A very good photographer I know recently told me he is phasing out of making traditional silver gelatin prints in the darkroom in favor of those he can make using an ink jet printer.  He will still use film, but have his negatives scanned into digital files that in turn can be easily and quickly produced. He told me that with the current state of software technology, he could no longer tell the difference between a digital black and white print created with a hybrid process and the real thing.

So I spoke to a number of other equally fine black and white photographers in the know about this and they respectfully disagreed.

The question for me is whether I should feel bad about this, or simply not care?

Well, after some thought, I’ve decided I do feel sad and I simply don’t care! Why? First of all, I think you can tell the difference between a finely executed black and white silver gelatin print and an inkjet print. Others I respect feel the same way.  And don’t even think about a comparison between black and white contact prints made with platinum, albumen, carbon transfer, or tintypes, etc.  So I feel sad that someone who has worked for years to create an important body of top-notch black and white analog work will no longer be creating such work.  It’s a loss in my opinion and I’m disappointed.

On the other hand, so what!  There are plenty of those who understand the beauty of a purely analog black and white print and the work that it takes to make one.  And there are plenty of those, especially young people that are embracing analog as proper alternative to digital.  It’s not just the way the final image looks … yes that’s important … it’s everything that goes into making it a reality.   So if you want to do it the easy way, knock yourself out.  That’s your decision, but don’t tell me it’s the best way for black and white. Not for your personal work, or work you wish to exhibit.  I’ll give you a pass for commercial and color work.

Personally, I’m more interested in focusing on the work of those that want to make the effort, rather than doing it the easy way, or the way that emulates the look of a silver gelatin image made with a Tri-X negative, or the way that almost looks as good as a print produced in the darkroom.

This past week my friend and I finally finished the framing in on my basement project and this week we’re on to the drywall. They say that when you are finally putting up drywall you’re nearing the finish line. I hope so! Whenever we could use a screw to attach two by fours or two by sixes we did, and the drywall will be screwed into place as well.  When the project is done, no one will be able to tell whether I used screws or nails, but I’ll know.  I’ll know that it took longer, but it was built stronger and finished better.  I’ll also know that it was also built with pride, because I will feel it inside. Finally, I’ll know that it will stand the test of time, the walls won’t bow and I’ll never see a nail pop!

It’s the same way with making a print. I’m happy to do it the hard way, the better way, with pride in my craft. Maybe some won’t know the difference or claim they won’t, or care, but I will.

Stay safe,

Michael