Behind The Scenes - Making "Winter's Kiss" 8x10 Large Format Silver Gelatin Contact Print

August 07, 2021 • Leave a Comment

In this video at the bottom of the article, I bring you behind the scenes in our new darkroom as we make our very first 8x10 large format contact print of "Winter's Kiss".

Before we can make the contact print in the darkroom, a lot of work goes on that you don't see behind the scenes.

It all begins when Tim Jr and I are out in the field with the wild horses. We photograph them with smaller 35mm cameras using big wildlife telephoto prime lenses. This allows us to keep a safe distance from the wild horses, but also get the types of shots that match my style.

We wish we could use our large format cameras for this part of the process, but it simply is not possible. And by the way, we have actually tried to get some simple compositions with the horses using our 8x10 large format view camera showing more of the landscape with the horses in it, but no luck as of yet. We are not giving up!!

Tim Layton - Wild Horses of Missouri After we come back from the field, we develop the film, let it dry and then make a contact proof sheet to see if we like any of the images.

If we were fortunate enough to get a moving and compelling image, then we move forward with making a bigger enlarged negative that is made to work with our 8x10 large format enlarging system.

It is a tricky and rigorous process to make the enlarged negatives, but I think by keeping the entire artwork creation process using analog film and handmade methods, we are able to create unique wild horse images that simply look different than ones that are created using more contemporary digital methods. Film and chemicals simply render light differently than digital technology and I all into the camp that loves the look of classic analog film.

After we spend the day making the enlarged negative(s), we need to let them fully dry over night.

On the third day of work, we can now make the 8x10 contact proof and that is what you see in the video today.

We need to look at the print for technical reasons, but also to know if we feel moved by the image.

More times than not, we don't move forward with making larger prints because we only want images that move us and hopefully move our art buyers and collectors.

We invest thousands of hours of time and a significant amount of money over the course of year to hopefully end up with 10 to 12 new gallery-quality prints.

We really love Winter's Kiss, so we will be making our much larger 30"x40" and 40"x60" enlargements as the next steps.

You can purchase a limited edition of Winter's Kiss from our online store and we will get busy in the darkroom and make it for you.

We mount all prints on a museum quality acid-free white mounting board and hand cut a window mat to complete the artwork.

Your new wild horse artwork is ready to put in your frame and hang on the wall when you receive it.

We place your artwork along with a signed certificate of authenticity in a protective archival sleeve and then we take great care in packaging your new artwork to make sure it arrives to you safely and in beautiful condition so you can enjoy it immediately.

Hint: I always put a little something extra in each package to hopefully put a big smile on your face.

Our limited edition Wild Horse B&W Fine Art prints are available in the following sizes: 11"x14", 16"x20", 20"x24", 24"x28", 30"x40", 40"x60".

Always feel free to contact me with any questions or to schedule a free art consultation.

-Tim Layton

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What Are Art Buyers & Collectors Saying About Tim Layton Fine Art?

"I just received my handmade silver gelatin fine art print from Tim Layton and it is absolutely stunning!

I want other people to know the attention to detail that Tim puts into the making of his fine art.

As a fellow large format photographer and printer of my own B&W darkroom prints, I can tell you that Tim’s work is exceptional.

Now having this print in my hands, I can tell you that this selenium-toned print looks three-dimensional. That is high praise considering we work in a two dimensional medium. If you have not already joined Tim’s Fine Art Print Club, I strongly recommend that you join now! You will not regret your decision. -John D'Angelo, NY

"The size of your prints are amazing, but it’s the minute detail and tonal range you capture that give your images their aesthetic qualities. Every one of your handmade fine art prints that I have seen, has blown me away to the point I pause the video to look at them more closely. It never ceases to amaze me how you create images that look so simple, and yet many of us watching that doesn’t mean easy. I can only dream of capturing anything 1/10th as beautiful as you do." -Mark Harris

"I have been following Tim's journey for some time now; I shoot mostly 4x5 and some 8x10, and have a small business, Zee Zee LightBenders, that specialises in alternative printing in cyanotype, Salt, Kallitype and of course traditional black and white silver gelatine. I have been following Tim's quest on the Wild Horses of Missouri and was lucky enough to purchase "The Nomads" print. I live in Africa, so nothing moves with speed. 60 days later I received the package from Tim, no fault of his, that's how we roll in Africa.
Well, was the wait worth it? - ABSOLUTELY!!!! A beautiful print on textured paper. I went on a Namibia trip to see the wild horses there in January this year so I can absolutely relate to this experience.

Keep up the good work Tim, love your work and contribution to conservation" -Rodney Rudman, Cape Town, South Africa

Join Tim Layton on YouTube "The artwork by Tim Layton is very unique, all handmade, from the negative to the final print on Ilford MGIV fiber paper and gently toned in selenium. The tones are subtle, and distinct, and placed in just the right grey scale zones so the overall contrast of the print feels complete - from pitch black to delicate highlights. Holding one of his prints in your hands and viewing it carefully in daylight will reveal the beauty of his handmade darkroom prints. In addition, Tim's prints are simply beautiful and artistic." -Anders Blomqvist, Sweden

If you want to help support our film and darkroom work, click on the Amazon or B&H Photo logos below and we earn a small commission when you use our links at no additional cost to you. Every little bit helps and we appreciate your support.

What Are Members Saying About The Darkroom Underground?

Join Tim Layton on YouTube There is no shortage of people providing information on photography on YouTube and the internet. Some are even aimed at the analog photographer, but what Tim has done with the Darkroom Underground (DU) is nothing short of pure brilliance. DU is not only for the analog photographer it is also for the Large Format & Ultra Large Format Photographer. I don’t know of anyone else who is covering ULF.

He has simplified learning with wonderful videos that are supplemented with show notes so you have all the information for you to do this on your own. But unlike anything else out there you have Tim as a resource, too. He has always been easily available for questions or clarification and he welcomes suggestions for future shows.

If you are serious about learning all aspects of analog and LF/ULF this is the place to be. -Michael Wellman

"Tim Layton is providing very useful information for all those who are interested in analog photography and large format cameras. He covers in a very detailed and entertaining way the different aspects of this field. He always takes the time to explain the details and share all his know-how. Nothing is hidden or secret. Everything is on the table.

The videos and blogs are shot and edited in a very professional way. Tim is always ready to receive and share the suggestions and ideas coming from other people. He is a very good community manager.

I would like also to underline the growing role of his son, Tim Junior who contributes also greatly to the quality of the videos, text and explanation. Last but not least, Tim is always welcoming suggestions and questions and ready to interact. I recommend warmly the work of Tim Layton. -Stéfane France

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Keywords: Darkroom, Handmade, Missouri, Shanon County, Silver Gelatin, Wild Horses

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