Since the renovation and building of my studio space, which I love-- sitting right in my own back yard, 22 steps from house to studio door-- I've been teaching private workshops on some of the printing techniques I frequently use.

So this past Saturday, a good friend of mine and fellow photographer, Elizabeth Galecke who also lives and works in Raleigh, had asked if I would teach her and her young mentee, Rae, the gum bichromate printing process. I was a little worried about teaching this process to an 11-year old, mainly for safety reasons, but no worries there. (If you consistently wear gloves, don't get sloppy, and have a healthy respect for all chemicals, you'll be okay.) Both Elizabeth and Rae-- such tireless and enthusiastic troopers they are --made some lovely and impressive prints, which just confirms what I've always thought-- that no matter what printing process you use, you need interesting and compelling images to start. And they did.

We had such a good time, and I was amazed at how much they got done. I love seeing people get excited about this process and to experience first-hand just a little of the seemingly infinite creative and interpretive possibilities gum offers.

Rae and Elizabeth at the end of the day with 2 of their prints.

So thanks to both for making this such a fun day! I can't wait to see what they do with the process from here on out! See more on Elizabeth's own blog post about the workshop!

Another great gum bichromate workshop!

search

dh bloomfield photography