I was working in the darkroom early this morning and I was preparing to sensitize and make a new 14×17 ULF calotype paper negative.
I realized that my distilled water and paper towel inventory was a little low, so I decided while the light was still not where I need it for making calotypes, I would run to the local Walmart store and refresh my inventory of distilled water and paper towels.
When making ultra large format calotypes, I use four times the supplies as I do when making 8×10 large format calotypes. Every step in the calotype workflow requires distilled water to ensure that any contaminants in the local tap water don’t interact with the chemistry in the calotype.
As I was going through the checkout line the cashier asked me if I was stocking up on supplies because of the port workers strike that is happening right now on the east coast.
I simply responded and said “no”.
Then, she followed up and commented that she has not seen people stocking up on supplies like this since COVID.
As she handed me the receipt and I started to walk away, I said, “I am dealing with something much more serious.” She looked at me puzzled, and I said, “ULF Calotypes,” and walked away…
I looked back over my left shoulder after I had walked a little bit and she was still looking at me.
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I’m excited to announce that I’ll be the featured guest on the Studio Q show this coming Saturday, October 5, 2024. During the show, I’ll be sharing my passion for creating calotype paper negatives, offering a glimpse into the timeless art of photography as pioneered by Fox Talbot. I’ll walk you through the original calotype chemistry and workflow alongside showcasing some of my most recent works.
In addition to the technical aspects, I’ll delve into the creative narrative behind my projects and explain why I chose the calotype process as my medium to bring these stories to life. I’d love for you to join me and participate in this engaging discussion.
To watch the show live or a recording, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hySgChnIZNM
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…which begs the question: “why would distilled water be passing through an east coast port?”
Maybe swing by Walmart and ask the cashier why she may have had that thought…