Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the Todd Gustavson lecture on the Kodak DCS today at noon...but for a different reason than I envisioned. Turns out my son and his girlfriend are arriving for their Winter visit today. I knew they were coming "at the end of the month," but I didn't know which day until this morning.
So I'll be (happily!) doing housework and shopping. And cooking.
But if you're going, look for this man:
That's my friend Earl Dunbar, who is a Rochesterian and was planning to go to the lecture before I even mentioned it.
If you want to connect, Earl says he'll be in the Gift Shop/Café half an hour before the lecture starts at noon. Look for the guy with the crutch (he had polio in his youth) and a Domke F5 bag with a Rolleiflex in it. The Curtis Theater is adjacent to the Café at the George Eastman House, so it's a handy place to meet. Todd says he'd be happy to have lunch after the lecture, and you could very well meet some of the other pioneers of digital photography as well, such as Steve Sasson and Jim McGarvey. Earl would be happy to meet other TOP readers.
Sorry I can't be there, but next time! I need to become a Member of the George Eastman Museum so I get notices about this kind of thing more in advance.
Mike
UPDATE, Sunday—Earl reports: "Mike—thanks for giving a shout-out. In addition to meeting Todd and some of the Kodak DCS luminaries, John Hamilton from Toronto attended and introduced himself. It was a lovely time and we missed you!"
"Here's Todd signing his book for Jim McGarvey (standing), who led the development of professional digital cameras at Kodak for 17 years [and is the author of this short history —Ed.]. Jim's talking to Ken Parulski, former chief scientist for Kodak's digital camera division."
James: "Mike, now that you mention Earl Dunbar, did you know there once was an Earl of Dunbar? Does your friend know? I bet his parents did."
Earl replies: "Ha! Yes, I know well of the Earl(s) of Dunbar, both historically and all the times my childhood 'friends' took that reference too far.... At one time Clan Dunbar was the second richest and most powerful clan in Scotland. Until some ruling jackass destroyed my inheritance! Slainte!"
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"I need to become a Member of the George Eastman Museum so I get notices about this kind of thing more in advance." ... there is a "sign up for e news" on their Calendar page -- scroll to bottom.
Posted by: Richard Parkin | Saturday, 21 January 2017 at 10:30 AM
I went to finally introduce myself but it was a worthwhile talk regardless. Mostly men of a certain age in attendance ;-p
It's disconcerting to see several cameras - that I bought new - and spent many hours with now in the vintage historical exhibits.
Posted by: Frank Petronio | Saturday, 21 January 2017 at 02:35 PM
Well, if you make it up sometime before the end of the month, make sure you stop next-doorish to the Memorial Art Gallery for the M.C. Escher exhibit. It was amazing and informative. Lot of information about his printmaking techniques. Go early, it was packed when I went.
Posted by: MarkR | Saturday, 21 January 2017 at 08:07 PM
Bad luck missing the lecture, Mike.
That book signing shot is really excellent. Three people, three different orientations doing stuff, linkage between the three, and a pleasant atmosphere. Eyes move round and round the human circle and spend time shooting off at random to pick up details from the background. A picture full of information, both rational and emotional.
Just the kind of picture I strive so hard to achieve and which so often doesn't work! :(
Cheers, Geoff
Posted by: Geoffrey Heard | Sunday, 22 January 2017 at 07:24 PM
Small world! The Earl of Crawford married the daughter of the Earl of Dunbar.
Posted by: hugh crawford | Monday, 23 January 2017 at 02:51 AM
I need to become a Member of the George Eastman Museum...
Tut, tut, Mike.
Two years living in the general vicinity...
Posted by: Alan Carmody | Monday, 23 January 2017 at 05:23 AM
Geoff: Wow, thanks! I made two exposures (is it an "exposure" if it's an iPhone shot?) and kept coming back to this one.
Posted by: Earl Dunbar | Monday, 23 January 2017 at 08:53 PM