To make the platinum photograph, its easy to learn!

Contrary to what some people say, making a platinum photograph is not very difficult. It was done in the 1880's with the lowest of technologies. And it is still done in a similar way today. But it does require a camera, a photograph, an enlarged negative that can be done at any repro house, some simple chemicals, and the sun. The best part of the platinum photograph is its look, and its permanence. So, if you only make one platinum print, of yourself, you will have a photograph that will last as long as any of your art, and, if you have museum collections, it is a perfect companion for your work.

So just let me know if you want to go down that road, and I will work with each of you to guide you along. You will end up with a very satisfying result. Best wishes, Gary

We Walk in Beauty

This is a photographic project of mine which I initiated in 1992, to photograph Native American people. It started off as just an anecdotal group of photographs, with one, then two, then five or six. I realized I was establishing a unique collection of work. Opportunities for good photographs taken with my 8x10 or 11x14 camera came along infrequently. Continuing to look for those serendipitous moments, the collection of images continued to build each year. After five years, I had about 20-25 images. After 10 years I had 50-60 images. I kept going. Following a fortuitous meeting with the archivist from the Smithsonian, I came to know they were interested in my work. Two years later, they asked me if I would consider donating my work to their museum. I agreed, and they responded that I should go back to all my subjects and collect their words. I came up with five questions and sent it to 26 subjects. After two years, all had returned the interviews filled out. I transcribed them exactly with no editing, and decided to publish the book, We Walk in Beauty, with 44 reproductions of platinum photographs and 26 interviews. Sometimes, something that starts out small, works into something larger and more important. The book can be seen at http://www.wewalkinbeauty.com/ in its entirety. After I sold all 1000 books I published, I decided to put it on the Internet for the world to see.

Photographing Native American Peoples

When photographing any person, it is important to show respect and honor their individuality by asking permission first. With native peoples, this is absolutely necessary.

Hello All,

This is my first entry on the Platinum Photo Blog. A platinum photograph is a method of printmaking dating back to the 1880's. It is known as the most archival way to produce a photographic image. Because it is a contact print method, you need to have a negative the size of the image you wish to print. Either with a large format negative, a matrix of negatives, or using an enlarged negative either via the darkroom or digitally. I work with 8x10 and 11x14 inch negative cameras. I photograph architectural subjects, and do portraiture. Both commissioned and also working on a study of Native American peoples.