July 6-12 Women's Photography Workshop in Volcano, HI

A wonderful new photography workshop center has opened in Volcano, HI, Hawaii Photo Retreat. Run by my friends Ken and Mary Goodrich, they are offering excellent workshops. These workshops are held in Volcano. I'll be co-leading a Women's Photography Workshop there with Mary Goodrich July 6-12. Check out their website at www.hawaiiphotoretreat.com, and register through Hawaii Photo Retreat. I'd love to see you in the workshop. Here is the write-up.

Come to Hawaii and spend a week in the company of other creative women. Professional and fine art photographers Mary Goodrich and Kathleen Carr will host this unique opportunity for women photographers to learn and share their art in a truly unique environment.  

In addition to the presentations and discussions, we will take day trips into the heart of Hawaii – from waterfalls and lush botanical gardens, to the mysterious and powerful beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: the home of volcano Goddess Pele. We will also explore the mysteries of the fine art nude in a private natural setting.

Nourish your artistic soul and have fun while refining your “visualization” skills.   Kathleen and Mary will be available to work directly with you on camera and Photoshop techniques that help you find and express your inner vision.

Photo Expo Hawaii  2008 in Hilo, HI

If you are in Hilo, HI in June, check out the Photography Exhibit, Photo Expo Hawaii 2008, at the Wailoa Center Gallery. It is a really great show, and there are two digital infrared pieces of mine in the show.
9th Annual Photo Expo Hawaii 2008
June 6-30
Opening Reception June 6, 5-7 pm
Open Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am - 4:30 pm except Wed., 12-4:30 pm
Wailoa Center Gallery
Wailoa State Park, Pauahi St.
Hilo, HI 96721
808-933-0416
www.hawaiiphotoexpo.com

New Good News about Using Fuji Instant Films for Image Transfers & Emulsion Lifts

Polaroid has discontinued making the Polaroid instant films. This is the info that I received from Polaroid about the remaining Polaroid film availability and best storage:

"Specific instant films that have been discontinued thus far are T51, T59 and T804, and the final expiration date for the last run of 669 will be March, 2009. To achieve broader distribution, we are selling it to our high-volume USA dealers:

B & H         800 606 6969
Calumet     800 225 8638
HPI            800 235 1002
International Supplies    800 999 1984
Samy's       800 321 4726
Unique Photo, NJ  800-631-0300
Putnam Photo, Miami  800-252-3008

Storage:  A steady cool dry  environment is the best.  The film division itself works in an ideal environment of  72 degrees with 45% humidity. The key is the CONSTANT TEMPERATURE without highs and lows from heating and air conditioning. Avoid any hot climates.  It is OK to use refrigeration, but absolutely mandatory to keep the film in both box  and foil wrapper to ensure the humidity barrier.  Never freeze the film.  Fo best results, take the film out of the fridge several hours before using it.

There is another Polaroid UV ID film. This is a 669 film with a secret for ID purposes only. When examined under a UV light, the Polaroid logo appears. It has same properties as 669. and should lend itself to transfers and lifts.Try it out to see.

For further information you can check our website at www.Polaroid.com. The status will continue to be updated on film types as necessary."

Unless people start stockpiling 669, it should be around until 2009, and can be used well after the expiration date.

Meanwhile, the good news is that Peter Balazsy, a long-time maker of beautiful Fuji image transfers,released his technique for making these transfers from the Fuji FP-100c peel-apart film. And in talking with Daylab, Fuji is interested in helping (of course as long as it would be financially viable for them to do so). We need to let Fuji know how interested we are in keeping their film alive for making transfers. One way to do that is to go to the website http://www.savepolaroid and download their action pack at http://www.savepolaroid.com/download-the-action-pack/.and send the postcard to Fuji (at this point, no need to send to Polaroid or Ilford). Or just contact Fuji directly.

Contact Fujifilm

Let them know you are serious about keeping instant film alive. Write them using the address below or you can download the Action Pack, which has pre-written and addressed postcards you can mail telling them why instant film should be saved. Fuji also has a 4x5 peel-apart pack film!

Fujifilm North American Headquarters
200 Summit Lake Drive
Valhalla, New York 10595-1356
U.S.A.
Tel: 914-789-8100
Fax: 914-682-4955
Toll Free Phone: 800-755-3854
www.fujifilmusa.com

We have a name for the marketing department:
Christian Fridholm
Director of Marketing, Imaging Group, Fujifilm, U.S.A.

Other Fujifilm offices around the world:
www.fujifilm.com/gateway/index.html

This is the information I have from Daylab, www.daylab.com:

"We have been making Fuji transfers and they are relatively easy to do. The
result is a transfer with much better and truer colors. The only
difference is the peel apart in a darkened room. Peter describes a
computer monitor or night light. Others say they can use even more light.
Everything else is done like a Polaroid dry transfer in the light.
I am getting reports of successful emulsion lifts. The biggest
difference is that the image will not to stick to a surface so a binding
agent must be used.

We now know that Fuji works. I am working with Fuji to make it easier.
Maybe an 80 instead of 100 ISO. Fuji is overwhelmed and excited by the
response.

We need to push for several things. The first is a more and more people
using Fuji so we can explore all its ranges. The second is to convince
people to convert to Fuji for other uses so the supply of 669 lasts that
much longer. It is estimated that 70% of 669 is being used for non
artistic purposes. These other users (such as id and medical) could easily
switch to Fuji now. The film is cheaper with much better colors.

The more Fuji we use, the bigger argument we can make for Japan to tweak
their formulas for a truly artistic film."

Here is the link for Peter's technique:

www.flickr.com/groups/polaroid_/discuss/72157603906450061

New Digital Transfer, Infrared & Photoshop Workshops Plus Hawaii Photo Tours

HAWAII WORKSHOPS. I moved to the Big Island of Hawaii :-) a year and a half ago. My new studio is now finished, and I'll be teaching additional workshops and retreats in Hawaii, as I settle in more.

I have been exploring some new digital transfer techniques, and have started to offer them in Hawaii,and wherever else that I teach. I have been teaching Beginning Photoshop for Photographers for several years now, and will continue to teach this course online through www.BetterPhoto.com, and elsewhere. I also plan to teach more digital infrared photography and digital image transfer courses (like Polaroid transfers only digitally with just water). And I have been doing private and small group photo tours--photographing special places in Hawaii (already included in the Women's Creativity Retreats).

If you would like me to teach Polaroid or digital processes in your area, I'm happy to consider coming, especially in the late summer-early fall, when I will be coming to the mainland to teach some workshops. Just have a sponsoring organization invite me, or schedule a private session.

Workshops Listing and Pages with Gordon's Guide Adventure & Active Travel
I have a storefront with workshop listings, gallery and slide show with Gordon's Guide Adventure & Active Travel under the Photo Tours section. It has a lot of detailed information about the workshops, retreats and tours that I offer. Please check it out at http://photography-tours.gordonsguide.com/kathleentcarrphotography/index.cfm.

Online Courses Now Offered Starting Every Month through BetterPhoto.com

For those of you who are unable to travel to my workshops, or prefer to work from the comfort ofyour own home, I am pleased to inform you that I will continue to teach two online beginning courses with BetterPhoto.com. They are titled Polaroid/Fuji Image and Emulsion Transfers and Beginning Photoshop for Photographers. BetterPhoto is now offering most courses starting at the beginning of every month. My next Photoshop course runs for 8 weeks, from July 2- September 1, and the next Polaroid/Fuji transfer course is August 6-October 5. For more information and to register: www.BetterPhoto.com/photocourses/kat01.asp for Polaroid Image and Emulsion Transfers, www.BetterPhoto.com/photocourses/kat02.asp for Beg. Photoshop for Photographers.

I also plan to begin offering a 4 week course in Digital Infrared Photography starting in August.

BetterPhoto.com is a great website for photographers--in addition to a wide variety of excellent online courses from top photographers, you'll find lots of information, tips, articles, photo contests with prizes, equipment reviews, newsletters, and more. They also offer member galleries and your own photography website for a very reasonable yearly fee. Check out the website at www.BetterPhoto.com.

I like the online format, especially for those of you who aren't able to attend my workshops, whether due to geographic, time, or other limitations. Each week there is an illustrated lesson and assignment. You post your assignment images to the BetterPhoto.com site, and I critique the images. Other students may also discuss each image posted. Any questions can be posted to the Q &A section, and I answer all questions. The beauty of this format is that you can do the lessons in your own timing. If your schedule conflicts with assignment due dates, we can work around your timing needs. Even if you have already taken a workshop or know how to work with Polaroid transfers or basic Photoshop, you will learn more, and have a format to keep applying ideas and techniques, with feedback and an opportunity to ask unlimited questions.

What previous students have said about my online courses:
"If you want to get a firm grounding in Photoshop and have fun doing it, this is the course to take. Over 8 weeks (that flew by!), Kathleen introduces you to the basics of Photoshop, step by patient step. Her lessons are clear and concise and if you ever have a question she is always with you in the Q&A. There is a wealth of information in the lessons and I learn something new each time I read them. Thank you, Kathleen!"  Edie Clifford

"This has been a wonderful experience for me. As a busy working mom living in the "boonies," I'm so thankful for online classes like this and the chance to work with an amazing instructor who I wouldn'thave had access to otherwise. I started out with a very limited understanding of Polaroid Transfers from one 4-hour workshop. After 8 weeks with Kathleen I now feel privy to the secrets of the craft. I was especially impressed with the professional level of the lessons - yet as a beginner I did not feel intimidated. Instead I felt empowered, and now I have a new passion in my life."  Wendy Kagan

Private Sessions

In addition to the workshops I teach (Workshops link), private sessions are available in my studio. We can create a custom format so that you can choose exactly what you want to learn--Polaroid and digital transfers, digital infrared, beginning Photoshop, handcoloring, basic photography, using digital cameras, etc. Rates are $125 per hour, or $750 per day, plus materials used. Sharing a private session is also possible.

I also offer photo tours of Hawaii from 1/2 day to 3 days (Big Island) with instruction and critiques for $450/day, or just the tour for $250-$300 a day(tours can be shared as well). Please call or e-mail for availability at (808) 328-2162, or workshops@kathleencarr.com

Polaroid Manipulations book out of print, I have copies for sale

My last book, Polaroid Manipulations: A Complete Visual Guide to Creating SX-70, Transfer, and Digital Prints, has gone out of print, so I now have the last copies. Signed copies are available at a discounted price of $20 plus USPS shipping (priority mail or media mail), and tax if you live in Hawaii. Although the book has a section on Polaroid SX-70 manipulations, it also has a lot of other information--a section on new creative image and emulsion transfer techniques not found in Polaroid Transfers, with updated equipment information, and a section on digital printing. It is 208 pages, with 335 color photos--lots of great work from over 30 artists, including myself. I love scanning my transfers and SX-70 images, then working with them further in the computer, and printing them with digital printers, so how I do that is covered in this book.

You can order a signed copy of my other books, Polaroid Transfers and To Honor the Earth) from me, or use the amazon.com book link from the book page on my website for Polaroid Transfers. When you use the book link, amazon.com will pay me a commission, and a percentage of everything else you buy on that shopping trip. Of course I'd appreciate you going through my website when you shop at amazon.com.

Used Polaroid & Photo Equipment & Supplies, Books for Sale

Sometimes students or others wish to sell used Polaroid equipment and ask if I can post the info in my next newsletter. You can also post a request if you are looking for equipment. Just email me with your information, at workshops@kathleencarr.com.

I have a Polaroid camera, a Nikon camera and lenses, and some books for sale. I've put prices based on ebay completed sales pricing, but you can make me an offer. Several items will get a additional discount as well. Email me at workshops@kathleencarr.com if interested.

Polaroid One camera, brand new $15
Nikon N70 only used 3 times, with box $50 (range from $25-$78)
Nikon 20mm 2.8 AI MF $210 (range from $222.50-$227.50)
Nikon 24mm 2,8 AI MF $100 (range from $103-$202)
Nikon 35mm 2.0 AI MF $100 (range from $129-$150)
Nikon 50mm 1.4 AI MF $65 (range from $71-$149)
Nikon 55mm 3.5 micro AI MF $40 (range from $50-90)
Nikon 105mm 2.8 Micro AF $325 (range from $356-540)
Nikon 80-200mm 4.0 AI MF $40 (range from $45-101)
Nikon SB-24 flash (can be used with digital Nikons) $50 (range from $46-125)
I also have cable releases for N70 and FE2, 2 62mm polarizers, various filters in 52mm, 62mm & 72mm sizes, a 62-72mm step up ring, rear lens caps and eyecups for viewfinder.

--Painterly Photography book by Elizabeth Murray $10
--old Aperture issues and books, paperback, $5-25 each
1 .Paul Strand Retrospective Monograph, 2 Volumes, 1915-1946 & 1950-1968, Aperture Books, new in shrinkwrap, 1972, excellent, $125 (valued at $250 and more)
2. Edward Weston: The Flame of Recognition, Aperture monograph, 1968 edition, softbound, fair
3. Edward Weston: The Flame of Recognition, Aperture monograph, 1971 edition, softbound, good
4. W. Eugene Smith, Aperture Vol. 14: 3 & 4, softbound, 2 excellent, 1 good
5. Jerry N. Uelsmann, Aperture monograph, 15:4, 1970, softbound, 3 good
6. Paul Caponigro, Aperture monograph, 13:1, 1967, softbound, 3 good
7. Paul Caponigro, Aperture monograph, expanded 13:1, 1972, softbound, 2 excellent
8. Light 7, an Aperture book, MIT Press edition, 1968, 1 hardbound, no dust jacket, good, 1 softbound, good
9. French Primitive Photography, Aperture Book, 1970, softbound, good
10. Being Without Clothes, Aperture 15:3, softbound, 1 excellent, 2 good

Hawaii Vacation Rental

In 2001 I bought a wonderful vacation rental property and home on the Big Island of Hawaii, "Tropical Hideaway." It is located about 20 miles south of Kona, close to the best snorkeling, kayaking, diving, and bays for swimming with dolphins on the island. I am now renting out the very charming, Hawaii styple studio apartment (recently upgraded). If you're interested, please check out www.tropicalhideawayhawaii.com for pictures and information. For bookings, please communicate directly with me at info@tropicalhideawayhawaii.com. This property is a dream come true for me. For the past 16 years, I've been spending as much time as I can over here with the dolphins and the wonderful community of people in this area. And now you can share the experience!

INFORMATION FOR REFERENCE

Daylab has a Copy System for Using 4x6 Prints instead of Slides, and the new EZ model for slides

If you have 4x6 prints, or have a digital camera and want to make Polaroid image and emulsion transfers without having to get slides made, the Copy System Pro is for you! It exposes 4x6 prints, or physical objects laid on the glass, onto 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Polaroid peel-apart film. This is exciting news, because now you can use your photo prints, print inkjet prints, postcards, make collages, and incorporate 3-D objects to make transfers. Cost is $299, runs on 4 C batteries or with an optional adapter (additional $19.95).

Daylab also has a new slide printer that is much easier to use, called the Daylab EZ. The Daylab EZ replaces the discontinued Daylab 35. This new model makes it easier than ever to use a slide printer. Ideal for those just beginning to work with our products. The slide holder is built in place so you no longer have to worry if is positioned correctly. There is no more need to view the image before you print it. You don’t have to worry about cropping or using color filters. It is still uses the Polaroid 669 film to make image transfers and emulsion lifts.

Daylab distributes the Daylab equipment, and you can have your local dealer order from them, or order from Daylab online. You can also order equipment through me (Daylab puts my orders at the top of the list to ship) and Daylab will drop ship the equipment to you directly. Daylab also lists Creative Uses Instructors and workshops. If you have any problems with existing Daylab equipment, please call Daylab at 800-235-3233, www.daylab.com.

Useful Tip for Image Transfers

One of the most useful methods I've found for improving the quality of my Polaroid image transfers, and those of my students, is to make a "damp" transfer, rather than a "wet" or "dry" transfer (for Fuji transfers, you must make dry transfers). It gives the smoothness and sharpness of a successful dry transfer (without the liftoff). Instead of soaking the watercolor paper, spritz (spray) it and squeegee off the excess water. Instead of floating the developing transfer on warm water, place it on a warming tray or warm surface for 2 minutes. Then peel off the negative underwater in the vinegar bath and rinse for 4 minutes. Blot with non textured tissue, PhotoWipes, or blotter paper and air dry.

Time Zero Film

I still receive emails about Time Zero film, so here is the info. Sadly, Polaroid discontinued manufacturing the Time Zero film used for making SX-70 manipulations. The last batch was produced in December, 2005, with an expiration date of Dec. 2006. In my experience, the film will last 6 months or more past the expiration date, if stored in a cool, dry location.

Polaroid made this difficult decision because of several factors, including very low sales volume, and having run out of an important component of the film, which is no longer available. I had hoped that we could all mobilize and have some effect on the decision, but it was already too late to do anything before we found out about it.

Beware of Time Zero Blend Film

There is a film called Time Zero Blend film, not sold by Polaroid, that is actually 600 film with a filter included to put over an SX-70 camera lens so that 600 film can be used with it. 600 film can't really be manipulated, except crudely while it is developing. This film is very expensive and the marketing is very misleading. Beware! If you want to try it, just buy one pack and then use the filter on the regular 600 film for your SX-70 camera.



Black & White Infrared Gallery

This gallery of black and white infrared images represents some of my infrared work, all from Hawaii. For the last several years, I've been photographing black and white infrared with my digital camera (after using infrared film for years as well). I have many additional images, five of which were chosen for fine art posters and prints by Editions Limited, www.editionslimited.com. I am offering limited edition archival pigment prints on watercolor paper in sizes up to 20x24. http://www.kathleencarr.com/artwork. I plan to create new galleries of the current work soon.

Paying with a credit card through PayPal

BetterPhoto Radio Show Interview January 19, 2007

Art of Northern California & American Art Collector