A tour of Ansel Adams' darkroom

[Riccis]

A Tour of Ansel Adams’ Darkroom

Enjoy!

[tobey bilek]

Thank you very much.

[Jeff S]

This 60 minute 1981 video has extensive footage of Ansel from this home, talking about his life, his photo process and using this darkroom (and microwave). Lots more, too, including a conversation with O'Keeffe at her New Mexico home. One of the better photographer videos, even for non-disciples.

Jeff

[Michael Hiles]

Thanks Riccis - this is great. If one pays attention, there is a huge amount to learn from just this video about fine printing.

I remember Fred Picker (a friend of Ansel's) saying that most people/photographers don't really know what a really fine photographic print looks like. One good way of finding out is to go to exhibits and look - particularly at pictures by photographers who are famous for their prints. Ansel, Paul Caponigro and many other come to mind. HCB as well - although his prints were made for him by a master in Paris.

[Jeff S]

Originally Posted by Michael Hiles

I remember Fred Picker (a friend of Ansel's) saying...(snip)

Reminds me that Ansel's son, Michael, in the Riccis link, didn't seem to understand the specifics on Ansel's printing notes. Anyone familiar with Picker's "recipe sheet" could have deciphered Ansel's notes regarding dodging and burning times, locations, etc.

Jeff

[Michael Hiles]

Originally Posted by Jeff S

Reminds me that Ansel's son, Michael, in the Riccis link, didn't seem to understand the specifics on Ansel's printing notes. Anyone familiar with Picker's "recipe sheet" could have deciphered Ansel's notes regarding dodging and burning times, locations, etc.

Definitely. Fred's recipe sheet works very well. I use it all the time to build a final print.

I also use the system as a start when considering a scan of a negative to be printed. In Photoshop (Elements) it is very useful to play with brightness (exposure), contrast (contrast), burning and dodging on screen to get a sense of what will be possible and effective in the darkroom. Saves paper and chemicals, and allows for going down dead ends without spending inordinate time and materials.

[Keith (M)]

Back in '86 or so, when taking evening classes in City & Guilds photography, which included the Zone System, I visited the RPS HQ which was then in Milsom St, Bath. Browsing the shelves in the book-shop I spotted Ansel Adams's autobiography and just had to buy it. I even read it Entertaining, informative and inspirational. Ansel, his systems, images and philosophy have inspired me ever since.