Why I Like Handmade Photography
In today's digital age, it's easy to forget the beauty and authenticity that can be captured through traditional photographic processes. From cyanotypes and gum bichromate prints to hand-tinting and tintypes, there is an array of techniques that can bring a unique touch to the photographic image. Not only does hand-made photography offer a chance to create something truly one-of-a-kind, but it also provides a tangible connection to the past.
Many of these photographic techniques harken back to the first days of photography. As artists at the beginning of image making were experimenting with chemical formulas and lenses, they stumbled upon methods that captured an image on glass, paper and other materials, even leaves! Slowly, building upon the success of others, photography evolved, became more stable, less dangerous and eventually were able to capture full color images that the photographic artist wanted to create.
Photography can be so much more than capturing a scene. No matter if it is a landscape at sunrise or a city street scene, it is a moment in time that can capture the essence of human emotions and transforms them into cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Hand made photography uses some of the older image capture techniques and is considered an art form that uses traditional methods of photography to produce images that are unique and personalized.
These images become priceless treasures passed down from generation to generation. Cherished memories are what we hold onto long after the moment has passed, and handmade photography is the perfect way to preserve those memories for generations to come.
In this modern world, digital capture is immediate and everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, I use my phone’s camera every day. I also shoot using digital cameras for business. They are great and have cut down on the time it takes to capture a scene and generate images for commerce.
It is precisely this speed and the almost perfection of the photograph that I started to enjoy the aesthetics of handmade, traditional photography of times past. For me, it's an art form that captures the essence of a moment and immortalizes it in a variety of ways not seen every day. I wanted to offer images that are unique and imperfect. I find that in that imperfection, there are qualities that speak emotionally to me and my collectors.
A 4x5 glass orotone
Most of my photography now relies on applying, either by pouring the photographic emulsion on an individual plate of glass or by brushing precious metal chemicals on 100% cotton papers and exposing those plates and papers to the image. I’ve been developing these skills for quite some time now.
The art becomes evident in the intricate details of each stroke of the brush on paper, the quality of liquid pouring on glass that will become a portrait or other imagery.
Now I can offer the precious, the unique - to clients who are looking for art that is hand made and rare. In the next few weeks, I will be sharing some insights into my work. I hope you enjoy the pictures, the techniques and the beauty of hand crafted photography.