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?
Category Archives: Darkroom Diary
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.
How I Make Large Format Platinum/Palladium Prints from In-Camera Silver Gelatin Paper Negatives
In this new video, I take you behind the scenes in my darkroom to share the meticulous process of creating large format platinum/palladium prints from in-camera silver gelatin paper negatives. From the unique characteristics of paper negatives to the intricate steps of crafting these exquisite prints, I walk you through my workflow, offering a detailed look at the artistry and technical skill involved. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious about the world of fine art printing, this video provides an in-depth glimpse into the magic of transforming a handmade negative into a timeless piece of art.
Large Format Silver Gelatin Paper Negative 3-Day Adventure
In my latest article, I invite you to join me on a behind-the-scenes journey through a three-part video series, where I dive into the art and craft of creating silver gelatin paper negatives.
These negatives form the foundation for my fine art handmade platinum/palladium and silver gelatin prints. Across the series, I share the technical details of my workflow, from preparation to final execution, and provide insight into my creative intentions behind each step. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a seasoned photographer, this series offers a unique glimpse into the meticulous process of crafting timeless works of art using a non-traditional silver gelatin paper as the negative medium.
14×17 Ultra Large Format with X-Ray Film & Platinum/Palladium Print at Hodgson Mill
Join me behind the scenes as Tim Jr. and I travel to Hodgson Mill, nestled in the scenic Missouri Ozark Mountains, to photograph this iconic 19th-century mill using my 14×17 ultra-large format camera and X-Ray film. This historic mill has been a favorite subject of mine, but on this trip, I captured a unique view that I’ve never photographed before.
My Unique Setup For The Intrepid LED 4×5 Enlarger System
In this video, I demonstrate my horizontal setup for the 4×5 Intrepid enlarging system, which I primarily use for creating my wild horse prints. By using a reducing back on my 8×10 camera, I transform it into a versatile enlarger. Instead of a typical enlarging lens, I use my high-quality 8×10 camera lenses to ensure exceptional image quality. The camera is securely mounted on a sturdy wooden shop table, allowing me to project the image onto a vertical surface.
Pentax Medium Format 645N vs. 645N II
A few years ago, I shared that I strive to use my Pentax 645N II camera system as much as possible for wild horse photography. It is an incredibly challenging endeavor, and my “keeper rate” is not particularly high. However, when everything comes together, the resulting prints are profoundly emotional and convey the precise ideas and intentions I work so diligently to achieve.
The first print I share below captures a stallion standing near the river on a cold and dark winter morning—a moment etched in my memory forever. At the time of this exposure, I had been following this stallion for nearly five years, yet I had never been able to get close enough to create an image like this. This photograph is among my best prints, as it powerfully conveys his strong and bold physical presence while showcasing the dramatic environment that defines his world.
Computing Print & Mounting Board Sizes for my Fuji 690 Medium Format Cameras
The Fuji 690 camera is one of the best cameras ever made, in my opinion. It fits my style of image-making for landscapes in particular and the camera is super easy and simple to use.
In this article, I share how I compute the print size to mounting size in a way that you probably would never expect.