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Question: How can I get invovled in genuine photography!?
I'm not sure where to start!. I took photography in high school, absolutely loved it!. I know it's hard to actually make a good living at it, but I would like to do it as freelance or just for a hobby!. Besides going to school for it, what are the costs involved!? I would like to do real photography, with film and develop it myself, at least to start with!. I don't think there are any schools near me I can go to, can I get into it with online classes and hands on practice!?Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Not to be a wet blanket on the idea of doing "wet" photography, but you should be aware that the cost of photo sensitive material is rising VERY rapidly as leading manufacturers stop producing them and availability of materials for traditional processing is declining at an amazing pace!. In addition, the environmental impact of chemical processing has led to significant concern about handling the waste products and, depending on local laws may be an obstacle!.
Because of these factors and because digital photography is advancing in capabilities very quickly, thus bringing the cost per image down dramatically, so it may be difficult to justify the expense and complexity of traditional processing, at least "at home"!.
Having said that, traditional darkroom processing is fun and can allow you to do things that are still not possible with digital!. Plus, you can now get many 35mm and medium format cameras for a fraction of the original cost including many superb quality lenses and darkroom products for less than 1/10th their original price!.
I would suggest looking for Photography user groups on the web that focus on (no pun intended) traditional film processing, they will be able to help you find supplies and possibly local contacts to work with!. For the most part the people who are still doing this type of processing are either technicians for specialty processing (medical, scientific, etc!.), educators and teachers, or artists and craftsmen (and women) who pursue the process for aesthetic reasons!.
A useful web site with lots of information on film and print processing that might be a good place to start is -
http://www3!.telus!.net/drkrm/index!.html
HTH, Good luck!. Email me if you have specific questionsWww@QuestionHome@Com
Some of it you can learn through online lessons but for the darkroom things, you'll want a school you can go to!.
New York Institute of Photography is a online provider you may want to check out!.
As for local schools, are there any community colleges near you!? They may have classes at a reasonable cost!. Another option could be to find a local photographer or photo shop you can work part time for as you learn!.Www@QuestionHome@Com