In the ever-evolving world of photography, where digital images dominate the scene, the silver gelatin print remains a testament to the timeless beauty of traditional photographic processes. I am among many artists who have continued working with this medium. My work not only highlights the aesthetic charm of silver gelatin prints but also underscores their enduring significance in contemporary art.
The Silver Gelatin Print
Silver gelatin prints are a type of black-and-white photographic print made using a gelatin emulsion containing light-sensitive silver salts. This process, which has been in use since the late 19th century, involves exposing photographic film or paper to light and then developing it through a series of chemical baths. The result is an image with rich tonal ranges and exquisite detail.
The Beauty of Silver Gelatin Prints for me are:-
Rich Tonal Range: One of the most striking features of silver gelatin prints is their ability to render a wide range of tones, from deep blacks to delicate highlights. This tonal richness gives the images a depth and dimensionality that are often lacking in digital prints.
Textural Quality: The physical texture of a silver gelatin print, with its fine grain and subtle sheen, adds a tactile dimension to the viewing experience. This quality can make the images feel more tangible and real.
Archival Durability: Silver gelatin prints are known for their longevity. When properly processed and stored, they can last for over a century without significant degradation, making them a preferred choice for collectors and archivists.
The Process?
The process is in some ways cathartic. It is most definitely slow. Attributes that some see as an antithesis to contemprary digital photogrpahy. Some of my best ideas come to me while I stand over the sink watching the print develop. I have a dedicated playlist on my iPhone for music that contributes to a mental state that borders on meditation. These traits are part of the driving force behind my continuing to work with silver gelatin prints in this way.
My Urban Landscapes
My urban landscapes are a perfect illustration of the beauty and versatility of silver gelatin prints. my work attempts to captures the essence of city life with a unique blend of realism and artistic interpretation.
Contrast and Clarity: my prints are characterised by their striking tonality and impeccable clarity. The play of light and shadow in his urban scenes brings out the intricate details of architectural forms and textures, creating images that are both visually stunning and deeply evocative.
Mood and Atmosphere: Through his use of silver gelatin, I am able to convey the mood and atmosphere of urban environments in a way that digital images often cannot. Whether it’s the misty aura of a city morning or the stark shadows of a bustling street at night, my prints strive to evoke a strong sense of place and time.
Timeless Quality: There is a timeless quality to my urban landscapes that transcends the ephemeral nature of digital media. My imagesask to to exist in a space between past and present, capturing moments that are both fleeting and enduring.
The Art of Seeing
Through my work I try to encourage viewers to see the urban landscape with fresh eyes.I use meticulous attention to detail and composition to invites you to pause and appreciate the beauty in everyday scenes. The use of silver gelatin prints adds an element of craftsmanship and tradition, reminding us of the rich history of photography and its continuing relevance.
In a world where digital photography is ubiquitous, the silver gelatin print stands as a symbol of the enduring power of traditional photographic techniques. My urban landscapes exemplify the unmatched beauty and emotional depth that this medium can achieve. Through my lens, you are hopefully reminded of the timeless allure of the city and the art of seeing the world in all its nuanced splendor.
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
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