Randy Dana

My still life photographs are unique arrangements of fruit and flowers incorporating stone, glass, metals and a variety of artifacts. Many arrangements are on and under a horizontal glass sheet. Using a 4″ X 5″ view camera enables me to create shifts in perspective; the reflective glass surface appears to fall away before us. We look through the reflections at a reality below the surface. This allows me to add a subtle complexity, actually blending color, form and texture as I compose. All images are from a single negative and single exposure. You see in the print what I saw through the camera lens.

Technical Information:

I shoot with 4″x5″ color negative film, Fuji NPS 160 which I expose at 100ASA. My light source is naturally diffused sunlight. In the darkroom I do all my own printing, using traditional techniques (burning & dodging) to maximize the potential of each image and each individual print. I use Fuji Crystal Archive photographic paper, which will hold color for 60 years under normal viewing conditions.

Beginning in 2006 for a few smaller prints I have scanned the negative and used Photoshop to achieve the same color saturation and balance found in the darkroom prints. I have printed these Archival Inkjet Prints using professional Epson inks on Epson premium luster photo paper. All matting and mounting materials are archival.

I love answering questions and hearing comments, so please don’t hesitate. I hope you enjoy the work.