My Quest for the Ultimate Black and White Photograph.

Since trying out my new darkroom equipment, I have realized how much work I have to do to get a really good black and white photograph. I have decided to forgo printing images for a little while to really pursue getting the photo correct on the negative. I have found several people on Flickr that have been helpful. I have also found Fred Parker's site to be helpful when it comes to determining exposure. I have read books on the Zone System. I have borrowed some "old time" gear from a coworker friend, which includes a light meter and an old TLR camera. It is incredible how much I have learned in the last couple months, yet it is daunting to see how far I have to go.... Just to think it all started with the purchase of some old manual lenses for my Nikon D40 (Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens). I guess there is no doubting that I am a true geek!

I guess you don't realize how difficult some things are until you try them yourself. I have to admit, I never thought the kids would be into this like they are. I get asked almost every night when I get home from work; "Can we make some prints today?!??!!??" I guess I will have to hurry up and learn to get the photo right so they can get back in the darkroom! They really like to see the image come up in the developer. They have asked me to take more photos of them so they can develop their own photo with them on it. They now stop turning away when I point the camera at them! This has been a very fun project to do with the kids and I am glad that we have all had a chance to experience it! When we get a little better at print making, we will scan one and upload it for you to see...

We Made it to the Fest!

We made it to the Colts Fan Fest. It was a good time. Well, except for the part about the cheerleaders flirting with me constantly. That did get a little old. Again, they must have recognized me from this blog that is getting so huge! I walk out of the house without my wife for one second.....Ok back to reality. They had Matt Giordano and Tyjuan Hagler there to sign autographs. Matt G is a great guy. He was very friendly and talked with the boys as he signed their stuff. It is good to see pro players like him. I can't wait to see his special teams coverage this year.

It was just me, Joey, Sammy, and Nicolas that went. Jake is too big of a Chiefs fan to go....He probably would have wanted to wear his Tom Brady jersey if he did go....So it all worked out for the best.

It was a fun night out with me and the boys partying down. Although, we had to hold back some on the soda drinking so Joey would make it the whole time without having to go potty (he is frightened by big "potties") . We made it without any incidents. We were also able to make it out before the big storm hit.

This is a picture of the main stage area at the Indianapolis Colts Fan Fest, Anderson 2008....I kept asking those people to move out of the way so I could get a better picture, but they would not listen. I think I need a press pass....

Colts Fan Fest

There is a Colts Fan Fest in Anderson, Friday (June 6th). You can read all about it here. I may have to see if we can take the kids up there and hang out for a bit. They never list what players are going to be there for the autograph sessions, but it is still always fun. It always helps us to fire up for a new season of Indianapolis Colts Football.....