Postcard Exchange Round 64 Comments and Feedback

[mshchem]

I'm so behind. Equipment challenges. Then this morning I discovered that the cheap door knob on my darkroom finally quit. So I had to drive to get a different set. Maybe I will get to printing later this week.

 

[mfohl]

Received's @mfohl 's "Bleak landscape". I had never heard of RSS cameras! Lovely photo, so dramatic! I like exactly the two things you mention: the tree and the grass. Thank you, Mark!

RSS is from your side of the pond, maybe even from France??

 

[rduraoc]

And the postcards keep pouring in. I have received:

- @Jim Christie 's "Pick a Door", a well composed image from a military fort. I think that this composition and the textures in the doors would look great in 30x40cm (or even bigger...)
- @Rob Skeoch "Grand Teton" reached me with some postal scuffing (which adds character...). It's a breathtaking image. (P.S.: small coincidences, I'm a former NEX-5N owner, and current Pentax 645N owner...)
- @Michael Howard 's "Ghost Town Cafe, Goodsprings Nevada", a postcard with a scent of Hollywood drama.

I will send this card again, but I will print out the address from the computer and tape it to the envelope. Sorry about that!

No need to apologize, I think I had the same problem in the previous round. And thank you!

 

[Martie W]

I've just received @rduraoc's photo of the two young men lounging on a raft. What a blissful moment captured in time! I appreciate the information you shared about it. Thank you!

 

[mfohl]

I just received Jim Christie's "Pick a Door". Now that I know it is or was a fort, I can see the immense strength in the building. And the tones in this are very nice. Of course, there's always a story about a tiger behind one of the doors and a naked lady behind another ... Thanks Jim. But a question: who was the fort supposed to protect us from?

 

[Jim Christie]

...But a question: who was the fort supposed to protect us from?

That’s a great question, for which I don’t have a complete answer, but this is what I know: Fort Worden (along with nearby Forts Casey and Flagler) were originally commissioned in the late 1800s on the recommendation of the “Endicott Board” which apparently felt that America’s defenses along the West Coast were dangerously lacking. At the time construction began, the Wright brothers had yet to complete their first flight, so attack by land or sea would have been the primary concerns. Attack by land in Western WA would have been exceptionally bad strategy, hence the focus on the sea approach. Not sure if the government had a specific enemy in mind — just an attempt to close an open door, so to speak. I’m sure there’s much more to the story, but those are the high points. I’m glad the forts have been preserved in some form. For adults, they are stark reminders of a not-so-distant past. For kids, they are an amazingly fun place to explore!

 

[MattKing]

But a question: who was the fort supposed to protect us from?

Perhaps marauding Canadians?

 

[Jim Christie]

A bunch of cards have come in and I’ve really enjoyed all of them:

First, and this was interesting — rduraoc sent a found photo apparently taken in the late 50s. It would certainly be great fun to find more details surrounding this; or maybe the air of mystery is better. Of course, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the Vivian Maier story…

Michael Howard, Troll Under Liberty Bridge Nice combination of structure and people. The troll had the best vantage point!

Grand Teton from Rob Skeoch. That’s a beautiful photo, regardless of contrast issues. You must have been quick — hard to go unnoticed with a Pentax 645, even then . The back story was thought-provoking. To think back on that point in time and what the NEX series set in motion for Sony and photography in general. And you had a front row seat -- must have been fascinating to watch that story unfold.

Bronte Creek Driftwood from Todd Barlow. Enjoyed the photo and story behind it. Have those bottles been traveling with that tree over the years? They look pretty dirty, but then it seems improbable they would survive a tumble down the river (but who knows). That 40 year old paper still looks great!

Winter from AnselMortensen. Nice detail of a tree and shadows against a winter landscape. Something quite peaceful about that image.

Big Wheel from mfohl. Loved the photo and reminds me that I need to exercise my Holga more. I was saddened to hear that the farm land will give way suburban sprawl. A common story in my neck of the woods as well. Progress (?)

Poles Trees No Clouds from Don_ih. Nice winter scene. Maybe no clouds but sure looks cold.

Tag, You’re It! from drpsilver. Fun card, and the perfect image for a PCX round in February!

Thanks!

-Jim

 

[Ajven]

Yesterday I received "Bleak Landscape" by @mfohl - I had to google what kind of the camera has been used to take the picture. Pictures from pinhole cameras always have a magical atmosphere. Thank you for the postcard.

 

[Don_ih]

I received @Jim Christie 's Pick A Door card. Looks a tiny bit like a vampire should be coming out of one of them... Lots of textures and tone - and that paper makes for a nice print.

I also recieved @Michael Howard 's oversized Cactus in the Sun card. Looks considerably bigger than all the cacti I've seen - which have been in little clay pots. Excellent photo, by the way - gives a new definition to "sharp".

 

[Daniela]

Received @Michael Howard 's "Troll under Liberty Bridge". No troll in sight, but I looked up the bridge and I think I can figure out where you were standing. It looks like a beautiful place overall. I like how you were able to keep all the details on the underside of the bridge! Thank you, Michael!

 

[Don_ih]

Received Tag, You're It from @drpsilver - in mostly unscathed condition (nice scuff in the middle of the card). Interesting thing you found there. I like the drawing. I can't figure out why it exists. Great photo, though.

 

[mshchem]

I have received many wonderful cards. I'm a bit flummoxed in my darkroom right now, will get something done here soon.
In the meantime in no particular order.
From @rduraoc Two young men floating in a raft, relaxing, from a 1957 negative, perfect tones, and printing
From Michael Howard, Cactus in the Sun. Big beautiful glossy print, great subject and print work! Sharp, even prickly!!

 

[mshchem]

Continuing
From Ansel Mortensen, Winter, simple elegant subject, excellent use of focus to isolate the tree.
From @mfohl , really beautiful composition and execution. Barn wood metal roof dormant vines,mand a absolutely black hole of a window to lead you in. Very well done!
From Jim Christie A fort built to save us from Great Britain and their ruthless Canadian allies "Pick a Door" amazing ink jet on real paper gorgeous!
From Rob Skeoch, "Grand Teton" beautiful 5x7 print on Foma Retrobrom! Really nice!
From @Dunga. Terrific cyanotype printed on watercolor paper, "Respiro" Elegant!
From @drpsilver "Tag You're It" A great sign, I love signs! Elegant print Ilford RC, really great darkroom work every zone is present, very well done!!
From @Don_ih "Diesel" great composition, I love these sorts of subjects. Again blacks are velvety, the Diesel tank is beautiful!!!!
From @Ajven "The Hole" looks to be a football net, covered with frost. Very nice print.
From @BHuij "untitled" foggy snowy mountains, very peaceful Thanks for that!
From Todd Barlow " Bront Creek Driftwood" and yes I noticed the long neck beer bottles very nice job!!!
Thanks to all

 

[Todd Barlow]

PCX#64 Cards Received as of March 7, 2025:
Mar 6 - rduraoc - French Family Vacation - Nicely printed family snap shot. Great background story. Lost family memories or just was it decluttering the negatives while maintaining prints in albums at home?
Mar 6 - DRPSILVER - Tag, You're It! - Nice street art, part of a series? I have often thought of doing a small series of those painted rocks on hiking trails you see with inspirational messages.
Mar 5 - Ajven - The Hole - Nicely seen and executed! Really like the capture of the texture.
Mar 5 - MFohl - Barn Window - Well seen, well photographed and well printed! Really like all parts of this tones, textures and composition. Nicely done!
Mar 5 - Rob Skeoch - Grand Teton - Great shot with a nice range of tones!
Feb 28 - BHuij - Fall Tenant - Great photograph and story! Nicely printed, with nice composition, and tones. Well Done!
Feb 26 - Don_ih - Fence 1 - Very nice photograph of the bleak midwinter! Love the white, the contrast and the distance band of grey!
Feb 26 - Ansel Mortensen - Winter - Same comments as for Don's Fence 1! Nice exposure in camera and darkroom to bring out the tones in the snow! Well done!


PCX #64 Receipt Confirmation of my cards as of March 7, 2025:
Mar 6 - @mshchem - Thanks mshchem. I like the classic subjects of wood, rock and water, lots of texture and tone options.
Mar 6 - @Jim Christie - Thanks Jim. The tree became a trash can after it settled on the gravel bar. Before the area was chained off you would find quite a few bottles and even a leather comfy chair for some clandestine drinking!
Mar 1 - @Martie W - Thanks Martie. I use a Mamiya C330 and bracket most shots since the shutter speeds are slower than marked. I had a couple of negatives to choose from and the grade 3 paper seemed to bring out some nice tones.
Feb 25 - @Ajven - Thanks Ajven. Glad you enjoyed the background as well.
Feb 21 - @Daniela - Thanks Daniela. Glad you enjoyed the background to the travel of the subject.
Feb 17 - @Don_ih - Thanks Don. Between you Rob Skeoch and myself we are all about an hour from each other! Will have to meet up in Terra Cotta for some photography!
Feb 16 - @Rob Skeoch - Thanks Rob. "Good old days when you could get graded paper" - I agree but must admit I am enjoying the convenience of Multigrade!

 

[gbroadbridge]

Hi Folks, photos received last week...

'Bronte Creek Driftwood' - Todd Barlow - Those bottles look like they've been travelling a while too. Nice tranquil water flow too.
'Grand Teton' - Rob Skeoch - Amazing scenery beautifully captured.
'Bleak Landscape' - mfohl - I've not seen an image from an RSS Camera before - I like the interesting refraction effect and it works well with that subject.

All arrived in perfect condition without any marking or scuffing. Thanks.

 

[Ajven]

Today I received @Michael Howard 's "Cactus in the Sun". My first thought after taking it out of the envelope was: "Shouldn't I be wearing gloves?" The thorns were literally sticking out of the beautiful postcard. Thanks for this beautiful picture.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Today's mail.

"Tag, You're IT" - drpsilver - A picture to brighten up anyones day. Now on the fridge

 

[rduraoc]

I got "Bronte Creek Driftwood" from @Todd Barlow , a great testimony to how old (really old) paper still delivers great images. Thanks for the exchange!

 

[Todd Barlow]

PCX#64 Cards Received as of March 14, 2025:
Mar 11 - Michael Howard - Troll Under Liberty Bridge - Neat photograph! Lines, curves and randomness of the tree branches and the mystery of what the people are looking at. Nice Composition!
Mar 10 - Jim Christie - Pick a Door - Well seen and captured! I really like this type of subject, texture, tones, lines and framing. Nice!
Mar 6 - rduraoc - French Family Vacation - Nicely printed family snap shot. Great background story. Lost family memories or just was it decluttering the negatives while maintaining prints in albums at home?
Mar 6 - DRPSILVER - Tag, You're It! - Nice street art, part of a series? I have often thought of doing a small series of those painted rocks on hiking trails you see with inspirational messages.
Mar 5 - Ajven - The Hole - Nicely seen and executed! Really like the capture of the texture.
Mar 5 - MFohl - Barn Window - Well seen, well photographed and well printed! Really like all parts of this tones, textures and composition. Nicely done!
Mar 5 - Rob Skeoch - Grand Teton - Great shot with a nice range of tones!
Feb 28 - BHuij - Fall Tenant - Great photograph and story! Nicely printed, with nice composition, and tones. Well Done!
Feb 26 - Don_ih - Fence 1 - Very nice photograph of the bleak midwinter! Love the white, the contrast and the distance band of grey!
Feb 26 - Ansel Mortensen - Winter - Same comments as for Don's Fence 1! Nice exposure in camera and darkroom to bring out the tones in the snow! Well done!

PCX #64 Receipt Confirmation of my cards as of March 14, 2025:
Mar12 - @rduraoc - Thanks rduraoc. Recently bought some Flic Film Fog Off to try and salvage paper that has visible fog.
Mar 7 - @gbroadbridge - Thanks gbroadbridge. It was a very tranquil place until they put up the hurricane fencing to keep people out.
Mar 6 - @mshchem - Thanks mshchem. I like the classic subjects of wood, rock and water, lots of texture and tone options.
Mar 6 - @Jim Christie - Thanks Jim. The tree became a trash can after it settled on the gravel bar. Before the area was chained off you would find quite a few bottles and even a leather comfy chair for some clandestine drinking!
Mar 1 - @Martie W - Thanks Martie. I use a Mamiya C330 and bracket most shots since the shutter speeds are slower than marked. I had a couple of negatives to choose from and the grade 3 paper seemed to bring out some nice tones.
Feb 25 - @Ajven - Thanks Ajven. Glad you enjoyed the background as well.
Feb 21 - @Daniela - Thanks Daniela. Glad you enjoyed the background to the travel of the subject.
Feb 17 - @Don_ih - Thanks Don. Between you Rob Skeoch and myself we are all about an hour from each other! Will have to meet up in Terra Cotta for some photography!
Feb 16 - @Rob Skeoch - Thanks Rob. "Good old days when you could get graded paper" - I agree but must admit I am enjoying the convenience of Multigrade!

 

[drpsilver]

16 Mar 2025

Here are my comments on the cards I have collected over the past couple of weeks, in no particular order.
"Hayton Rocks, UK" by Bazamat is a nice landscape with lots of photographic posibilties. You controlled the contrast of the subject very well. Welcome to the Postcard Exchange.
"Bronte Creek Driftwood" from Todd Barlow is very "low key", but all the low tone are separated nicely. This print works in several orientations.
"Pick a Door" by Jim Christie is well composed, and printed. Old forts are nice places for creative photography. Unfortunately, the bunkers at Fort Baker near San Francisco are all welded shut so you cannot explore them.
The card from rduraoc showing two guys lounging on a life raft seems to be their idea of summer fun. Great idea to pick-up negative other people do not want. Better then having them tossed in the trash.
"Troll Under Liberty Bridge, Greenvilles South Carolina" by Michael Howard is a very interesting perspective, and composition to me. I like the repeating patterns, curve, and people that do not even know they are being photographed. You managed the high contrast very well.
"Grand Teton" by Rob Skeoch is a nice photograph of one of my favorite, but overcrowded, National Parks. You held amazingly still considering shooting with a 200mm lens.
"Urban Mailbox" by mfohl is a good study in shadows. I like how there are several elements for the viewer to notice among the "white space".
"Pipes" from Don_ih gives the viewer a lot to look for - shapes, shadow detail, background, ... I like the story you tell about how this pipes are used. It gives context to the photo.
"The Hole" by Ajven is very interesting. You used the shallow depth-of-focus to focus the viewer to the hole. The detail in the ice crystals gives the hole "character".
"Durer's Flowers" by Martie W is striking. Striking because it is color photograph is a sea of black & white photographs, but also because the flowers stand-out from the background. Very nice even though the post office scuffed the print in several places.

Thank you to all for sharing your work with the Postcard Exchange.

Regards,
Darwin

 

[mshchem]

I printed my cards today, hopefully I'll get them in the mail this week, still need labels etc. I used my little Durst RCP-20 to process, that was fun (except setup and cleanup)

 

[Rob Skeoch]

I've recently received these postcards...
Barn Window, mfohl... nice shot of the old barn. Nicely printed.
Tag, You're it, Darwin... such a fun photo. Thanks for spying it, and sharing.
Rui's life raft shot... what an interesting box of negatives. A real fun photo.
Cactus in the sun, Michael Howard... that plant looks so painful. Great shot of it though. Really shows the angle of the light.

 

[Martie W]

Thank you for your comment, Darwin. The feedback about the scuffing by the post office is helpful to know. Perhaps that "luster" print on Baryta paper just can't take the machine sorting. In future, I'll know to put photos like that inside of envelopes to mail.

 

[MattKing]

Thank you for your comment, Darwin. The feedback about the scuffing by the post office is helpful to know. Perhaps that "luster" print on Baryta paper just can't take the machine sorting. In future, I'll know to put photos like that inside of envelopes to mail.

FWIW, and acknowledging that this is purely a personal preference, during the dozens of Postcard exchanges I participated in, I liked the vagaries that the post office handling imparted to the cards. Somehow they seemed to more closely express the traditional postcard "experience", from back in the days when it was common to receive a postcard from your travelling friends and relatives.
For a very short period of time a long time ago I had a part time job with Canada helping manually sort a large backlog of mail. The postcards were a highlight of an otherwise mind-numbing shift!