement would be photo succession by Alfred Stieglitz...

[Dream Merchant]

Originally Posted by yamcake its great to see so many people getting so excited about LF.. F/64. hmm cool.. focuses on "pure" photography. academic style.. Another different movement would be photo succession by Alfred Stieglitz...

I remember being mesmerized by Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings of cattle skulls and desert still lifes when I was a teen, especially after she moved to Mexico ... and it's interesting how she influenced Stieglitz and vice versa ...

[forward]

Four fellow photographers managed to bring their view cameras
to the first group LF meeting on 26th July 2009.
The location was at the Singapore River where you can see
tourists cruising in bump boats enjoying the scenery.

James was just setting up his camea when one of the tourist's
cruiser passed by...as if leaving the below message.

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Well, it looks and feel like
"Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you"
whenever the small group of enthusiatic LF leaders
meet together.