I am grateful and humbled by the kind words and encouragement from my collectors and students.
I am very fortunate to be able to live out my passion through my work, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. Part of my payment is to help others by sharing my knowledge and experience.
John D’Angelo
“I just received my fine art print from Tim Layton, which is absolutely stunning! I wanted other people to know the attention to detail that you put into the making of this fine art. As a fellow large format photographer and printer of my own B&W darkroom prints, I can tell you that Tim’s work is exceptional. Now having this print in my hands, I can tell you that this selenium-toned print looks three-dimensional. That is high praise considering we work in a two-dimensional medium. If you have not already purchased one of Tim’s fine art prints, I strongly recommend that do! You will not regret your decision. -John D’Angelo
Mark Harris
“The size of your prints is amazing and could possibly be your unique selling point. But it’s the minute detail and tonal range you capture that give your images their aesthetic qualities. Everyone I have seen and have blown me away to the point I pause the video to look at them more closely. It never ceases to amaze me how you create images that look so simple, and yet many of us watching, that doesn’t mean it is easy. I can only dream of capturing anything 1/10th as beautiful as you do.” -Mark Harris
Anders Blomqvist
“The artwork by Tim Layton is very unique, all handmade, from the negative to the final print on Ilford MGIV fiber paper and gently toned in selenium. The tones are subtle and distinct and placed in just the right grey scale zones, so the overall contrast of the print feels complete – from pitch black to delicate highlights. Holding one of his prints in your hands and viewing it carefully in daylight will reveal the beauty of his handmade darkroom prints. In addition, Tim’s prints are simply beautiful and artistic.” –Anders Blomqvist, Sweden
Rodney Rudman
“I have been following Tim’s journey for some time now; I shoot mostly 4×5 and some 8×10, and have a small business, Zee Zee LightBenders, that specializes in alternative printing in cyanotype, Salt, Kallitype, and of course, traditional black and white silver gelatin. I have been following Tim’s quest on the Wild Horses of Missouri and was lucky enough to purchase “The Nomads” print. I live in Africa, so nothing moves with speed. 60 days later, I received the package from Tim, no fault of his; that’s how we roll in Africa.
Well, was the wait worth it? – ABSOLUTELY!!!! A beautiful print on textured paper. I went on a Namibia trip to see the wild horses there in January this year, so I can absolutely relate to this experience.
Keep up the good work, Tim, I love your work and contribution to conservation” -Rodney Rudman, Cape Town, South Africa
Michael Wellman
There is no shortage of people providing information on photography on YouTube and the internet. Some are even aimed at the analog photographer, but what Tim has done is nothing short of pure brilliance.
He has simplified learning with wonderful videos that are supplemented with show notes, so you have all the information for you to do this on your own. But unlike anything else out there, you have Tim as a resource, too. He has always been easily available for questions or clarification, and he welcomes suggestions for future shows.
If you are serious about learning all aspects of analog and LF/ULF, this is the place to be”. -Michael Wellman
Tri Tran
“Tim Layton is a unique asset for the large and ultra-large format photography community. If you wonder why the LF and ULF format still exists in the digital world, then Tim Layton is your best bet to learn the workflows and uncover the secrets of Black and White Fine Art photography.
Tim Sr. and Tim Jr. present great classes that show you the foundations while still allowing you to maintain your individualism as a photographer. I’m very proud of Tim Layton for putting this up for the community. He’s a very dedicated, passionate, and devoted Fine Art photographer.
Tim Layton shares a great wealth of knowledge; don’t miss it.” -Tri Tran, California.
“Tim Layton is providing very useful information for all those who are interested in analog photography and large format cameras. He covers in a very detailed and entertaining way the different aspects of this field. He always takes the time to explain the details and share all his know-how. Nothing is hidden or secret. Everything is on the table.
The videos and blogs are shot and edited in a very professional way. Tim is always ready to receive and share the suggestions and ideas coming from other people. He is a very good community manager.
I would like also to underline the growing role of his son, Tim Junior who also contributes greatly to the quality of the videos, text and explanation. Last but not least, Tim is always welcoming suggestions and questions and ready to interact. I warmly recommend the work of Tim Layton. -Stéfane France, France
“I found Tim’s website 8 years ago when I wanted to learn how to scan negatives so I can make digital prints. I wasn’t quite familiar with negative scanning at the time, so firing off a few emails to Tim were necessary. Surprisingly, his responses were almost immediately. His website piqued my interest and lead to developing my first roll of Kodak Tmax 100. Of course, the next logical step, is to make prints from your negatives, again I found Tim’s site to have the information I needed. And again, more emails were fired off.
Over the years, my desire to improve and understand the black and white process, has kept me coming back. I’ve been able to progress from medium format film to 4×5 without missing a step. The foundation, Tim’s able to provide with his website and personal coaching, enables me to go into the darkroom with confidence and make my prints. In the darkroom the noise washes away and my focus is on finding the right way to print from the negative. Sometimes it takes hours and from time to time it takes days. It’s about practice, practice, practice!
I’m looking forward to learning how to make my own paper emulsion, which again, Tim will walk me step by step. Tim makes it easy; his process works and the best part he’s always available.”-Favian, Florida
“My experience with darkroom goes back to late 90’s. I needed a refresher since I have not been in a darkroom in 10 years. Tim’s Intro to B&W Darkroom Photography Video Workshop is easy to follow, very detailed and very affordable. With this workshop, you will see that getting your hands wet in a photographic darkroom is not something to be scared off as Tim shows/explains in very plain language. Knowing something is one thing, teaching that is another. Not everyone can teach what they know. If you are considering learning darkroom or need a very good refresher I highly doubt you will find anything better. I am certain you will not find it at this price.” -Gokhan Cukurova, Illinois
“I just wanted to let you know I thought your course on B&W Floral Still Life was outstanding. I really got a lot out of it and I appreciate all the hard work you put into it. I don’t have a darkroom so I developed the film in Caffenol then scanned it to my computer on an Epson 11000 flatbed scanner and post processed in LR CC. Thanks again for a very informative course.
-Steve Schanzer
“I wanted to say how informative I found your videos on vellum printing. For years I’ve wanted to see a demonstration of printing an 8×10 picture on Canson. Your videos were clear, concise, comprehensive and a pleasure to watch. I’ve been working in PD/Pd for years. Now in addition to my small prints on Canson and Bienfang 360, I plan to tackle larger prints using your videos.” – Betsy Crowell, John Davidson Gallery
“Tim Layton is a unique individual. He knows and lives great Art AND he has the skills and passion to share it with and create it for you! I worked with Tim to produce my very first Platinum and Palladium print. Tim not only delivered a stunning high quality print but took the time and the care to work with me and understand what I was looking for. Can you find this ability and creativity from anyone else?
Tim knows what a good print is and what it takes to produce one. Just look at some of his prints. More importantly he knows that printing for YOU is an individual process that takes time with YOU to deliver on YOUR vision. In all respects, Tim delivered for me and he will for you. – Jeff Hulton, Boston, MA.
“I purchased Tim Layton’s video workshop on large format photo paper negatives and I really like the way he built it step-by-step to build up an understanding and confidence how to do it on your own. I couldn’t have done this without the great instructions in your training course. Great stuff!” – Ingemar Ljungdahl
“Tim, your commitment to photography education is simply outstanding. I enjoy the eclectic coverage of the huge range of possible topics, the ever growing list of excellent how-to videos, articles ranging from interviews to portfolios, classic to modern processes, and philosophical, thought-provoking pieces. Your output is so useful. You never fail to provide content that fits my needs and though I have been engaged in LF black and white image making, you often offer new and innovative ideas that expand my thinking and practices. So well done! You have filled a niche that I somehow knew existed, but could not really have described it as completely as you have. And thanks so much!” -Gary Ness
“I have been a bit wary of video workshops, but having watched Tim’s YouTube channel I decided to take the plunge. I’m glad I did. I have been looking at getting back into the darkroom (or bathroom) recently and so decided to buy the Intro to B&W Darkroom Photography video workshop to refresh my memory. I watched all the videos back to back. Brilliant. It felt like a one-on-one class, no jostling with ten other students for the tutor’s attention. I did a couple of photography courses a few years ago and both had darkroom modules. Neither course was as beneficial as this workshop and for a fraction of the price.
I found all the videos to be useful, even if you are proficient in an area the workshop covers, being walked through it and seeing it from another point of view is very helpful. Explaining that you print for highlights and adjust the shadows with the contrast filters and the printed examples of this technique was a personal highlight. I thought including videos of the camera, negative and exposure made it more than just a darkroom workshop. It was a condensed and simplified version of the Adams trilogy on film (or digital video).
If you have been put off the Ansel Adams series or other books on this subject then this course should give you the basics and the confidence to tackle those books and experiment with more advanced techniques. And the printouts that are made available are excellent additions. Looking forward to growing some flowers now! And will definitely consider buying another workshop in the future. Recommended.” -Jon Ford, UK
“Congratulations on your accomplishment! You, the other authors, and team members now have something to celebrate. I’m flying from Vermont to Seattle soon, so “Vol 1, No 1″ is on the top of my reading list on my iPad – I’m forcing myself to wait…” -Phil Gingrow
“I just finished Intro to B+W Darkroom Workshop. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone regardless of experience level. Photography like music or any other art form requires practice. Tim’s workshops will help get the technical details out of the way so making art becomes your primary focus. Already signed up for the Floral Still Life class and plan to take both the Split Grade Printing and the Advanced Printing classes.” -Pete Moraitis, Kansas City
Your large format photography video workshop was one of the best investments that I have made in my photography. So thank you very much and many compliments from Italy. -Franco Rigo
“I’ve been in photography a long time. I’ve always tested film speed and development. It has always been time-consuming and you use a lot of film. I have searched for a better, faster way of testing. The Large Format Black & White Film Testing Video Workshop from Tim Layton has answered all my wishes. It’s easy, fast and you don’t need a lot of film. I love it. The workbook is easy to understand, with great videos.” -Bill Jackel
“I have taken several of Tim Layton’s workshops, including Modern Platinum and Palladium Printmaking with Digital Negatives, Exploring Paper Negatives, Black and White Large Format Floral Still Life Course, and I have also used his ebook on Split Grade Darkroom Printing. They are all excellent. They have probably saved me several years of experimentation to get to the point where I am now. Currently I am just completing Tim’s latest workshop Large Format B&W Film Testing. The techniques to determine your own Exposure Index (EI) and development time for your chosen film and developer taught in the course immediately allowed me to solve a problem I’ve been having with my 4X5 negatives. They had been consistently underexposed by 1.5 to 2 stops. After determining the actual EI and normal development time for my film and developer by going through the workshop step by step, it readily became obvious what my problem with my negative was and how to correct it. Not only that, but I now understand how to determine the EI for any large format film I might want to shoot and/or to determine the normal development time for a new developer. In addition, the course also shows how to control contrast by varying the development time given the differences between shadows and highlights for any particular scene. In other words, it provides the basis for using the zone system in your photography. The steps Tim outlines are clear, concise and easy to understand. The material is organized in a very logical manner and with Tim’s guidance through the accompanying videos you will come away from this workshop with a much better understanding of how your large format film behaves and how to take advantage of that. As I said up front, I have learned a lot from Tim’s various other courses and would highly recommend them, but I have to give Large Format B&W Film Testing an A+ for the quality of its content and high value of information in that whether you photograph landscapes, floral, architecture, and more, understanding how your negative behaves and how to take advantage of that is a crucial first step to producing a beautiful photographic print.” -Steve Schanzer
“When looking to collect and own Photographic Fine Art Prints, which would you rather have, those that are mass produced by machines for mass distribution or a special collectible print made by the hand and passion of the artist?
If you are a serious collector of fine art analog photography then the answer is clear.
You would choose the handmade option, made from the cunning eye and heart of the photographer when he exposed his film and brought his fine art image to life when he printed his image.
That is what I wanted to convey to you after receiving my fine art print “Heavy Burden”
captured and created by Fine Art Master Photographer, Tim Layton. Tim has the
passion and talent to capture this special mare out in the wild, in her natural habitat.
This is not an ordinary shot of a horse in a corral, but rather one out in the wild roaming free. This photographic capture did not just happen by accident. Using all his skill and knowledge of nature, Tim set out to make this photograph, not only to preserve this special moment, but to also share it with his friends, followers and collectors.
When I looked at this fine art black and white photograph, it literal look my breath away
and brought a tear to my eye. This mare was bending down to kiss her new born foal,
which is out of the frame but not out of the background story.
When you buy a Fine Art Print from a Master Photographer, ask them to explain the story of the creation of their image. You will be glad you did. Now go to Tim’s website and order this Made By Hand, Fine Art Print of “Heavy Burden” printed on fiber based paper and then selenium toned! This print will last forever, not only in your heart, but in your collection or on your wall. Maybe you will enjoy it as much as I do!” -John D’Anglelo, NY
“The Intro to B&W Darkroom Photography class has a wealth of information regarding the camera, film, exposure, chemicals and of course darkroom procedures. This class is well worth the money and you won’t be disappointed. I am now looking forward to the quarterly Darkroom Underground Magazine. Thank you, Tim, for all the information and answering any questions I had regarding the course.” -Gary Brewer, USA
“The Paper Negative video course that Tim has developed is well thought out, detailed (in its information content), as well as entertaining. Tim has thought of every conceivable approach in taking you step by step through the process assuming you know nothing of how to work in the darkroom. The neat part of this workshop is that you can view it as many times as need be, so that each and every action becomes natural in which you can ultimately see the results of your own personal visualizations. When it comes right down to it, this course is money well spent that will yield great returns when you dedicate the time to follow the process. Well done, Tim.” -Andrew Weis
“The large format photographic community is very friendly and supportive. There is a lot of camaraderie as we share a passion for a true craft. Each of us has his/her talents and abilities that we are able to share, making everyone better and growing the longevity of film photography for everyone involved. Tim and I have shared a mutual respect and have commiserated about life as full-time film photographers for several years now. I have to say that Tim’s commitment to film photography is impressive. It is his passion and lifestyle, not merely a job or hobby. I am most impressed with the breadth of Tim’s knowledge and his ability (and willingness) to share what he knows. As I am a right-brained artist, Tim’s teachings are enabling me to move into creative directions that I was previously unable to make happen. As Tim has done with so many other photographers, he is sharing his wealth of knowledge to enable other photographers, of all ability levels, to make their art happen. As a professional photographer, I continually look forward to seeing each new video workshop Tim introduces. He is an invaluable part of the film photography community.” -Jon Paul Gallery, Lake Tahoe, CA
“Contact prints from 8×10 are about as good as it gets I think, Tim Layton is a master when it comes to platinum prints and he has a wealth of information and experience with them. I doubt you could get better prints than platinum contact prints.” -Mark Tate
“I love my artwork from Tim because they are all beautiful and graceful fine art. Aesthetically, they are a pleasure to behold. But for me, so much more of what I enjoy is the experience and the journey that Tim shares. And the uplifting message that comes through so clearly. It’s as if I am transported there with him to feel and to be part of the natural beauty he captures. Tim’s artwork makes the noise of the modern world be quiet. I am grateful for the positive and uplifting impact that Tim’s art has on me and all of my friends and family.” -Sally D., Michigan
“Wow! Wonderful effort. What a great collection of articles and contributors. I think you’ve made it difficult to top yourself next time.” -Donald Stark
“Tim, I just returned from a 1600 mile round-trip run to the Smoky Mountains armed with my confirmed EI, development times for N, N+1, N-1, and your sheet film record sheets (bound into a book). My lovely assistant (and wife of 30+years) loved your record sheets! She no longer had to wait until I called out what I was doing, she asked questions before I was ready! When I emerged from my first film development series this morning I was smiling! With your film development test results, my rate of success has tripled! Now all I worry about it is the art of composition and capturing the light!” -Tim Schroll
“Tim, Congratulations!. Although my standards are quite high. I must say that you have exceeded them with your first edition of the Darkroom Underground Magazine.” -Jim Boice
The Intro to Darkroom Photography was a VERY INTENSE AND DETAILED WORKSHOP! Thank you! (used capital letters on purpose) 🙂 -Susan B., Illinois
“Tim’s large format quick reference cards are an invaluable resource for people still learning large format photography. By making them concise and portable, you can easily reference them in the field in order to master what you’re seeing on your ground glass. Highly recommended!” – Mark Olwick
“I purchased the DIY UV printer for Alternative Photographers from Tim Layton’s website and watched immediately almost the entire thing without stopping. The material was presented in a very easy to follow, step by step format that worked well for me. All the chapters were labeled nicely so when I choose to go and do the actual build it will be easy for me to find any section and jump back and forth to the desired portion. The materials need to build the printer are easily found and Tim even gives tips on how to turn household items into helpful options. I would totally recommend purchasing this course and can’t wait for the next one to come out.” -Anicia B.
“I fell in love with your photography the first moment I saw one of your incredible photographs. You have a God-given ability to capture a scene in such a way that one can actually imagine themselves there in that moment. Your photos seem to be alive to the point that one can feel the rush of the water, smell the scents of the lovely flowers, breathe in the joy of such a wonderfully, beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your special talent Tim.” -Nancy, Alabama
“You are an amazing artist and I love everything you create!! Keep sharing with us, please! Thanks Tim!! -Karen, Oregon
“Congratulations on an excellent first issue of Darkroom Underground Magazine Tim – all 82 pages of it. I am very pleased to have been part of it. It addresses a wide range of interests aimed at different levels and I thoroughly enjoyed it.” -Tim Rudman, United Kingdom
“I’ve had the good fortune of learning large format (LF) photography and darkroom techniques from Tim over the last two years. Tim has a wealth of knowledge on these topics and has saved me countless hours by sharing his experiences with me. Tim has the ability to take very complex topics and break them down into simple processes. He is a clear, concise communicator and is patient and always willing to help.
With Tim’s guidance and mentoring a beginning large format photographer like myself can get up to speed quickly. As I advanced, Tim offered new materials, techniques and considerations that were instrumental in my artistic developed. Tim is humble and genuinely loves to see other photographic artists develop and grow. I could not be happier with the support, training and mentoring Tim has provided me over the years. Choosing to study with Tim was the best decision I made in my development as a large format black and white fine art photographer.” – Frank D. Seattle, WA
“I very much admire and appreciate Tim’s artwork! I find his art to be extremely insightful and perfectly captured from an awesome perspective! So peaceful and calming.” – Linda, USA
“Your artwork is amazing! I get to travel through your photographs. They show so beautifully God’s creation.” -Dovie, Arkansas
“Hi Tim, I just read your new Split Grade Printing eBook. It’s fantastic! As a professional photographer specializing in producing gallery prints from my large format film, I’m extremely picky about every print I sign and number. As I am moving into producing more black and white traditional contact prints, I have a lot to learn in order to fine tune my prints and make them something special. The Split Grade Printing ebook is simple, straightforward and easy to use immediately. I look forward to taking my printing to the next level right away. I highly recommend this eBook to photographers at any level.” -Jon Paul, Lake Tahoe, CA.
“I love your artwork, in particular, your photographs of Colorado are very special!” – Beverly, Massachusetts
“Received the Darkroom Underground Magazine. Outstanding! The articles and images are really beautifully done. I can appreciate the effort you put into making it so beautiful. Thanks. Looking forward to future editions.” -Frank Baudino
“I recently purchased Tim Layton’s paper negative course. The course covered the subject very well, and it was a pleasure to follow. A PDF of all the salient information is accompanied by about 20 video lectures ranging from a few minutes to approximately half an hour in length. The course mixes theory with video of hands-on demonstrations of a whole workflow ranging all the way from the preparation of paper negatives and initial picture taking on large format cameras to contact printing and tips for digitizing the result for photographers that use a hybrid workflow.
All in all, I found the course very useful. There is a lot of information available out there in bits and pieces, but this course is valuable in that it 1.) compiles the information in a useful package, 2.) it contains things have not seen discussed anywhere else such as a technique for enlarging paper negatives, 3.) it visually demonstrates techniques in a way that takes all guesswork out of the equation. I was particularly excited by Tim’s coverage of advanced contact printing techniques to fine tune the final positive image.
After reviewing the course, I was able to shoot my own paper negatives, develop them, and contact print them the same weekend. I recommend this course for any photographer that is interested in paper negatives, that has access to a large format camera or a pinhole camera, and that has rudimentary darkroom skills.” -P.B., Oregon
“Hi Tim, I just subscribed to the Darkroom Underground and it is really helpful already (read the article about how to test film with a step wedge and figured out where I always failed miserably) This magazine is a Godsend for photographers. I mean it. This will improve how I photograph.” -Marc Lemaire
Tim, it’s nice of you to share your artwork. I’m not able to get out like I use to so I see the world through your eyes. It’s great to see your son helping and wanting to learn the trade. Good luck to both of you in our adventures.” -Robert Kerns, Chicago, IL
“I love your photos, and I always look forward to your next piece of art. I’ve been many places through your artwork, and I have seen many things I would never have been able to see in person. Thanks for sharing, you always make my day.” -Barbara, St. Louis, Missouri
“Tim is masterful at taking his 30+ years of photography experience and boiling it down into concise, understandable and actionable information that everyone can use, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced photographer. His quick reference material allows me to focus on the creative while knowing the technical side of large format photography has been handled. His QR cards are like having a master photographer with you on your large format outings!” – Jason C., St. Louis, Missouri
“Tim, you totally embody the phrase “find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life!” – Linda, USA
I’ve loved your artwork for quite a while now, and I appreciate your sharing your time and beauty with the world!
-Christina Krebs, North Carolina
“Your photographs are inspiring….your love of the beauty of nature is an inspiration to me.” -Randi, Florida
“I love your photography, and I look forward to you updating your galleries. I’ve been many places through your artwork and I have seen many thing’s I would never be able to see in person. Thanks for sharing your artwork and it makes my day.” -Barbara Flatts, Missouri
“Tim’s artwork is absolutely beautiful. He makes you feel like you are there with him.” -Deborah, Florida
Tim’s art is amazing! It’s very relaxing and he takes you on a journey to places that you may otherwise not be able to see in person.” -Mona Dunkin, Utah
“Every one of Tim’s photographs makes one feel as if they were there or wish they were there.” -Judi Hornsmith, California
I really enjoy your scenic photographs, in particular, you are a special talent, please continue your wonderful art!” -Barbara Anne Smith, New Jersey
“Tim’s Large Format Quick Reference Cards give a nice, comprehensive overview of how to use a large format camera, and how to use a light meter to select the correct exposure and development for the film. In a world where many people have grown up with “totally automatic everything,” it might initially seem intimidating to have a process that is completely under the control of the photographer. However, it is also very empowering to be able to take control of your creative process, and Tim’s Reference Cards go a long way to help people feel more comfortable with this freedom.” – Paul Wainwright
“I admire your creative eye for your art, please keep creating your artwork.” -Dora Roth, Texas
“Tim, you are a wonderful artist. I love your beautiful photographs from Colorado. I used to live in Greeley for 30 years, and the Rockies where my Favorite place to visit.” – Gisela Petty, Colorado
“Awesome photographs! I love it when you share something new, it makes my day a little better.” – Karen Barker, Florida
“I love your art, it as if looking into the future, into dreams and mysterious places, absolutely love it.” – Brenda Williams, Pennsylvania
“Your photographs are so real, I feel like I’m at the scene with you. – Dee Dunkin, Arkansas
“Tim, I enjoy the way you work to not only show the scene but how you let us live in it as well!” – Josh Adams, Illinois
“Tim, you transport us to places of contentment and serenity through your magnificent pictures. Thank you so much for allowing us to see nature through your eyes! America the beautiful! – Karen Mueller, Minnesota
“I absolutely love, love, love your website, Tim. Nice work putting all that together; very informative tour into the background of your breathtaking art photographs. I have such enormous respect for people like yourself who have the confidence to help others out by guiding them in the ways they create the art they’re making .. sharing knowledge about equipment and materials, etc; such a giving, confident transparency of what you do is a very attractive quality for an artist and I take my hat off to you. I agree with you about this approach, and I feel it will serve you well as people (and the art-appreciating world) will give back to you. What an interesting way you’ve combined your love of photography with the lifestyle you’re leading. Making an ‘art-form’ out of our lives is a big part of the fun of it all, isn’t it !? Good for you.” – Marcus, Vancouver Island, CA
“I just emerged from a printing session in my darkroom. I have to take the time to say thanks for your inspiration. I was struggling with a recent snow shot using my traditional (for 20+ years with my Zone VI enlarger) printing techniques. Something was missing in my final print. I decided to take the time to finally try your split-grade printing technique that I purchased last year. All I can say is WOW! Now, I have to revisit images from the last 40 years!!” -Tim Schroll