Hi, this isn't a technique or equipment question (surprise!). I'd like to propose an idea to help get LF photographers acquainted, both online and off.

Might it be possible to devote a section of this forum (or Tuan's LF site) as a "meet your fellow LF enthusiast" area? Tuan's page includes a "links to LF photographers" page, but that's really only for those who have websites. I'd like to see something where the LF photographer can post some basic information about himself/herself, such as interests, city, etc. Not only would this let us get to know more about our fellow website users, but also it would fill a much-needed gap to learn of other LF photographers who might live near us, or places we intend to visit.

I've so often seen a post in which the writer comments that no other LF users are nearby, and is on his own as far as learning, seeing equipment, or just getting out for some shooting. Personally, I feel the same. I've never seen another person in my area with a LF camera, but for all I know, there may be one in the next town! Wouldn't it be nice to be able to look up nearby enthusiasts...to suggest shooting trips together, etc? I have a few photo friends locally, but none using LF. I simply don't take along my LF gear when going with them, for reasons clear to all of us...but I'd be tickled to get together with some other LF users if I just knew where they were!

How about your opinions? Suggestions? I think this is an idea worth pursuing :)

-- Danny Burk (foto28@aol.com), October 12, 2000

Answers

I'm all for that!

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), October 12, 2000.

That would be great. I know that I am not alone in being in a small town where LF advice/service is sorely lacking.

-- Matt O. (mojo@moscow.com), October 12, 2000.

Yes, a nice idea.

-- Trevor Crone (trevor.crone@uk.dreamcast.com), October 12, 2000.

Maybe an LF dating service would be popular as well. :-)

-- Doremus Scudder (ScudderLandreth@compuserve.com), October 12, 2000.

Join the L.F.A. ? Hello, my name is bob, and I am a sheef-filmaholic.

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), October 12, 2000.

Cool. Good idea. I know of only one other LFer in my area, but I'm sure there have to be many more.

Jason.

-- Jason Kefover (jkefover@york.tec.sc.us), October 12, 2000.

Sure, and I am all for the dating service too.

-- jacque staskon (jacque@cybertrails.com), October 12, 2000.

I've met Sean Yates, and I definitely wouldn't want to date him!

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), October 12, 2000.

It certainly sounds like a good idea to me.

-- Dave Munson (orthoptera@juno.com), October 12, 2000.

Looks like LF photographers have a large sense of humor too! That would be nice, Danny!

-- Paul Schilliger (pschilliger@smile.ch), October 12, 2000.

A chance for a date with Trib?

-- bill zelinski (willy226@yahoo.com), October 12, 2000.

That's a good idea, but to implement it properly would require some significant DB programming. Or does anybody know a site which would outsource such an utility ? On the other hand, it would be fairly easy to create a semi-dynamic page where you can append your data. Searching would be by browsing the page, and for changes/deletions, you'd have to email me.

-- Q.-Tuan Luong (luong@ai.sri.com), October 12, 2000.

Sean and I met when I was working in Chicago. Great guy, but ditto on "no dates"! :-)

-- sheldon hambrick (sheldon_hambrick@hotmail.com), October 12, 2000.

I really like the idea of a get acquainted section. It shouldn't be too difficult to have a listing spot. It could be broken down by states or areas after enough names are gathered. Great idea. My wife nixed the idea of a dating service, darn it. Still, if there is a beautiful lady photographer out there 40-50 years old with a Linhof Master and full compement of lenses, please send picture of camera.

-- Doug Paramore (dougmary@alanet.com), October 12, 2000.

Oh c'mon guys! What if I shave? My legs too?

-- Sean yates (yatescats@yahoo.com), October 12, 2000.

I'm glad my idea has been well-received. Now to implement it...Tuan has indicated that it could be quite involved to create DB programming for such a site. Perhaps it would be simpler to involve a 2-part approach: one part being the "semi-dynamic" page featuring long-term content of information about ourselves, for which we e-mail Tuan with additions or changes. I'd like to see this organized by state, province, etc. for easy searching by region. The other part could be an interactive column, such as this column to which we post daily, but devoted to trip planning. For example, let's say that I want to make a trip to Lake Superior for three days of fall shooting. I post a message to the "interactive column", and others who have an interest can reply either to that column, or directly to me.

Tuan, does this sound like a workable solution? Again, opinions/suggestions from anyone?

-- Danny Burk (foto28@aol.com), October 13, 2000.

Have you ever considered just joining your local camera club?

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), October 13, 2000.

I spent an entire weekend in Indiannapolis, and Sean blew me off. Maybe I should consider myself lucky!

-- Chad Jarvis (cjarvis@nas.edu), October 13, 2000.

Er, Indianapolis.

-- Chad Jarvis (cjarvis@nas.edu), October 13, 2000.

I'd love to find a LF club in my area, I even tried starting one myself..this seems like a better idea.

-- bill zelinski (willy226@yahoo.com), October 13, 2000.

Danny, why don't you just start a thread under the "Location Shooting" topic or something, with the title of "Getting Acquainted - LF enthusiasts in Peoria" or whatever, instead of imposing more work on the web master? If other people like the idea, they'll create threads named "LF enthsiasts in Tasmania" and such.

-- Joe Buechler (jbuechler@toad.net), October 13, 2000.

I like the idea. I go on shooting trips all over the southwest and would enjoy meeting other photographers. I am interested in dating Sean but only if he brings his 8x10. Tribs out as far as I'm concerned. He's too liberal for me. I'm James and I shoot LF. No I'm not ashamed. I've been at it a long time now and I print all of my own stuff. I love the darkroom work the most. Damn the digital, full speed ahead. I live in San Diego and there is a club I belong to that meets twice a month called the darkroomers. Some of us shoot lF and we welcome all formats. I'd like to hear from some of the rest of you and find out where you live and what you like to shoot. James

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), October 14, 2000.