John Sexton.com - Newsletter

JOHN SEXTON PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS FOR 2003-2004

My new 2003-2004 John Sexton Photography Workshops brochure is now completed and in the mail. If you can't wait for the US Postal Service, you can visit my web site and read the schedule there, as well as download an Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the brochure.

http://johnsexton.com/schedule2003.html

It's amazing for me to think that it has been thirty years since I began my serious involvement in photography. I define 1973 as an important year in my photography, as it was the first time I saw original prints by Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and Wynn Bullock, and more importantly the year that I first studied with Ansel at his Yosemite workshop. Those two events without a doubt changed my photography and, without exaggeration, changed my life.

For those interested in attending a workshop, I hope you will find one contained in the new brochure that will be of interest to you.

DARKROOM EDITION 2003 ANNOUNCED
SPECIAL OFFER ON NEW LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

I am very pleased to announce the release of two new limited edition prints in my ongoing Darkroom Edition series that began in 1986. These two images -- CORN LILIES, DUSK and LOWER CALF CREEK FALLS DETAIL -- were made in 2002 while on photographic trips exploring two of my favorite places — Yosemite National Park and Southern Utah.

There are reproductions of the images, along with order details contained in the recently mailed workshop brochure. In addition, you may peek at these two new images, and get additional details about them, by following this link:

http://johnsexton.com/Darkroomedition03.html

The edition of each image will be limited to 150 prints, numbered 1 to 150, and ten Artist's Proofs. Each 11x14 inch print will be personally printed by John Sexton to current archival standards. Each will be signed, numbered, and ready for display on a 16x20" archival mount with overmat, and be accompanied by an archival presentation page. When the edition is sold out no further prints will be offered in any size.

The initial price for each print will be $400. My normal retail price for non-limited prints in this size is $750, so this is an excellent opportunity to obtain a print at a significant savings. The price includes domestic shipping and insurance via UPS. California residents must add $29.00 State Sales Tax for each print ordered.

For more information, or to place an order you may contact my Administrative Assistant, Laura Bayless, at 831-659-3130 or info@johnsexton.com In addition, you may get additional information by following the URL link above.

AIRPORT UPDATE - TRAVELING WITH FILM

Many of you know the challenges of traveling on airlines with photographic equipment and film, especially large format materials. The recently formed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a number of rules, which may make air travel with valuable and sensitive photographic equipment, as well as films, even more challenging.

With the tighter security screening procedures at U.S. airports, it is important that you do NOT place your photographic film in your checked baggage. The high-dose x-ray equipment used to scan checked luggage WILL damage photographic emulsions. If you must carry your film with you, be sure to hand carry your film with you. To find out the current TSA regulations regarding hand inspection of photographic films visit this web page:

http://www.tsa.dot.gov/public/display?theme=56
(Note: Link no longer available)

The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) recommends that their members carry a print out from this TSA web page with them when traveling I . you do the same, and more importantly, you should read the information that the TSA has provided BEFORE your planned travels.

On occasion, when I am traveling by air on a photographic trip, for the last few years I have transported my fragile camera equipment, including lenses, meters, etc., in my normal camera backpack, which just barely meets the legal criteria for carryon baggage with the airlines. I have Federal Expressed my film holders and gear ahead to my destination, which often is a hotel. I always call in advance to advise them of arriving packages, and I make sure I get the address correct. I find Federal Express to be the most reliable of the carriers, and at this time, they do NOT x-ray packages, so film should be safe. It's always a good idea to check with the carrier to ensure that they do not x-ray packages. It is a known and documented fact that the U.S. Postal Service regularly x-ray's packages, and in some instances with extremely high-dose radiation equipment. I would not recommend sending unexposed film through the U.S. Postal Service. Prior to my return I Federal Express the exposed film back home for processing. Often I will split up the exposed film into two separate packages, and if time allows actually ship on two separate days just in case of some unexpected mishap in shipping. Thus far, I have had no problems, and have done this many times.

AGFA RECORD RAPID PAPER DISCONTINUED

I am sorry to report that Agfa has discontinued its warm tone fiber-based graded paper, Record Rapid. Some of you have known this paper in the past as Agfa Insignia. According to Peter Lebovitz, Marketing Manager at Agfa Corporation, sales of this superb warm tone paper had dropped to a point where it was no longer feasible for Agfa to continue manufacturing it. The final production run was made late in 2002.

I have used this paper for about twenty years, not as a primary paper, but as a valuable supplemental tool when I desired a warmer tone image than my more frequently used cold-tone papers would produce. In particular, I made use of the Record Rapid paper for many of the images of Anasazi sites included in my book "Places of Power." It was a unique warm tone paper, as it had a white (rather than cream) base and incredibly rich blacks - some of the blackest I have ever measured on a densitometer! It is sad to see yet another traditional photographic product discontinued, however it reminds me of the importance of actually purchasing those items that you do use and want to have available as ongoing materials.

Agfa continues to manufacture its popular fiber-based variable contrast paper, Multi-Contrast Classic. Its image tone is slightly on the warm side, though not nearly as warm as Record Rapid.

Possible replacements for this paper would include Forte' Polywarmtone Plus, as well as the Ilford Multigrade warm tone papers.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITS ON THE MONTEREY PENINSULA

In addition to the usual selection of fine photography on display at the various venues on the Monterey Peninsula, there are currently a few exceptional exhibitions locally. To those of you who are in the area, or are planning a visit, I thought I would pass some highlights along to you...

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PASSION AND PRECISION: PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE COLLECTION OF MARGARET W. WESTON
January 25 through April 20, 2003

An amazing exhibition from Maggi Weston's remarkable personal photographic collection.

Monterey Museum of Art, Monterey
831-372-7591
http://www.montereyart.org/
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ANSEL ADAMS
Two Exhibitions celebrating the Ansel Adams Centennial
"Ansel Adams: Inspiration and Influence"
- November 15, 2002 - March 16, 2003
"Ansel Adams in Yosemite: Edges and Intersections"
– November 15, 2002 – April 27, 2003

Both exhibitions give interesting insight into Ansel and his work.

The National Steinbeck Center, Salinas
831-796-3833
http://www.steinbeck.org

SOME THOUGHTS ON PHOTOGRAPHY... AND OTHER TOPICS

Memorable comments worth noting...

"There is only one difference between success and failure. Failure takes a lot fewer tries."
Anonymous

"The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them.
- Albert Einstein

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