Author Topic: One day LF workshop (Read 3284 times)

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **on:** February 06, 2012, 05:22:45 PM »

Hi gang,

I was at the Outdoor show a few weeks back and sat in on a lecture by Jo Cornish. it was with another photog who is into wildlife photography. Being outdoor and travel it was digitally based.

The very first image he put up I picked as the Tasmanian coastline and very Peter Dombrovski(esque) in style and unmistakeably shot on a 4x5 LF camera.

So I went to his stand later and remarked on these things and it turns out that all of this was correct. He is defiantly a LF man and very much a landscape man.

He runs workshops but none them would be of a high enough level for people around here, with that in mind I have had some communication with him and he is (obviously) happy to put together a workshop for LF with a landscape flavour (if that's what people want).

So to the point, would there be 6-8 people here who would be interested in a one day workshop with this gent?

Work by Peter Dombrovski

Bio of Peter Dombrovski

Work by Joe Cornish

Joe Cornish on Peter Dombrovski

I am interested in the landscape thing personally

cheers

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #1 on:** February 06, 2012, 05:42:03 PM »

I did a LF workshop with Joe Cornish and David Ward a couple of years ago and can't recommend it highly enough... it did cost me £950 for the privilege though.

I would love to own Peter Dombrovski's 'Simply' book but the price is quite eyewatering £200-£300!

Paul

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #2 on:** February 06, 2012, 05:52:39 PM »

Joe will do a workshop @ £170.00 per person up to 6 people if we deal direct with him.

Now to me thats value

As for Dombrovski my Father-in-Law knew him well as he is also Latvian.

Work by Ivars Jansons (f-i-l)

Just to add, I don't like watercolours and I don't like florals but I own this!

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2012, 06:03:25 PM »

It was for 4 days and did include accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2012, 06:10:57 PM »

I sort of figured that it was fairly full on.

What key thing did you walk away with that you have constantly called upon in your later photography?

Late Developer · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2012, 08:44:51 PM »

Hi Ken.

I'm a complete newbie to LF (5x4 Field Camera) a landscape fan and, having a couple of his books and having seen / met him at a show he did in Chelmsford a year or so back, I'm a big fan of Joe Cornish's work. Obviously, it's all dependent on the where and when questions but getting a place on a 6-person workshop with him for £170 sounds like damned good value to me.

If anyone else is up for it, then so am I (subject to the aforementioned logistics).

Paul.

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2012, 08:52:50 PM »

LD - thats great news!

I should imagine once we have numbers we can negotiate a date.

No ideas on that date yet obviously.

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2012, 10:03:55 AM »

Quote from: ken182 on February 06, 2012, 06:10:57 PM

I sort of figured that it was fairly full on.

What key thing did you walk away with that you have constantly called upon in your later photography?

For me the whole idea of the workshop was to learn how to use a large format camera, in that respect it was a success. What I can't put a value on was being with Joe, David and 10 like minded individuals for nearly 4 days, shooting from dawn till dusk and even talking about LF in the bar until the early hours

. I still remain good friends with quite a few of the participants, even meeting up from time to time.

Paul

LT · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2012, 10:15:53 AM »

Thanks for opening this up for us Ken - and well done for sorting out a 'Deal" with the Cornish Man!

It's still far too pricey for me, though.

Whilst I fully respect Joe C's position in the LF colour landscape arena, I'm not really sure what I would get for the money, that can't be gained through messing about and reading books?

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2012, 03:10:00 PM »

I have found doing actual workshops where you see things being done, have a go yourself, compare ideas see how someone who does it day in and day out does it etc seem to be far more beneficial than reading books.

Reading books is great, but I think workshops or training days you just learn more.

LT · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2012, 05:08:26 PM »

Quote from: ken182 on February 07, 2012, 03:10:00 PM

I have found doing actual workshops where you see things being done, have a go yourself, compare ideas see how someone who does it day in and day out does it etc seem to be far more beneficial than reading books.

Reading books is great, but I think workshops or training days you just learn more.

well put Ken ... but, to me at least, 170 smackers = a load of film to practise with.

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2012, 06:10:43 PM »

Quote from: leon taylor on February 07, 2012, 05:08:26 PM

Quote from: ken182 on February 07, 2012, 03:10:00 PM
I have found doing actual workshops where you see things being done, have a go yourself, compare ideas see how someone who does it day in and day out does it etc seem to be far more beneficial than reading books.

Reading books is great, but I think workshops or training days you just learn more.

well put Ken ... but, to me at least, 170 smackers = a load of film to practise with.

Granted, though I think that is a slightly skewed way of looking at it, using that line of reasoning then all education could be seen in such a way.

I personally think £170.00 is little to pay to spend a day with a leader in the field of LF and landscape. I really want to do the Landscape part, LF is a bonus.

Two times I have bitten the bullet and gone into further study i have come out on top knowing far more than when I went in.

Most recently was a one day Lightroom course I did in 2008, I mucked around with Lightroom but wasn't really convinced, after that one day the lights cam on and I haven't looked back.

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #12 on:** February 07, 2012, 06:14:29 PM »

All things considered I most probably would learn as much hanging out with you and some of the other members of the gang.

My LF skills are rusty, my landscaping just needs to come back into central focus, doing outings with groups of peers is a top way of knocking the rust off and extending ones self.

I really am hankering to get out of London and do some stuff, I just don't know where is good.

LT · « **Reply #13 on:** February 07, 2012, 06:30:15 PM »

Quote from: ken182 on February 07, 2012, 06:10:43 PM

Granted, though I think that is a slightly skewed way of looking at it, using that line of reasoning then all education could be seen in such a way.

I personally think £170.00 is little to pay to spend a day with a leader in the field of LF and landscape. I really want to do the Landscape part, LF is a bonus.

Two times I have bitten the bullet and gone into further study i have come out on top knowing far more than when I went in.

Most recently was a one day Lightroom course I did in 2008, I mucked around with Lightroom but wasn't really convinced, after that one day the lights cam on and I haven't looked back.

It is a good idea - I'm just a miser! If he'll take 50p and a bag of grapes, I'd be there like a shot (obscure Adrian Mole reference).

In all seriousness, I take your point about doing courses etc. I guess, apart from printing, I've always felt my own way with photography - so avoid paying wherever I can - especially when it's my round at the pub

A day with Mr National Trust Brochure himself would be a special thing for sure.

It would be interesting to hear of how he developed his success, as he has done so well on the basis of his pictures alone with no real use of personality etc to develop that. The coverage his work gets commercially is quite something for a straightforward landscape 'tog.

Late Developer · « **Reply #14 on:** February 07, 2012, 10:39:02 PM »

Quote from: leon taylor on February 07, 2012, 06:30:15 PM

It would be interesting to hear of how he developed his success, as he has done so well on the basis of his pictures alone with no real use of personality etc to develop that. The coverage his work gets commercially is quite something for a straightforward landscape 'tog.

I just put it down to him being exceptionally good at what he does - straightforward or otherwise.

LT · « **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2012, 10:40:15 AM »

Quote from: Late Developer on February 07, 2012, 10:39:02 PM

I just put it down to him being exceptionally good at what he does - straightforward or otherwise.

Granted, there is that Paul. But, there are lots of people with a similar eye, skill and approach who have not achieved the same level of commercial success. I wonder what he does/did that the others don't. Shame Ailsa hasn't been around for a while as I think she knows/ knew Joe when she worked on B&W, and subsequently through the books she's edited. Maybe she would give us an insight into his business approach.

Late Developer · « **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2012, 02:11:59 PM »

Aye and there's the rub......

There are countless people in all walks of business who have reached some elevated status through various blends of ability, skill, tenacity, business acumen, luck and sheer hard graft.

In my experience, someone offering a good, reliable product to the right customers at the right place and at the right time will win hands down over a brilliant concept being marketed by someone with no idea of how to deliver it or how to promote it or themselves.

DS · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2012, 02:53:30 PM »

Quote from: Late Developer on February 08, 2012, 02:11:59 PM

In my experience, someone offering a good, reliable product to the right customers at the right place and at the right time will win hands down over a brilliant concept being marketed by someone with no idea of how to deliver it or how to promote it or themselves.

Yes. I agree. This has been the major failing of my (non-photographic) career so far. Hard (for me) to learn though.

Sorry for being OT

Late Developer · « **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2012, 04:37:29 PM »

@DS

On-topic: there are loads of photographers who - due to maximising an opportunity to strut their stuff publicly and effectively - have been able to get a reputation well beyond anything they'd have managed otherwise. Personally, I wouldn't include Joe Cornish in this category but I suspect that Leon would.

Then again, one man's meat is another man's poison - and it's just as well as it'd be a boring life if we all liked and disliked the same things....

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2012, 04:44:59 PM »

This DVD is supposed to be an excellent insight into JC's workflow

http://www.lightandland.co.uk/news/f013fd32ed89488bb4ad5aaedaf4fb38

Am waiting for a friend of mine to finish watching his copy before I borrow it

Paul

LT · « **Reply #20 on:** February 08, 2012, 05:52:51 PM »

Quote from: Late Developer on February 08, 2012, 04:37:29 PM

Personally, I wouldn't include Joe Cornish in this category but I suspect that Leon would.

Actually, I'm with you Paul - which is what makes me so interested in his success. He hasn't seemed to achieve it through use of personality, which makes it all the more of an impressive achievement.

I have to own up to not being a fan of his pictures, I like things a bit less polished, and a lot more interpretive, but I am in awe of his skill and consistency.

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #21 on:** February 09, 2012, 06:38:49 PM »

Interesting discussion gang.

To get waaaaaaay back on topic

Leon how would it sit with You, Ed and the gang if this was promoted more directly to forum members.

Please note this is a direct offer from Joe and all I have done is ask him if he was interested and what price. I have made no promises to him (obviously) and have been offered no inducement and would accept none for my involvement.

If Joe where to offer anything, trust me it would be tabled in front of Leon and Ed very quickly and if they said "no don't take it" that would be the answer.

This is more about an opportunity to spend time with an accomplished LF landscaper to expand knowledge and experience.

LT · « **Reply #22 on:** February 09, 2012, 07:08:45 PM »

Apologies for digressing Ken - We would be more than in favour of your promoting this for Forum members. It would be an excellent opportunity for an interview or video for a podcast!!!!

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #23 on:** February 09, 2012, 07:19:11 PM »

Quote from: leon taylor on February 09, 2012, 07:08:45 PM

excellent opportunity for an interview or video for a podcast!!!!

I feel pressure mounting