I think it is awesome you are into large format photography. How did you choose to become a large format photographer? I presume you use a 4x5 camera and wondered if you have used an 8x10 camera at all? One day I will get into large format photography. Having a look at some of the large format photographers you have listed is inspiring indeed. I live in Minnesota and have a basement, there is room for a small darkroom setup, which I have to workout how I want to do it. I am also working on obtaining parts for the Beseler 23c enlarger I have. Matias, you are spot on with the therapeutic properties of the entire analog process. From making the exposure to the final print is both exciting and calming at the same time for me. I look forward to getting things together and being able to enjoy being in the darkroom again. I have not had a chance to make any images for a while now. I have been battling a mean depression episode for the last nine months and that has taken a lot out of me. I am always in the fight and am slowly turning things around. I am confident I will get back on track; how, is another story. Sorry for the delay in responding to you. I look forward to our conversations.

Hello Matias, I work in a combination of the two. I approach them differently as well, especially regarding if I am shooting with back & white film, color negative film, and color positive film (slide film). With Digital photography, I tend to use the Expose To The Right method of exposure and pull the exposure back in post production. For portraiture, I use my trusty light meter to achieve the right exposure. I think portraiture is fantastic, especially when the photographer connects with the subject, then the magic of portraiture can be electric. The influences that come to mind for me are people like Sue Bryce, Gregory Heisler, Yousef Karsh, Annie Leibovitz, Edward Weston, and my mentor, Christopher Grey. I will have to look into the portraitists that have caught influence you. The Landscape and Still Life photographers that stand out to me are people like Ansel Adams, Clyde Butcher, Edward Weston, Willem Verbeek. Matias, at this point, you're correct about my studio needs. I had a 2,170 sq. ft. studio and was able to do a lot in that space. I really didn't like having to chase down photographers to share the studio with. Fortunately, I am not in need of a studio at this point in time, and if I need one, I can always rent space for the time I need it and bring my own equipment. I am currently working on putting together a darkroom in the basement of where I live currently.

Greetings all! My name is Don and I served as an active duty Marine from 1979-1991. I served with A. Co. 3rd AAV Bn., then made a lateral move to the Marine Music field playing tuba and electric bass for 10 of my 12 years. During my active duty years, I served with the 1st Marine Division for two tours; MCRD San Diego; III MEF, Okinawa; and finally, 29 Palms. After leaving active duty, I continued my music career in Sarasota, FL, my hometown, as a classical musician and for a time, Personnel and Production Manager for the Sarasota Orchestra. I have had too many day jobs during my life and ended up here in sunny Minneapolis, MN. I am currently semi-retired and working on photography, a second passion in my life.

Hello to all PBAbbate artists. My name is Donald (Don) and I am a Marine vet who served from 1979-1991. I have been in the arts most of my life, be it in music and photography. I enjoy many forms of art even if I don't quite understand the genre at the time. I am a retired tuba and electric bass player and currently working on photography in film and digital mediums. My answer to the questions that speak to me most is as follows: How can an art club best serve you? By connecting with other like minded artists, whatever shape that takes and using art club as a source of inspiration and community Do you currently have an artistic practice? I did have a photography studio. I lost it due to not being a "photographer," so to speak, rather a landlord. Then Covid came crashing in. What work would you like to do if you were to establish an art practice? General photography. I would like to photograph people as well as landscapes and still life. Are you inspired by other artists or artworks you have seen or read about? Yes, I am inspired by many forms of art and artists. I love seeing how others see the world, be it in song, painting, dancing, and photographs. Do you have any goals relating to your art making, such as learning a skill like photography, painting, or sculpture, finishing a project, applying to an academic program or a residency, or seeing your work in a book or on a wall at a gallery or a museum? I do have goals as a photographer. I would like to get back on top of my game photographically, due to some setbacks, make photographs that I am proud to show and possibly sell. My biggest goal is becoming the best photographer I can be and take that knowledge and teach it to others. I look forward to meeting you along the way and participating at a retreat together. Semper Fi, Don