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It can be very difficult to remain objective
when trying to produce an excellent print in the darkroom. In
the early 1970's I showed my portfolios to a number of master
photographers. The feedback they gave me, both of a technical
and aesthetic nature, was invaluable in achieving the next big
step in my photographic skills. It is often said that the single
greatest thing a photographer can do to improve his/her photographs
is to view lots of good photographs. It is just as valuable
to have other photographers give personalized constructive feedback.
This works well in small workshop situations where the instructor
views a participant's prints and gives constructive comments.
However, it's not always possible to attend workshops on a continuous
basis and get personal attention to your images.
Recognizing the need for this kind of
service to photographers, whether beginning student or advanced
professional, I'm offering a program where I can view your
prints, test strips, masks, and/or negatives in a manner that
is not rushed as it might be in a large workshop
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situation.
This service includes viewing up to three prints
and/or test strips, three masks or mask tests, three
original (or duplicate) negatives or negative tests and responding
to the photographer in written form with my suggestions, ideas,
and technical analysis (where appropriate or requested). This
includes reading densities in test negatives (for example, calibrating
film speed and development for Zone System use), viewing
masks and determining if they were made and/or applied appropriately,
viewing negatives to check for optimum exposure and development
to achieve the photographer's intended vision, and of course,
viewing prints and/or test strips. I won't strictly adhere to
the rule of "three" items as I would like
to keep this program as informal as possible so that I'm not restricting
your submission in any way (within reason, of course). If you
feel that the number of items you'd like to send for my analysis/critique
is not within reason, feel free to contact
me and let me know how many items you'd like to send. |
Please download, print and fill
in the Submission and Contact Information
Form and include in your package. Contact
me for mailing information.
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Consultation service includes:
Print analysis - Send prints and/or
test strips, including before/after comparisons if you wish. I will view
these samples and give comments of a technical nature, such as how I might
suggest altering values in the print to achieve a particular result (with
masks or other approaches), print color (degree of toning, etc.), shadow
contrast, highlight contrast, sharpness, and any other elements that you
request feedback about or that I would think is constructive. Please give
as many details as you can regarding paper brand, print developer used,
contrast grade(s) used, and, most important, how YOU feel about the print
and what you hope to accomplish in your print.
Mask analysis - Send any kind
of mask or masks, including interpositives used in the making of final
masks. I will view the masks based on the information you give me regarding
your intended use of the mask (and the end result you're after) and
offer suggestions on how to improve the masks or alter them for the
effect you desire. I may even suggest alternate masks or other approaches
to achieve specific results. Again, please furnish as much information
as possible, including the type of masking film, developer when making
the masks, development time, etc. Most important, please tell me what
YOU want to accomplish in the print via the use of masks or alternate
methods.
Negative analysis - Send me either
negatives, duplicate negatives, or negative tests. Original negatives
or duplicate negatives ideally should correspond to any prints or prints
tests you're including in the package. If you're doing Zone System
(or other type) calibrations for exposure and development, please send
the original exposure/development negative tests and indicate where
on the negative you'd like me to read densities. Also it may be helpful
to indicate what kind of enlarger light head you are using (diffusion
or condenser). If you have determined a target density range for your
test negatives (such as, a density range of 1.35 from film base to Zone
8, for example), please let me know that as well. I may be able to give
you an approximation of an ideal developer time/film speed for your
next test or even a final result if your test negative is very close.
If you're not sure what density range you're after, I can make suggestions
based on your enlarger light source type, and whether you'd like to
standardize your Normal negatives for printing on grade 2 or grade 3
paper.
Other feedback - I'm happy to try
and answer any questions you might have regarding the technical aspects
of printing or exposure and development of original negatives. This is
an informal service so ask away! I may not be able to provide knowledgable
answers in all areas, but I will do my best wherever I can.
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The fee for this service is $100 (US
Funds) and return shipping must be included in your package
(unless paying in advance by credit card). If paying in advance
by credit card, please
choose a shipping fee which will be close to the actual return
shipping fee of your package (within reason). You may also
include a check or money order, made out to Lynn Radeka, with
your package. I will mail the complete package back to you
(preferably via priority mail within the US) packed in the
same box I received it in. I will return the entire package
including a written analysis with suggestions and comments,
within 2 weeks after having received it from you. If I'm out
of town during the time I receive your package, it may be
a bit longer. Please download,
print and fill in the Submission
and Contact Information Form and include it in your package.
Contact me for
mailing information.
Although
I take the greatest possible care in making sure your original
negatives or prints are not damaged in any way, I cannot be
held responsible for loss or damage. If you are very concerned
about the possibility of loss or damage, I suggest not sending
original negatives and enclosing any film (masks, negatives,
etc.) in a plastic bag within the box to protect them from
moisture or water damage during shipping.
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