LF users...getting acquainted

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.

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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.

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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!

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

 

I'm all for that!

 

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

 

Yes, a nice idea.

 

Maybe an LF dating service would be popular as well.

 

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

 

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

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Jason.

 

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

 

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

 

It certainly sounds like a good idea to me.

 

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

 

A chance for a date with Trib?

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

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

 

Have you ever considered just joining your local camera club?

 

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

 

Er, Indianapolis.

 

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

 

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.

 

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