Category Archives: Darkroom Diary

My 35mm and Medium Format Film Setup for Photographing Wild Horses

In an era dominated by digital speed and convenience, my decision to continue photographing wild horses using film—and to remain fully committed to a pure analog workflow—may seem unusual, even impractical. But for me, it’s not about resisting technology. It’s about preserving a deeper connection to the subject, the craft, and the moment.

Handmade Calotype Paper Negatives

As an artist, I’ve come to believe that most people ultimately associate each artist with one defining body of work—one vision, one process that becomes their signature. Whether this is fair or not, it reflects how memory functions and how art lingers in the minds of others.

The Fallacies of Online Galleries

It’s time to address a hard truth: 99.99% of photographers will not sell a single print through an online gallery. The idea that you can build a beautiful website, list your prints, and sit back as sales roll in is a dangerous fallacy that almost certainly leads to money leaving your bank account and none coming in. This approach will lead to frustration, wasted time, and financial loss for most photographers.

The Photographer Without a Plan

What defines a photographer? For many, the title implies a sense of purpose, artistic vision, or a body of work created with clear intent. It suggests someone who presses the shutter and tells a story, conveys an emotion or captures a unique perspective.

But what about those who don’t have a vision or a plan—those who shoot without any apparent purpose, those who mimic the work of others, or those who simply photograph for enjoyment? Are they any less of a photographer? This question is both uncomfortable and liberating, challenging us to reconsider what it truly means to call oneself a photographer.

Is the Art of Photography Dying or Just Becoming More Rare?

Is the art of photography dying, or is it increasingly rare in our modern digital mass-consuming society?

In a recent video, Edward Martin argues that the art of photography is dying—not because of digitalization itself, but due to a lack of authenticity, intention, and clear artistic vision. He explores how the democratization of photography has magnified a deeper, ongoing issue: the absence of genuine metaphysical value judgments that elevate photography to true art.

How to Evaluate Your Photographs for Better Results Today

In last week’s article, I shared my thoughts about what makes a good photograph. I provided several examples and shared ideas that challenge traditional views of what makes a good photograph.

If you haven’t read that article yet, you may want to do that now before continuing with this article, where I will share a framework that you can use to help you evaluate your photographs before sharing them.

Analog Fine Art Photography Is a Smart Investment

In a world overwhelmed by digital noise, analog fine art photography is a rare and enduring treasure. As we move into 2025 and beyond, collectors, curators, and investors increasingly recognize the value of handmade, analog photographic prints—not just for their aesthetic beauty but also for their long-term investment potential.