About the Photographer and Photographs
Some Thoughts on Art and PhotographyI hate to see rules and labels applied to creative efforts. A label puts you in a container and rules, statements using words like "always", "never", "should" and "can't", are like placing weights on the lid. No wonder we sometimes find it difficult to think "outside the box."I don't really identify with any particular genre of photography and see no need to do so. I like photographing a wide range of subject matter using the techniques and materials that seem to fit and I enjoy viewing an even wider variety. I like everything from Ansel Adam's landscapes to some of the little, arty, kick-the-tripod sort of images made with a plastic camera. Some images appeal simply because they are beautiful and others because they have meaning or a message. All I ask is that the photographer have an interesting vision and sufficient mastery of the tools and techniques of photography to effectively present it.
A Short Biography
When I was 13 or 14 I bought an Ansco Developing and Printing kit with the ten dollars my grandmother sent me for my birthday. From that point on I was pretty well hooked on making images. Until about eight years ago I concentrated on color work due to the belief that darkroom work was just too time consuming. I decided to make time for the darkroom and now most of my work is black and white. I still like color; I just like black and white more.
I exhibit regionally (Western Texas and Eastern New Mexico) and have been successful enough in terms of awards and sales to keep my enthusiasm up. It always helps when someone likes your work, but I would probably still make photographs even it that were not the case.
Cattle ranching and being a college professor are the only real jobs I've ever had for any length of time. (There were those years I involuntarily spent in the army, but those never seemed real.) I have never considered photography to be a job because it has never seemed like work.
Technical Information
Almost all of the photographs were made with a Mamiya 645 medium format camera. I utilize the zone system to the extent I can with roll film. Most of the black and white images were made with TMX 100. However, lately I have started using more Ilford Delta 100 and 400. Also, I have recently switched to Xtol from HC 110 as my developer of choice. I still love Fuji Velvia for color despite the fact that it sometime seems quirky.
Most of the B&W prints are on Ilford fiber papers. For the handtinted prints I use a matt, semi-matt (Ilford Warmtone) or satin surface. My wife and I usually use pencils to handtint although she sometimes also uses oils and watercolors. I would be glad to answer specific questions via email.
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