FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Jim]

Hi all,

I want to let everyone know about a project that has been in the works privately for some time now. I have developed with Bryan Swoboda of Blue Cap Productions the idea for a special film series on thumbnail collectors, their collecting philosophies and acquisition stories and, of course, their top pieces. As a passionate t/n collector, I've always wanted a DVD or similar resource like this. Since it doesn't seem to exist to the best of our knowledge, I decided to help create it!

We just finished filming my gem crystal collection as a practice exercise and to explore the creative options as the project advances. Please let me know if you would like to possibly participate in the series. The idea is to document collections and to understand the stories and driving motivations and criteria that underlie the collections. I want to cover gem crystals, associations, pseudomorphs, rarities and "black uglies" as well as classics.

Thumbnail specimens offer so many advantages to collectors, and this series is meant to entertain and inform established and upcoming collectors alike. Plus, this format can take viewers literally "inside" the perky box to see specimens up and close and personal in a new and exciting way.

Please contact me via a private message with your contact info and a brief description of your t/n collecting focus, if applicable.

Thanks in advance!

[Jim]

By the way, you can reach me at: jim_houran (at) yahoo (dot) com

Thanks,

[Jim]

Hi all,

I wanted to post an update given some exciting developments. The new Thumbnail Collecting DVD is really off and running.

The initial line up of collections and collectors who will be participating is really a "dream team" of top TN collectors: Ralph Clark, Carolyn Manchester, Paula Presymk, Si and Ann Frazier, Bill Larson, Allan Young, Alex Schauss, Rich Olsen, Wendell Wilson and Tom Moore.

In fact, Tom Moore will be doing a special showing of HQLP (High Quality, Low Price) specimens!

Special appreciation to Rich Olsen and Alex Schauss for their financial support of this project. Thanks to them, Bryan Swoboda will be putting into practice some new photographic techniques specifically designed for this project (co-developed by Bryan and Jeff Scovil).

This DVD should prove to be a fun and educational contribution to the hobby. Filming begins at Tucson 2010!

Cheers!

[Peter Megaw]

Jim...how about a TN community group shoot case at Tucson? 5 or 6 of the best from each to show folks how good TNs can be! I'll line the case!

Cheers

Peter

[Jim]

Hi Peter,

Excellent idea, as usual! I'll approach some suitable contributors to see if they'll participate. I'd also like to put in a case on birthstones and I've got some other ideas as well. Let's discuss offline :)

Thanks, Jim

[Jim]

Hi Everyone,

Bryan Swoboda and I have been working on the Thumbnail DVD, which is really the first in a series of programs that will eventually include toenail, miniature and cabinet size specimens. I thought an update was in order given that we have filmed a few collections now.

You can see demo footage here:
https://vimeo.com/10328985
(link normalized by FMF)

Please let us know your thoughts. Given the wealth of material and commentary being documented, Bryan is considering creating sets whereby there will be a series of DVDs, each with about three collectors/collections being showcased.

Thanks again for the support. We hope this will be a positive step toward preserving not only images of great specimens, but also the great stories behind these specimens.

Cheers!

Jim (and Bryan in spirit)

[Brooks]

I saw it Jim, you did an outstanding job. As they say, "you ought to be in pictures"! This concept is great and can be applied to miniatures, cabinets, etc. The video of the minerals is really awesome as well.

[Jim]

Hi Brooks,

Thanks for taking the time to view the video and comment. The specimen footage has really amazed many seasoned people in the hobby. It should interest anyone on the FMF who likes or dabbles in mineral photograpy.

Cheers!

[Dawn MinetteCooper]

I viewed the new video last night and I was delighted with the content and the photography. I'll be waiting eagerly for the CD's.

Thanks for the great promise of entertainment and education.