The 21st century brings us digital photography in all its glory, but what about the centuries of photography done “The old-fashioned way?” Great photographs intrigue, amaze, mystify and inspire us. The Solomon Dubnick Gallery presents photographers who produce their masterpieces in the darkroom, selecting work from young, emerging artists and those whose prints are well recognized. These artists achieve their results with extensive photographic equipment, from a specialized pinhole to medium and large format cameras, and a serious-minded use of the darkroom.

Technological advances offered by the digital camera prove tempting to even the best of fine photographers. Quite possibly, digital photography will eventually surpass conventional methods in numbers difficult to conceive. “Straight” photography, however, has hardly become a lost art. There is still a thrill in standing behind the lens, constructing compositions, manipulating light, patiently waiting for just that perfect moment. The challenge of the darkroom for those dedicated to black and white and color prints, is the production of a strong visual message, a beautiful aesthetic and most importantly, a lasting photograph.

The art and craft of photography has a history marked by trial and error, struggle and serious experiment. This exhibition features perfectly balanced still-lifes, stirring portraits, moments of history and sublime landscapes. With this collection of straightforward photography, we recognize the efforts of early artists who were idealists, technicians, scientists and visionaries.

-- Shirley Dubnick, Director