Large format photography has captivated photographers for over a century, and the 8×10 format stands out as an ideal choice for both traditional analog practitioners and those who prefer to scan and process their work digitally. The 8×10 format offers a unique combination of image quality, creative control, and historical significance, making it a perfect bridge between the past and the present.
Category Archives: Darkroom Diary
Creative Vision in Photography: The Power of Simplicity
Photography is often perceived as the art of capturing grand landscapes, iconic landmarks, or exotic destinations. However, at its core, photography is ultimately about communicating ideas and stories. It is a medium of visual expression that allows photographers to convey emotions, thoughts, and narratives in ways that words cannot. The true essence of fine art photography lies in the ability to express oneself visually, transforming even the simplest subjects into profound statements.
Amateur vs. Professional Photography: Understanding the Differences and Dispelling Myths
Photography is a pursuit that attracts individuals from all walks of life, from those who shoot purely for personal enjoyment to those who make a career out of capturing images. There exists a common perception that in order to produce the highest quality photographs, one must be a professional. However, this belief often overlooks the artistry and dedication that amateurs bring to the craft. In today’s digital age, many photographers curate an online persona that presents them as “professionals” when, in reality, they do not earn a living solely from their photography. Understanding the true definitions of amateur and professional photographers can help dispel misconceptions and provide a more nuanced view of the craft.
Why Keep Creating When No One Buys Your Photographs?
As photographers, we pour our hearts and souls into our craft. We spend countless hours perfecting our technique, chasing the perfect light, and refining our artistic vision. But what happens when our work doesn’t sell? What happens when the prints we’ve so carefully crafted sit in boxes, unseen and unappreciated by the world? What if, after we’re gone, our life’s work ends up discarded, forgotten, buried in the dust of time?
It’s a harsh reality to consider. The truth is that our work will be forgotten for many of us. The photos we once cherished will likely end up in a landfill, and our names will fade from memory once our immediate family is gone. This sobering thought can be enough to make any artist question why they continue to create.
AI vs. Analog: Why True Craftsmanship Matters in a Digital Age
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in many creative fields, but for those who practice a fully analog workflow, its impact feels largely peripheral. My work, rooted in the historical calotype paper negative process and other handcrafted analog methods, remains untouched by the influence of AI because every step, from creating the negative to the final print, is done by hand, using materials and techniques that predate digital technologies by over a century. This purity in the process offers a refuge for collectors and art buyers seeking authenticity and historical continuity in a world increasingly dominated by algorithmic interventions. It is an opportunity to emphasize the distinction between analog craftsmanship and workflows that integrate digital tools.
Eliminate the GAS to Ignite Your Creativity
As photographers, we’ve all been there: scrolling through online reviews, watching unboxing videos, and daydreaming about the latest camera body, lens, or gadget that promises to revolutionize our craft. The thrill of acquiring new gear can be intoxicating but often short-lived. That excitement fades quickly when the new equipment ends up on a shelf, collecting dust while we wait for the next piece of gear to fill the void.
This endless cycle has a name: Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). While browsing and dreaming is fun, GAS can become a significant barrier to your growth as a photographer. Instead of channeling your resources into creating meaningful work, you’re caught in a consumption loop, believing that the next purchase will finally unlock your potential.
But here’s the truth: no equipment will ever replace your creativity, vision, or willingness to put in the time to create. If you’re serious about elevating your photography, it’s time to eliminate the GAS and focus on what truly matters: making photographs that matter to you.
The Dawn of Photography: Innovations That Led to the Calotype
The history of photography is a story of human ingenuity, persistence, and the unyielding desire to capture the fleeting beauty of the world around us. It begins in the early 18th century with Johann Heinrich Schulze, whose discovery of light-sensitive silver compounds was the first step in a long journey toward permanent photographic images. From Schulze’s fleeting photograms to Carl Wilhelm Scheele’s discovery of ammonia as a fixer and Thomas Wedgwood’s early experiments with silver nitrate-coated paper, these pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for future breakthroughs.
Graflex Press 5×7 Camera Operating Instructions
The Graflex Press 5×7 large format SLR camera, an icon in the world of professional photography, is renowned for its exceptional image quality and historical significance. Produced by the Graflex company in the early 20th century, it remains a favorite among large format photography enthusiasts and collectors.
Photography in 1980: A World Before DIgital, Internet, and Social Media
In 1980, being a photographer was an entirely different experience than it is today. It was a time of tactile processes, hands-on craftsmanship, and deep engagement with the art form. The conveniences of digital cameras, instant internet connectivity, and social media’s promotional power were still decades away. Photography in this era required dedication, patience, and a connection to the materiality of the craft.
Here’s what it was like to be a photographer in 1980.
3 Reasons Why You Should Print Your Work
In this article, I share three reasons why it is helpful to follow through and print your work.
In my case, I use a pure analog workflow from end to end, but this does not have to be the case to take advantage of the benefits of printing your work. If you scan your film negatives and want to make inkjets, you are still following through and printing your work. However, I think a pure analog workflow offers some additional advantages over a hybrid workflow if you have the space and ability to do it.