As I sit in my darkroom, surrounded by the many wonderful handmade prints and tools I have collected over the years, the soft light of a vintage lamp casting long shadows across my workspace, I feel a deep sense of peace and fulfillment.
This is where my journey has brought me—a place where creativity and purpose align authentically. Today, I want to share my mindset as I move forward in my art and life and perhaps encourage you to uncover the dream that lies deep within you.
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.
The Power of Authenticity
We live in a world brimming with distractions and expectations. It can be challenging to hear your voice amidst the noise, but I believe true joy and fulfillment come from discovering and living your unique vision.
That journey has been shaped by my love for analog photography and connection to the natural world. These are not trends or passing interests—they are intrinsic to who I am.
It took me decades to find the right tools to express what I’ve been carrying inside me for most of my adult life. Today, I work almost exclusively with handmade calotype paper negatives and 19th-century soft-focus lenses, crafting authentic handmade prints that embody my vision. These historical processes allow me to create personal artwork—work that could never be replicated in the digital realm, and I couldn’t make it until now. It is the right time based on the many conspiring factors that brought me to this point.
The Joy of the Handmade Process
The handmade nature of my analog workflow is as important to me as the final prints themselves. I find myself routinely displaying my calotype paper negatives as the final artwork. I don’t begin with the intention of displaying the calotype as the final artwork most of the time, although I have started doing that more lately. When I make the print from the calotype, sometimes I think the calotype communicates my message or story better, and therefore, it becomes the final artwork.
There’s something sacred about the tactile process of making an authentic 19th-century calotype paper negative. Each step allows me to slow down, connect with the chemistry and raw materials, and immerse myself in the moment. I feel fully present during every aspect of the process, which took me a long time to realize.
Creating my artwork is more than making photographs—it’s a therapeutic and meditative process. The rhythmic steps, the patience required, and the unpredictability of the results all contribute to a sense of peace. Whether photographing a lone tree, an aging grist mill, or a delicate flower, I feel a deep connection to my subject and the natural world surrounding me. I think about my Creative Framework and what emotion, story, or message I want to share through my artwork.
Finding and Living Your Dream
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you share a love or appreciation for analog photography. Perhaps you’ve been drawn to it for its history, artistry, or the grounding it provides in a fast-paced digital world. Whatever brought you here, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself: What is my dream?
Your answer might not come immediately. Sifting through layers of doubt, fear, and conditioning may take time. But it’s there, waiting for you. And when you find it, I urge you to follow it. Be authentic. Create what feels true to you, regardless of trends or opinions. Only you know what that is, and don’t create based on what you think people will like or respond positively to because that makes you inauthentic and a prisoner. Be you. Only you can do that, and no one else in the world is capable of being you.
My Hope for You
By sharing my story, I hope to inspire other photographers and creators to find their path. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to live your dream, but the journey starts with a decision to honor the vision you carry within.
Creating analog artwork has brought incredible meaning to my life, and I want others to experience that same joy and fulfillment. Whether you’re an artist, a hobbyist, or someone who admires analog photography, I hope my story encourages you to embrace what makes you come alive.
As I move forward, I’m committed to continuing this work, sharing my process and experiences, and building a community of like-minded individuals. Many of you probably don’t know that I have been playing guitar since childhood. My first job at 16 was as a youth guitar teacher at my local music store. Music has also brought me great joy in my life. Moving forward, I will start creating original acoustic guitar music to use as backing tracks for the final artworks that I plan on exhibiting. Mixing my love of photography and music feels like the right thing to do at this point in my journey. I will share more about this as this unfolds. I am working on my first original score for plate 1 of the Solitary Witnesses project.
I am building an analog photography community through my Darkroom Diary Premium Membership. Together, we can celebrate authenticity’s beauty, handmade art’s value, and dreams that define who we are. I host monthly live discussions, mini-art shows, technical reviews, and live video sessions so we can be connected no matter how much physical distance separates us. For only $10/month, I think you will enjoy the community and find great value. I hope to see you there.
So go ahead—pick up that camera, coat that paper, or sketch out the idea you’ve been carrying in your heart. The world is waiting to see what you can create, and I can’t wait to learn more about your work.
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.
