This thursday Jan 13th at 2pm EST, Mike Robinson will be talking about the daguerreotype process on a web-based live television show called PhotoExpresso the link live feed is here. Mike invites all who are interested in the details of his approach to the process to email in questions for him to answer during the show : centurydarkroom@sympatico.ca

The George Eastman House is holding a daguerreotype process workshop from February 22nd-25th 2011 with Mike Robinson. This is a master class for people with a serious interest in the evolution, aesthetics and process of daguerreotypy. The workshop starts where the 1839 workshop offered last June left off. It specifically covers the perfected techniques used by commercial daguerreotypists in the 1850s, considered the golden era of the daguerreotype. Participants will learn both modern and traditional techniques of polishing. Also covered will be advanced concepts of contrast control, alternative fuming techniques, and housing options.

Process historian Mark Osterman will present a lecture on the evolution of the daguerreotype and show rare examples of daguerreotypes and vintage housings from the archives of George Eastman House. Original daguerreotype apparatus and literature will also be on display specifically for this workshop. Each participant will receive a facsimile reprint of original step-by-step instructions and other readings on the topic of daguerreotype.

For information see the workshop page on the Eastman House website

Two new plates have been added to Casey’s gallery, one reflecting the information age we live in.

The selections for the juried exhibition underwent some last minute changes before the exhibit opened, with some nudes suffering censorship. To reflect the jurors full intention these have been added to the exhibit selected images webpage.

The selections for the juried exhibit have been published to page here at cdags.org so those not in attendance can see the jurors selection. Here is Grants introduction which is the title panel in the exhibit:

“If one wishes to make a photograph, why would one try to do so by the oldest, first form of practical photography, the Daguerreotype process? Why struggle with metal polishing, poisonous chemistry and mastering a difficult balance of Time and Light, when most of the marvels of Photography can now be wrought in an instant by a finger’s press of a button? There is a lot of mystery in a daguerreotype. Once the eye is caught by the glint and glimmer of the mirror surfaced silver plate, and an image, other than one’s own reflection is perceived, a thrill is felt. It is this, perhaps more than any other reason, which stimulates the urge to make daguerreotypes. The contemporary daguerreotypist chases thrills.
The contemporary daguerreotypist faces the same dilemma of any serious photographer today. Every image made today is inevitably redundant and informed by some past image absorbed into the cultural consciousness long ago. They also face the additional problem of employing a process quintessentially “antique”. Why depict something “modern” by using this “old” form of photographic process?
The number of contemporary daguerreotypists has been steadily growing since the 1970’s with many collectors, critics and curators now taking the art form quite seriously. This exhibition highlights a selection of contemporary daguerreotypes made by members of the international group, Cdags. To learn more, please visit their website at www.cdags.org.
– Grant B. Romer, Juror”

A gallery has been added to the technology galleries showcasing the hybrid design of Ty Guillory’s fuming boxes. Utilizing the screw down of the traditional American design and the compact nature of the European style, Ty’s boxes will fit neatly into your fume hood while offering a good seal on the halogen’s chamber.

Destined for sale at the upcoming Daguerreian Society meeting is a stereo portrait by Eric Mertens, in a reverse painted passe partout. More of it can be seen in this video he posted.

Ten new intimate portraits have been added to Tyler’s gallery.

Veteren daguerreotypist Ken Nelson recently sent in the sad news of his recent loss – the temperature controller for his mercury pot. “Dr. Fuzzy” got his name from his brain, a Love Controls 1600 Series Fuzzy-Logic Temperature/Process Controller. Obituary by Ken:

“Dr. Fuzzy”
5/13/96 – 8/24/10

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations, in memory of Dr. Fuzzy, to CDags.org.

Updating us of the progress Ken writes:

Dr. Fuzzy’s new brain arrived a few days ago. He’s currently in surgery for the transplant, but it might be a while before he goes to school to relearn his process. If any daguerreians out there are going to go electric and are looking for a reasonably economical temperature controller, look to the Love Controls Division of Dwyer Instruments http://www.dwyer-inst.com The model number is Love Controls 16C-3. It’s a relay model that can handle a heating element that draws up to 5A at 250V AC. Input voltage is 100-240 V. I’ll keep you posted as to how well it works in my process. And, the tech support and customer service people at Dwyer are absolutely first-rate.

Dr. Fuzzy at his post, on the left in red and green, in 2009