We live in a time of unprecedented choice as photographers. Never before in the history of photography have there been so many options at our fingertips. From the latest digital cameras, equipped with artificial intelligence to assist with everything from autofocus to post-processing to the resurgence of analog photography, the range of possibilities can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Many photographers starting today only know the digital side of the craft. They’ve never seen, much less handled, a large format camera or experienced the tactile satisfaction of working with analog methods and workflows. In an age where digital photography dominates, it’s easy to forget—or never discover—the unique joys and challenges of analog processes.
For those who still practice and cherish analog photography, particularly large and ultra-large formats, the choice isn’t about rejecting technology or clinging to the past. It’s about finding a medium that resonates with our creative vision and allows us to express ourselves authentically.
Come with me behind the scenes in the field and my darkroom as I create my latest plates and handmade prints. Whether you are technical and want access to my Darkroom Diary notes and formulas or an art buyer who wants a personal connection with me, I have you covered and am excited to learn more about you.
Here are seven reasons why I continue to enjoy and use large and ultra-large format pure analog workflows despite the so-called advances in digital photography.
1. The Tactile Experience of Creation
In the digital world, much of the photographic process happens on a screen, through clicks and software adjustments. In contrast, analog photography offers a deeply tactile experience. From loading film holders to carefully composing each shot under the dark cloth, the physicality of large format photography connects me more intimately with my subject. The hands-on nature of the process makes each photograph feel like a true creation, a piece of art that begins long before the shutter is released.
2. The Unique Aesthetic of Large Format
Large and ultra-large format photography offers an aesthetic that is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate digitally. The immense detail captured by large negatives, the subtle gradations of tone, and the depth of field that can only be achieved with these formats contribute to an image that is as much about feeling as it is about seeing. When I make contact prints from my collodion, silver gelatin, or calotype negatives, the resulting images have a richness and depth that speaks to the timeless quality of the medium.
3. The Deliberate Process
In a world that often feels rushed, large format photography forces me to slow down. Every step of the process, from setting up the camera to developing the negative, requires deliberate attention and care. This slow, methodical approach allows me to connect more deeply with my work, ensuring that each image I create is a reflection of my true intent. It’s not just about capturing a moment; it’s about creating a meaningful and thoughtful expression of that moment.
4. The Craftsmanship Involved
There is a level of craftsmanship in analog photography that demands a deep understanding of the medium. From the chemistry of collodion to the nuances of exposure and development, large format photography is a skill that requires years to master. This craftsmanship is a key part of my creative process. It challenges me, inspires me, and ultimately, it’s what makes my work uniquely mine. The knowledge and skill required to create these images ensure that they are truly my own, not the product of automated processes or software algorithms.
5. The Value of Originality
In a digital world where millions of images are created and shared every day, originality has become a rare commodity. Analog photography, particularly large and ultra-large format, offers an opportunity to create images that are truly unique. The unpredictable nature of analog processes, combined with the skill and vision of the photographer, results in photographs that cannot be easily duplicated. This originality is central to my work; it’s what makes my images stand out in a sea of sameness.
6. The Emotional Connection
There’s something profoundly emotional about the analog process. Perhaps it’s the anticipation of seeing an image slowly appear in the developer, or the knowledge that each photograph is the result of hours, if not days, of careful work. Whatever the reason, the emotional connection I feel to my work is stronger when I create images using large format techniques. This connection is a vital part of my creative expression, and it’s something that I believe is often lost in the digital world.
7. The Integrity of the Medium
Finally, there’s a sense of integrity in using analog methods that resonates with me. In a time when photography can feel increasingly disposable, large and ultra-large format photography demands respect. Each image is a one-of-a-kind creation, a physical object that exists in the real world, not just as pixels on a screen. This integrity is important to me; it’s a reflection of my commitment to the craft and to the stories I want to tell through my work.
Conclusion
Digital photography, with all its advances, including artificial intelligence, has undoubtedly transformed the way we create and share images. But for me, large and ultra-large format photography remains the most authentic way to express my creative vision. It’s not about choosing one method over the other but about recognizing the unique impact that analog processes have on the creation of truly original and meaningful photographs.
I will continue to make large and ultra-large format contact prints from my collodion, silver gelatin, and calotype handmade paper negatives. This medium is more than just a method; it’s an integral part of my narrative, a way to share my creative thoughts and expressions with the world. In a time of endless choices, I choose the path that speaks most deeply to me, the path that allows me to create work that is as original and enduring as the medium itself.
Come with me behind the scenes in the field and my darkroom as I create my latest plates and handmade prints. Whether you are technical and want access to my Darkroom Diary notes and formulas or an art buyer who wants a personal connection with me, I have you covered and am excited to learn more about you.
