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.
Category Archives: Darkroom Diary
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.
Photography as Currency: A Different Approach to Life in the 21st Century
Life in the 21st century often feels like a relentless race. Most people find themselves stuck in a cycle that society has deemed the norm: work hard, buy things, work even harder to buy more things, and, if all goes well, retire in their mid-60s to finally relax and pursue what they enjoy. Yet for many, this “if-then” formula doesn’t deliver the fulfillment they imagined. The promise of eventual happiness is often derailed by unexpected challenges—health issues, financial burdens, or the simple realization that they’ve spent decades chasing things that no longer hold meaning. But what if there were another way? What if you reimagined your relationship with time and art, treating them as your most valuable currencies?
14×17 Ultra Large Format With XRay Film (Behind The Scenes Field Work at Hodsgon Mill)
In my latest video, I take you behind the scenes to showcase the fieldwork involved in photographing Hodgson Mill using my 14×17 ultra-large format camera. From packing up gear in the darkroom to setting up in the field, I share the journey and challenges of working with such a large and intricate camera. You’ll see what it takes to compose, focus, and create exposures in the field, offering a rare glimpse into the dedication and process behind ultra-large format photography. Join me as I document this iconic 19th-century mill in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks and bring it to life through my lens.
3 Key Tips for Making Ultra Large Format Calotype Paper Negatives
This article will share valuable insights and practical tips I’ve gained while creating ultra-large-format handmade calotype paper negatives.
Of all the photographic processes I’ve explored over the past four decades, the handmade calotype paper negative holds a special place in my heart. While it was incredibly challenging to master initially—even with smaller formats like 4×5 and 5×7—the effort was well worth it. The early frustrations, including subtle chemistry quirks, gradually became a deeply rewarding practice. With patience, persistence, and a lot of experimentation, the process transforms into something magical.
My Latest Large & Ultra Large Format Contact Printing Setup
In this new video, I showcase my latest large and ultra-large format contact printing setup, which Tim Jr. and I built specifically for creating silver gelatin split-grade contact prints. I take you through the design, construction, and features of this custom build, explaining how it enhances our workflow and allows us to produce stunning fine art prints. Whether you’re a fellow analog photography enthusiast or simply curious about the craftsmanship behind large format printing, this video offers a detailed look at our innovative approach.