Cliff Cheney's Blog

An old friend who teaches high-school journalism sent out an email plea for help in identifying a B&W film processing problem. Some star shaped artifacts were appearing on some of the film processed in her classes.

"Hello photo experts...
I've recently run into a 35mm film printing problem that I hope you can shed some light on. (Yes, we still do old school wetlab/darkroom for one project then digital the rest...)
Attached is a photo with these strange "stars" which are on the film of several of my students. It happened randomly, about two kids in each of of my three photo classes. I've never seen this problem. What do you think it is?
Over agitation?
Chemical contamination?... although several other students using the same stuff, same jugs of chemicals, turned out OK
Rinse water too hot?
Aliens?
I'm stumped. Hope you can help."

I am posting the problem here in the hope that some film guru has solved this problem before as I have never seen it.

This is something to keep an eye on:

If they offer educational resources I may actually join.

Found via Aperture Plugged In

Gizmodo posted a pic of some shooters on a barricade in a "Name that Gadget(s)" competition.

They look to be covering an entertainment event. Lots of fun gear for sure.

Where are people getting those laptop mounting trays. I have been shopping around for some time now and nobody seems to be marketing them specifically for this purpose. Bogen has an accessory tray that might fit the 12 inch laptop. But it has some raised edges that I think would block the laptop ports.

I honestly think the guy in the middle with the 12 inch PowerBook is Paul Buck. He said he was heading out west to shoot celebrity stuff the last time I saw him. He said there was more money in its resale.

Update: They are in the UK since a couple of them are using Vodaphone cell data cards. So it can't be Paul... or can it?

Jams Nachtwey wins at TED conference.

Found via BoingBoing

Nachtwey's TED award and statements made afterwards triggered photographer and development advocate Damon Lee Perry to publish a criticism entitled The Fallacy of Empowerment. He makes some intelligent points as well as some emotional attacks on the avocation of social documentary photography. His main complaint is that the biggest celebrity photojournalists don't do enough to actually help those they document.

Addendum: Perry has been posting on this issue for some time.

The Post's "appeal for help in Iraq"

Found via Lightstalkers Alerts

I just found the Reuters Photographer Blog. I am looking forward to perusing the posts when I get time. The few entries I skimmed seemed inteligent with a good perspective. The one post I read completely delt with photogrpaphy cometitions and their effect on the photographers who win them.

Overnight an individual prepared to stand in the pouring rain for hours waiting with the rest of the pack for some errant politician can find themselves rather above this kind of work and no longer able to shoot in colour.

Brilliant!!!

Found via Rob Galbraith

Digital Railroad has released their new Marketplace into public beta. This is a feature I have been eagerly anticipating. i'll post an update here when I have some images in the Marketplace.

The University of Texas chapter of the NPPA has launched a new website as a focus for student involvement. Check it out as I will occasionally contribute photos to the Pictures of The Week feature.

The Magnum Magnum book is freaking huge! Here is a shot with some objects for size comparison.

Mark Ellen Mark [right] with Prof. Donna De Cesare [left] during Mark's visit to The University of Texas on March 4, 2008.

Late notice. But, I have a photo in the UT NPPA Student Show which opens tomorrow.

It is in the Local Color Gallery in Austin at 1700 S. Lamar. The opening is at 8 PM until 10 PM. The show is sponsored by Canon and Real Ale.

Download PDF

UPDATE: There will be a Canon 40D being raffled for $10 a ticket. So come out. There will be free music, food, beer and wine.