This is something that you don’t see every day in the photography world (historic photographic processes). A calotype (paper negative) and a kallitype (an old-school printing process). Both mean “beautiful” in Greek - “kalli” or “calo”.
The paper negative, invented by Fox Talbot (1800-1877), was patented in February 1841. Talbot called it, the “Calotype” of “Beautiful Type”. It was the first negative/positive process invented, Sir John Herschel coined the term, “photography” - “photo” (light) and “graphy” (writing). "Writing with light”.
It’s no secret that I have a passion for photography. The historic processes are so interesting to me and the history of photography in general. I’ve worked in almost every process from 1839 - 1980. My greatest interest is in the negative/print processes. There is nothing like a beautiful negative printed well.
As I work on my project (“In the Shadow of Sun Mountain”), I try to stay open to new ideas. Both technically and conceptually.
Over the past couple of months, I’ve been collaborating with Tim Layton of Tim Layton Fine Art. We’ve been working through some old printing processes from the late 19th century together. We were reviewing some information in a book called, “Coming Into Focus” by John Barnier and Tim was asking about the Calotype recipes and methodologies in the book. One thing led to another and I found myself making some Calotypes over the past few days. It’s been a lot of fun.
I first made Calotypes when I lived in Europe (2008-2009). I had an interest in exploring the pictorial look and feel but ended up using wet collodion for my work there. They are a lot of work, but what isn’t that’s worth anything today? I can see the possibility of adding to the project with some Calotype/Kallitype work. Like I said, I try to stay open to everything as it applies to creating a body of work. The danger is running down too many rabbit holes and never making the work. I know people who have spent decades perfecting a photo process and they have nothing to say with it - it’s heartbreaking and sad to see that happen. Don’t become a “process photographer” be an artist, create, express, think, connect, and tell stories. That’s our purpose.
The negative (Calotype) and print (Kallitype). The Great Mullein - September 3, 2022.