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| In order to create the best possible photographs, the best possible equipment must be used. Michael begins by using a Toyo 4x5 camera. The sheet of film this camera yields has roughly 13 times the area of 35mm film. This large sheet of film is scanned using a Heidelberg Tango drum scanner, a German-made instrument that yields the finest scans possible. Color correction then takes place on a Macintosh workstation to adjust color-casts introduced by the scanning process, and to remove imperfections such as dust on the film. |
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| This process has taken color photography to a new level. For Michael, the advantage of creating prints with this method is that he can refer to the original piece of film on a light table while making minute adjustments. This makes it possible to create a photograph that is as close as possible to Michael's experience in the High Sierra, on a wild coastline, or a deep slot canyon. The goal is to create a sense of place for the viewer. |
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| It is important to note that no artificial enhancements are made to the photograph during the correction process. Nature does a far better job than anyone can through printing! |
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| After the photograph has been corrected, Fuji Crystal Archive photographic paper is exposed using the Chromira Enlarger. This fantastic machine uses a red, green and blue light source to expose fine-art photographic paper. This creates the sharpest, most vivid, and durable photographs available. |
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| Following exposure, the photograph is processed in liquid photochemistry. These are true silver-based photographic prints. All of Michael's work -- from the smallest 8x10 to the museum-sized 48x60 works of art -- are printed with this no-compromise method. |
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