Technical Notes

All images are exposed with hand constructed pinhole cameras using either traditional film (for color images) or photographic paper (for black and white images). The results are processed and then scanned for digital printing. For the black and white images traditional paper prints are made. Earlier images have been printed in their particular sizes as noted with traditional darkroom methods. Later versions of these images have been scanned from the paper print to digital form and output. Color images are scanned directly from positive film to digital image for digital output. Standard image sizing for prints ranges from 20" x 30" to 40" x 60".

The rawness and primitive nature of the pinhole camera resonates with my view of the natural world. Between the not-quite-in-focus nature of the images and the expressive view afforded by the stretched, wide angle perspective of the cameras, the best photographs here define places in a way not often provided using traditional photography. I'm not certain this can be defined as more holistic, but images photographed in this manner offer something beyond technical precision to the viewer. One view describes these as views of our world as seen in the first moment of waking up- images of a not quite conscious view of the world. In that sense, more primal views, seeing a world with less filters of consciousness. This physical control reflects the way these images have been located or found and created.

Moving through a landscape- walking, clambering around and over obstacles, puddles and rocks, provides sight lines as well as an expanded sense of place. It is a combination of light and form and movement that sets in motion how to capture this view. Using primitive cameras with no viewfinder does not lend itself to using the Zone System. At the same time shooting 'blind' (taking an educated guess at what is in the field of view of the camera) doesn't leave everything open to chance. I rather call it 'informed chance'- experience leavened by chance. This is the element that enables drawing with light- photography.