The camera I photograph with for the majority of my work uses 4 inch by 5 inch sheet film in black and white. I will also use my Fuji 6x9 camera in addition to my 6x17 film back if the composition calls for a slightly different aspect ratio.
I develop and process each sheet of film by hand, individually in my darkroom. The black and white film is then prepared for printing on an enlarger where I make final adjustments to each “wet print” using traditional darkroom techniques. All black and white prints are exposed on high quality light sensitive paper and are thoroughly washed and toned in a diluted selenium bath to ensure the highest quality and permanence.
I enjoy working with film as a medium because of the creative latitude that allows me to produce the final image exactly how I envisioned it in the field. At the time of exposure, my artistic creation begins by placing various light values on key areas throughout the composition and the image is then burned onto the negative the moment I release the shutter. Each sheet of film is then individually processed at various developing times to suit the tonality of the scene. I strive for many shades of grey that relate to the delicate tones found in each composition. Maintaining the subtle changes in light from the scene to the print is very important to me. Finally, each image is exposed under my enlarger lamp at various times under varying light filters onto the light sensitive paper to bring my image to life. By using a series of multiple exposures at varying contrast grades I can slowly carve away into the emulsion until the desired depth is achieved. I think of it as sculpting the layers individually by adjusting the strength of blue and green light values.I find the printing experience to be rewarding and truly unique as an extension of my vision.
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