Category Archives: Darkroom Diary

As an analog photographer with over four decades of experience in traditional darkroom processes, I’ve long held deep respect for the permanence and beauty of silver gelatin prints. These prints, when properly processed and stored, have proven their archival strength over generations. But as I’ve recently transitioned into a hybrid workflow—scanning large format negatives and creating archival inkjet prints—I wanted to examine a question many photographers and collectors ask:
How do inkjet prints compare to silver gelatin prints in terms of archival quality?

For most of my life, I’ve pursued photography with intensity, devotion, and deep respect for the analog processes that shaped the medium. I mastered some of the most complex workflows ever invented — from handmade calotype paper negatives and wet plate collodion negatives to nearly every 19th-century photographic print process, including salt prints, albumen, platinum/palladium, kallitypes, cyanotyes, and many more. I built darkrooms, mastered the chemistry for each process, and contact printed images using techniques few photographers still practice today. I was all in — for the love of the craft, the history, and the magic of the slow image.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the term amateur photographer carried a sense of prestige, dedication, and passion. Unlike today, where “professional” is often synonymous with commercial success (or at least the illusion of it), amateur photographers of the past embraced the title as a mark of artistic pursuit and personal excellence.

There’s something magical about analog photography, isn’t there? The tactile feel of loading film (or plates), the anticipation of waiting for your prints, and the sheer unpredictability of it all—it’s a process that demands patience, intention, and a deep connection to the craft. But here’s the thing: while the tools and techniques of analog photography are timeless, the wisdom of how to use them often comes from those who came before us. That’s why I believe studying the great photographers of the past isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a way to grow and mature in your photography journey.

In a world flooded with digital imagery, artificial intelligence, and instantaneous sharing, one might wonder: what role could analog photography possibly play in 2025?

For photographers drawn to the allure of large format, the jump to 4×5 seems like a natural step. The idea of massive negatives, stunning detail, and a slower, more intentional process is undeniably appealing. But before making that leap, it’s worth considering that a 6×7 or even 6×9 medium format system might be the better choice—both in terms of practicality and overall value.