I built a darkroom.

I’ve been using film and more specifically, b/w film for YEARS. I used b/w film in my high school darkroom and for many years before digital photography took over the scene, then later revisited film use professionally around 2010 and haven’t looked back. It wasn’t until recently, however, that I built my own darkroom and started spending time re-familiarizing myself with the printing process and now handling the process of shooting b/w film, developing it, and producing a final print all myself, without the need of a computer or anything digital interfering with the final product/print. It’s taken years to get to this point, but it feels completely like home. And it’s just the beginning…there are a lot of alternative processes I cannot wait to experiment with and rabbit holes to follow, all under this umbrella of darkroom work.

Here was the process of getting here…

I converted a small section of our utility room into my darkroom. It’s a small footprint (roughly 70 sqft), but maximizes every inch and is very effective. I built a 7ft long sink out of plywood and epoxy, installed temp controlled and filtered water, had an electrician update the electrical and I installed IKEA cabinets and shelving for storage and organization. Along the way, I was gifted two amazing enlargers via craigslist finds and easels, negative holders, trays, timers and a bunch of other random stuff from National Camera Exchange visits or eBay purchases. The whole process has filled me with immense gratitude as the entire cost of this project was well below what I anticipated, which really helped when it came time to supply chemicals and paper, all of which have become somewhat expensive. Since these photos were taken, I’ve installed additional shelving and a dry desk, with inspection light, for prepping negatives and inspecting prints once they are dry. Future projects for the space will involve figuring out how to install the specialized print washers I recently picked up and possibly adding a table for a dry mount press. Thanks for following along!

Twenty Seventeen.

This year end post and the content is so dear to me. Its a statement of faithfulness and endurance. A reminder when I feel too weak to finish, I'll be given the strength to take another step and carry on. I don't go into a new year hoping for it to be a hard one, but it does have a unique way of shaping and molding in a way the easier seasons just don't. I want to remember and feel this until it truly informs 2018 and how I prepare for it.

I'm still processing this past year and its impact on me and will be for a while. The cross current beneath all of 2017 (and half of 2016!) has been a house remodel (post coming, soon). I cannot separate my photography work from the remodel, because I was so involved in much of it. It was my second job and seemed full time most of the time. I truly believe I had the perfect amount of photography work, however (and an amazingly helpful, forgiving, understanding and patient wife). These facts enabled me to juggle everything else on my plate this past year, but I never want to try it again. 

What a year.

I totally neglected the photography business and feel as though it took a step back after a very inspiring 2016. Momentum seems to have reversed for the first time in 6 years. Now, I'm left dusting myself off (literally and figuratively), picking up the pieces and getting this thing back on the right track. I'm so excited about this, though. 

More time to focus. To invest. Less housework.

Thankfully, I am very proud of the work I delivered to my amazing clients and friends this past year. Even though I felt at the end of myself on a weekly basis, inspiration, energy and motivation always came when needed. I cannot thank God enough for that. There have been so many moments of profound joy this past year and God continues to humble me. I don't deserve such amazing grace. You people. This job. All the moments I witnessed with a camera in hand.  

Thank you.

Here's to turning a page and starting afresh. But, always remembering the sweetness amidst tough and trial filled years. One wedding, one session, one destination and photo at a time. 

I Hope you enjoy this look back. The past two years have been filled with more film photography than ever and I'm finally feeling "comfortable" with the challenge/reward of it. I Hope you and yours start the new year off right and it's one of the best, yet.

Lets create something amazing together.

Peace out to my assistant for the past two seasons. Josiah, you'll be missed but I'm beyond excited for whats next for yah. Thanks so much for all the help, bro. 

Jen & Brent. A couple's session and Minnesota Twins loss.

I met Jen and Brent in the Fulton taproom in NE Minneapolis and enjoyed some beer and great conversation before heading out to explore the neighborhood and eventually making our way to a Twins game. We had the quintessential midwest Summer evening and although the Twins lost, I came away with some great images of an even greater couple. Be on the lookout for this couples intimate, Saint Dinette restaurant wedding, too. It was a good one. Thanks for the support everyone.