Welcome to an immersive journey through time and technique, where Dan Hawkins’ artistry of wet plate collodion photography unfolds in mesmerizing detail. This exhibition invites you to step into a world where the past meets the present, capturing moments with a timeless allure and a distinctive aesthetic.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, an art lover or simply curious about the intersection of history and modern creativity, this exhibition promises to leave a lasting impression and ignite your imagination. The past and present converge in a symphony of silver and light.

Hawkins is a Seattle-based photographer who uses a variety of obsolete and innovative imaging processes to create his work. These highly personal documents often deal with the dual themes of memory and decay.

Beginning with empty houses and discarded water towers, he has gone on to record EPA Superfund sites, chemical factories, decaying ballrooms, deserted nuclear facilities, crumbling hotels and a number of derelict mental hospitals and jails. In his attempts to describe a “landscape of the soul” he has managed to see many of the nation’s lost treasures of industry and tour its forgotten mental health legacy. He is currently working on a body of photographs from a tour of the nuclear reactors of Northern France.

Hawkins will teach some of his photo processing techniques in April workshops at Boxx Gallery.

Wet Plate Collodion Workshop

The wet plate collodion process was first introduced in the 1850s. It’s a process that requires tin, glass, or photographic medium to be coated, sensitized, exposed, and developed within about fifteen minutes. If working in the field, it requires a portable darkroom for development. Though the overall experience can be delicate and cumbersome, it renders each plate a one-of-a-kind art piece.

The workshops introduce preparing of plates, making exposures, developing, and varnishing your own wet collodion plates. This is ideal for any photographer who wants to try something new. Everything is supplied. Prepare to fall in love with this most bewitching of processes.

• One-day workshop, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 6, Boxx Gallery, 616 Maple St., Tieton. Cost: $155. 

• Two-day workshop, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 13-14, Boxx Gallery, 616 Maple St., Tieton. Cost: $280. 

For more information or to enroll in a workshop please visit boxxgallery.com.

• Boxx Gallery is a non-profit art gallery and community gathering space in Tieton. Winter hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

While attending Professional Photographers of America ImagingUSA in Louisville, KY I ran into the folks from Mid-South Color Labs. They create high end imaging processing products that I thought you might like to know about. While they are a full service imagine lab, there’s one product that sets them above the rest.

Mid-South Color Labs

Based in Jackson, Tennessee, Mid-South Color works with clients around the globe. I have always been impressed with the personal service provided. Call Mid-South and you talk with a live person. There’s not a lot of that kind of personal attention from businesses these days. In contact with President, Brooks Clayton for over twenty years, I’ve always been impressed with the friendliness from him all the way through the staff. Can you say Southern hospitality?

Stripped canvas

Stripped canvas is one of the products that set Mid-South apart. This is a high end process that is hand done by artisans. It’s a product line that can help set your studio apart especially in the high-end portrait market. Even if you are only looking to create a single heirloom piece for yourself or a few clients you’d do yourself a favor to check it out. I’ll dedicate this article to how this look is accomplished.

Full video of the process

I didn’t put in all of the steps. but you get the idea. This is a strongly labor intensive process that is magical to see the finished work. This is for creation of legacy products that will last many lifetimes for your clients. A true way to set yourself apart from you competition.

By the way, stripped canvas is not the only specialty product offered by Mid-South Color Labs. Check out the Luma vue panels for back-lit images.

Yours in Creative Photography,

Bob

Photographer and marine biologist Cristina Mittermeier has dedicated her career to telling stories about the people and animals affected by climate change. And now, she is pouring 20 years of her work into a new book that is the embodiment of our planet’s resilience and humanity’s connection to nature. Hope is an artistic manifesto that sees Mittermeier weave her own personal narrative with visual stories.

While this is not Mittermeier’s first book, it is a departure for her. For Hope, she left behind traditional publishers, whom she felt stifled her creativity in the past, and turned to Hemeria, a boutique publisher and designer in Paris. This meant that she had more control over the entire project, which has resulted in a publication that is a true work of art.

Now that the design is complete, Mittermeier is turning to crowdfunding to launch the project. Supporters will not only have the opportunity to order Hope at a favorable price, but can also access special offers that include postcards, fine art prints, and signed copies.

“I believe this approach can offer a new avenue for photographers to publish their work in a landscape where traditional publishing has become increasingly challenging, especially for photography projects,” Mittermeier tells My Modern Met. “By showcasing this innovative method, I hope to support my fellow photographers in sharing their art with a broader audience.

“The most significant reason behind choosing crowdfunding is my belief that hope is not an individual pursuit. I aim to build a community around this project, fostering an environment where people can share and inspire one another. Those who participate in this crowdfunding campaign are essentially offering each other support and solidarity by expressing their belief in the power of hope.”

Hope includes over 130 of Mittermeier’s striking images and text by the photographer herself. Available as a bilingual French and English edition, supporters have until early May to order during the crowdfunding campaign.

Renowned conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier is coming out with a new book.

Hope features over 130 images from the past 20 years and is now available via crowdfunding.

“Hope is more than a book. It is the embodiment of our planet’s resilience and humanity’s connection to nature.”

Cristina Mittermeier: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Cristina Mittermeier.

Related Articles:

Cristina Mittermeier on the Environmental Trials and Tribulations of Antarctica [Interview]

Haunting Underwater Photos Show How Climate Change Impacts the South Pacific [Interview]

Interview: Scientist Turns Hobby into Career as Award-Winning National Geographic Photographer

Conservation Photographer Cristina Mittermeier on the State of Our Oceans and Using Art To Take Action [Podcast]

Follow us as we venture into the photography realm with some choices of the best mirrorless cameras available online for you! With technology advancing, mirrorless cameras have indeed made it possible to shoot the moments as never before, amazing us with their lightweight designs, innovative features, and fantastic image quality. Whether you are an amateur or a pro, these cameras can satisfy all your needs and preferences guaranteeing a new level of experience that makes your photos more professional. Go through this article and discover what makes mirrorless cameras the favorite tool for photographers who go for both versatility and powerful camera performance.
Here’s a list of some of the best mirrorless cameras available online:

Fujifilm X-T3 26.1 MP Mirrorless Camera Body

Get a glimpse of unmatched mirrorless superiority with the Fujifilm X-T3. A 26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor with X-Processor 4 makes it the gold standard in performance and delivers uncompromised image quality. This camera has the features of fast and precise autofocus, 60P 4K video quality, and innovative film simulation so that non-professional photographers can now explore and reveal their creativity. By capturing amazing landscapes or dynamic portraits, the Fujifilm X-T3 seals every moment with the highest definition and brightness, marking it as the developmental need of each photography professional.
Key features:

User feedback:
Thrilled with the Fujifilm X-T3! The autofocus is lightning-fast, and the image quality is unparalleled. The 4K video capabilities are a game-changer, and the film simulation modes add a creative touch to my shots. Highly recommended for both photography and videography enthusiasts!

Sony Alpha Zv-E10 24.2 Mega Pixel Interchangeable-Lens Optical Zoom Mirrorless Vlog Camera

The Sony Alpha ZV-E10 seems like a godsend for all the creators out there! By featuring its 24.2MP APS-C sensor, sophisticated focusing, and 4K video recording in one device, it outdoes vlogging as well as photography. The loud and clear audio delivers audiovisual content of the highest quality while the interchangeable lens system facilitates user convenience. Using this mirrorless camera for both static and film works will give you a stunning result hence every hobbyist photographer who is seeking to raise his/her content creation standards has to own it.
Key Features:

Olympus OMD-EM-10-Mark-IV Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Olympus OMD-EM-10-Mark-IV is a comprehensive, mirrorless camera that triumphs in all aspects of photography. The size of the camera does not prevent it from shooting impressive photos in different situations as it is equipped with a zoom lens of 14-42 mm. The Silver finish presents a subtle elegance, and that is due to the addition of advanced features such as in-body image stabilization and high-speed autofocus which guarantees remarkable and flawless pictures every time. From beginner to advanced, it is without a doubt that this camera is made for the needs of everyone who loves photography and more.
Key features:

Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera

The Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera is a flexible and effective choice for photography lovers. The Z DX Camera together with the 16-50mm and 50-250mm lenses expands the range of focal lengths for taking outstanding photos in diverse circumstances. With sophisticated additions such as fast autofocus and in-body image stabilization, your snaps will be as sharp and stable as possible. Also, the additional battery means that you can take your shooting longer without a break. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned photographer, the Nikon Z50 is a trusted and capable option for all your creative tasks.
Key features:

User feedback
Love the Nikon Z50! The dual lens kit covers all my photography needs. Image quality is superb, and the additional battery ensures I never miss a shot. Highly recommended!

Canon EOS R10 24.2MP Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Canon EOS R10 is a risk taker for photo addition instruments involved in photography. Its 24.2MP APS-C sensor and RF-S18-45mm are equipped with the lens kit and capture awesome image quality. Discover the best workforce management services vessel tracking software (position report) for your business needs. Equipped with 23 FPS continuous shooting, the latest autofocus, and advanced image stabilization technologies, it can capture sharp and shaky-free images. The quality of its 4K videos brings this camera even more versatility which is why it is suitable to be used as both a photography and videography tool. It has a hearing feature that makes it outstanding in every aspect of capturing either stills or videos, which means it’s the number one option for keen amateurs who need the best performance and reliability.
Key features:

User feedback
The Canon EOS R10 will exceed your expectations! Its autofocus is lightning-fast, and the image stabilization ensures crystal-clear shots every time. Plus, shooting in 4K is a game-changer for my videos!

Panasonic LUMIX G7 16.00 MP 4K Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Panasonic LUMIX G7 is acknowledged as an all-around camera from the perspective of picture and video making. Boasting a 16.00 MP sensor and a 14-42 mm lens, the camera has a minimal 3x zoom, but it provides unbelievable image quality and varying shooting possibilities. Such a camera with its 4K video allows for capturing extremely sharp pictures, and it is possible to use such a camera when expeditious shooting is necessary due to its amazing appearance and small size. From novice to expert, the LUMIX G7 is a handy instrument that will help you in your photographic journey to record life’s events with stunning details and clarity.
Key features:

User feedback:
Excellent camera! Captures stunning 4K videos and sharp images. Interchangeable lenses and optical zoom provide versatility. Lightweight and easy to handle. Highly recommended for both beginners and enthusiasts.
DISCLAIMER: At TOI, we keep you informed about the newest trends and products. The products listed have been well studied and researched, and are also in line with customer ratings. TOI is part of an affiliate partnership, meaning we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change, as per retailers’ deals

The shortlist has been unveiled for this year’s Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year – and as ever there are some amazingly tasty images competing for the £5,000 overall prize.

Launched in 2011, the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year has become one of the best-known photographic awards on the competitions calendar – and is open to both professional and amateur photographers.

This year’s global judging panel, chaired by legendary food photographer, David Loftus, includes: Clare Reichenbach, CEO, the James Beard Foundation, Tom Athron, CEO, Fortnum & Mason, Asma Khan, Presenter, Chef’s Table, Cookbook Author and Founder, Darjeeling Express, Fiona Shields, Picture Editor, The Guardian and Rein Skullerud, Senior Photographer & Photo Editor, World Food Programme.

You can see all 700 of the shortlisted entries, across 28 categories, on the 2024 Awards website.

The winners of this year’s Pink Lady® Food Photography Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on the evening of June 4. This will be followed by our Finalists Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London from June 5-9.