As a photographer deeply committed to historical processes, I primarily use the handmade calotype paper negative and salt printing techniques for many of my projects. This method, which traces its roots to the pioneering days of photography in the mid-19th century, not only allows me to connect with the origins of the art form but also serves as an ongoing area of research. In my exploration of the calotype, I stumbled upon a fascinating story from history—an early photographic record of the ancient city of Hampi (1336-1565) captured by Colonel Alexander Greenlaw in 1856 using a modified version of the Calotype paper negative process.
His work, using the same calotype process I employ today, represents the first comprehensive visual documentation of the site and remains a significant resource for archaeological research and restoration efforts. This story of Greenlaw and Hampi exemplifies the enduring power of photography as a tool for historical preservation.
If you’re passionate about analog photography but also value a simpler, more sustainable way to work, then the Darkroom Diary Premium Membership is exactly what you’ve been looking for. As a member, you’ll gain access to my master-level analog workflows—now updated to reflect a more minimalist hybrid approach that blends the soul of analog with the flexibility of digital tools. From large format paper and film negatives to scanning, editing, and archival inkjet printing, I’ll walk you through the entire process in an approachable, thoughtful way. This membership isn’t just about high-quality, proven techniques—it’s an invitation to join a community of like-minded artists who appreciate analog photography and want to grow without the burden of maintaining a full darkroom.
As a Premium Member, you’ll get:
- Exclusive articles and field notes exploring creative process, gear, and artistic philosophy
- Step-by-step hybrid workflow guides for scanning, editing, and printing
- Live video sessions covering technical, creative, and historical topics
- Direct access to me for personalized feedback and Q&A
All of this is just $10/month, making it an incredible value for any analog photographer ready to deepen their craft in a new way.
I’d love to welcome you to the community—join now and get immediate access.
Stay tuned if you’re passionate about mastering the art of handmade Calotype paper negatives! I’m excited to announce a new series very soon in which I’ll share my entire workflow, from start to finish.
Remember to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and the website here so you don’t miss this new series.
If you enjoy slowing down with film, darkroom printing, and meaningful photography, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel. I share new videos each week focused on simple tools, timeless techniques, and the quiet joy of analog.
Unlock Free Analog Photography Resources
Get immediate access to valuable resource guides that I designed to enhance your analog photography journey. Simply enter your best email address in the form below, confirm your subscription, and you’ll receive my latest articles, videos, and updates directly in your inbox.
You can cancel your free subscription at any time by simply unsubscribing.
You will need to confirm your free subscription, so if you don’t see a new email from me, check your SPAM or Junk folder.
Colonel Alexander Greenlaw
Colonel Alexander Greenlaw was a British officer serving in the East India Company who developed a profound interest in photography during his time in India. Although the exact moment of his introduction to the craft remains unclear, Greenlaw’s passion for photography became evident when he participated in the 1855 exhibition in Madras (now Chennai), earning a second-class medal for his impressive “variety of head size portraits, half-lengths, and groups.”
Around 1856, Greenlaw embarked on a significant journey to Hampi, a recently rediscovered ancient city in southern India, where he captured the ruins using the cutting-edge calotype process that he modified for the hot climate. This was no small feat. The calotype method was still in its infancy, but Greenlaw refined the process significantly to adapt to the harsh Indian climate, making him one of the last pioneers of the calotype to achieve such technical mastery. His innovations in simplifying the method were published in 1869 and featured in influential photographic manuals of the time, solidifying his place in the history of early photography.
You can read about Greenlaw’s process in the Silver Sunbeam, 1873 edition.
Here is a summary of Greenlaw’s innovations to the Calotype process:
- Elimination of Pre-Exposure Waxing:
- Omitted waxing before sensitization and exposure.
- Chemical Adjustments:
- Added potassium bromide and free iodine to the iodizing solution.
- Modified sensitizing and developing solutions.
- Included spirit of camphor in the developer.
- Post-Exposure Waxing:
- Waxed negatives after processing to improve transparency.
- Impact:
- Made field photography more practical and reliable in challenging environments.
- Achieved high-quality images without pre-waxing.
Gallery of Hampi
Despite this achievement, history would take a different turn for Greenlaw. His photographs of Hampi—capturing the city’s ruins in unparalleled detail—vanished from public view, only to resurface over a century later. In 1980, a retired British army officer named Eddie Gibbons stumbled upon Greenlaw’s waxed paper negatives in a private collection in London. The collection, passed down through Greenlaw’s descendants, was a hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered. Lacking knowledge of the locations in the negatives, Gibbons consulted the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which referred him to renowned archaeologist George Michell. Michell immediately recognized the ruins depicted in the photographs as those of Hampi.
The rediscovery of Greenlaw’s work caused a sensation within archaeological circles. These images represented the earliest and most comprehensive visual survey of Hampi, as they were taken just a year after the British archaeologist Alexander Rea began systematic exploration of the site in 1855. Not only did Greenlaw’s photographs offer an invaluable record of the site’s historical features, but they also captured elements of the ruins that had deteriorated or disappeared over the ensuing years.
In 1983, Australian photographer John Gollings undertook a comparative project using a digital camera versus Greenlaw’s Ultra Large Format 18×22 Calotype. He photographed the ruins of Hampi from the exact locations and under similar lighting conditions, often placing his camera in the same positions used by Greenlaw. This visual comparison starkly illustrated the extent of destruction over the 127 years between the two sets of photographs.
Greenlaw’s images of Hampi, now housed in various collections, play a pivotal role in the ongoing conservation and restoration efforts at the site. The Archaeological Survey of India uses these photographs as a critical reference for restoring parts of the Krishna and Vithala temples, among other structures. Beyond their importance to Hampi, Greenlaw’s photographs are recognized as the earliest complete photographic documentation of any ancient site in India.
Though Colonel Alexander Greenlaw passed away in 1870, his legacy endures. His dedication to documenting history through photography serves as a testament to the vital role that amateur photographers played in preserving historical sites and cultural heritage during the 19th century.
Step into my world, both in the field and the darkroom, as I bring my latest Ultra Large Format photographs to life. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast eager to dive into the technical details with access to my Darkroom Diary, or an art collector looking for a more personal connection to my creative journey, I invite you to explore it all with me. Let’s connect, share insights, and discover what inspires you along the way. I’m excited to meet you where art and craftsmanship intersect.
If you enjoy slowing down with film, darkroom printing, and meaningful photography, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel. I share new videos each week focused on simple tools, timeless techniques, and the quiet joy of analog.
Fascinating!