Finally! I took the show on the road this week--and it was really a great experience. On Monday, I spent the morning and early afternoon shooting at the home of a friend in McElmo Canyon. I managed to pack all the correct gear (almost filled up the Xterra!) and didn't forget anything. I set the darkbox up in a place that would be largely in the shade and used the back of the Xterra as a work surface.
Darkbox and gear set-up
The temps were in the low to mid 80s for the most part and there was a little breeze, so it was very pleasant, although it got really steamy in the darkbox when I was working in safe-light conditions! Having done most of my work up till now in the darkroom, it was a real revelation and pleasure to be able to see what's going on on the plate in daylight; I love opening the window when the plate goes in the fix!
Inside my dark box--surprisingly organized and drama-free
While I was hoping for a couple of decent images, my primary goals for the day were to establish a workflow and get used to working in the confines of the darkbox, organize and manage my gear, and successfully transport wet images back home. It was a successful day!
My first on-location plate in the fix--I think it was a success, don't you?
Much of my archaeology career has been spent outdoors and during the last years, I've really missed being out in the desert and woods. It was so good to be back in my element, doing something that I love. Now that I know that I can manage the logistics, I'll be having many more wet plate adventures. There's so much to see and photograph here in the Four Corners!
Beautiful scenery in McElmo Canyon