Photo by Corey Bradder
In my previous life (the ʻ80s), I was a professional musician.
I am constantly reminded of how closely related the disciplines of music and photography are. I consider the act of crafting an image on film to be equal to that of writing and producing a piece of music. My darkroom is the recording studio; my images are my songs.
Today in my professional life I wear many hats, all of which support one another and all are related to photography.
From 2005 to 2011, I had the privilege of teaching film, darkroom, and business as part of the Professional Photography Program at North Island College on Vancouver Island. I strongly believe that there is no better way to learn and understand ʻlightʼ than to work with light sensitive materials. I applaud North Island College for continuing to offer film and darkroom as an integral part of their Professional Photography Program.
In addition to teaching and creating photography, I am also owner and senior “photoboothologist” of Island Photobooth, Vancouver Islandʼs very first entertainment company offering authentic custom branded digital photo booths for rent at special events.
I attribute much of my development as a photographer to the images and writings of Edward Weston and Ansel Adams.
Two individuals who had a significant impact on my photography, specifically my printing, are Bruce Barnbaum and Don Kirby. I consider these guys to be giants in their field and am blessed to have learned from them.
My bricks and mortar gallery is called Silverwork Studio & Gallery and is located just south of Courtenay on Vancouver Island. If youʼre ever up this way, drop me an email and I will turn on the lights for you.
A word about technique
My method of image capture and output is what my students refer to as ʻold-schoolʼ. I like to think of it as ʻkeeping it realʼ. My images are captured on Kodak Tri-X film using a Wisner 4×5 Technical Field camera or Pentax 67. I craft my prints by hand in a chemical darkroom on a variety of fine fiber based silver gelatin papers. The images on this web site are rendered from low-resolution scans of 8×10 silver prints.
Purchase
Like most things in Life, my art is available for purchase – all you need to do is contact me. To the many people from here and around the world who have invested in my art over the years, thank-you – I am truly humbled by your support.
Published
Black and White Magazine
Photo Life Magazine
Why Photographs Work – Rocky Nook Publications – Author George Barr
Silverwork Studio Editions – Special Edition Print Series
Archetypes (ebook edition) – Blair Polischuk
Videos
Upside Down and Backwards. The Photography of Blair Polischuk
The Archetype Project