Close-up / macro botanical daguerreotypes

[Fragomeni]

I thought some folks here might be interested in some of the close-up experiments I've been working on. I've recently become enamored with the work of Karl Blossfeldt, specifically his truly masterful early close-up botanical work in "Urformen der Kunst". Since I'm working mainly with the daguerreotype process these days, I decided to explore close-up botanicals through that medium. I've been enjoying the combination of the process and this type of subject matter. The combination presents unique challenges mainly because of the limited spectral sensitivity of the daguerreotype process (mainly sensitive to blue light so colors are sometimes rendered in unexpected ways) and the extreme slow speed of the process (equivalent to ISO 25 + 10 additional stops so like ISO 0.023). Here are a couple examples. Daguerreotypes are highly reflective so I prefer showing them in video so you get a better sense of the object, not just the image. Hope some find these interesting and enjoy:

 

[jtk]

I thought some folks here might be interested in some of the close-up experiments I've been working on. I've recently become enamored with the work of Karl Blossfeldt, specifically his truly masterful early close-up botanical work in "Urformen der Kunst". Since I'm working mainly with the daguerreotype process these days, I decided to explore close-up botanicals through that medium. I've been enjoying the combination of the process and this type of subject matter. The combination presents unique challenges mainly because of the limited spectral sensitivity of the daguerreotype process (mainly sensitive to blue light so colors are sometimes rendered in unexpected ways) and the extreme slow speed of the process (equivalent to ISO 25 + 10 additional stops so like ISO 0.023). Here are a couple examples. Daguerreotypes are highly reflective so I prefer showing them in video so you get a better sense of the object, not just the image. Hope some find these interesting and enjoy:

Beautiful work!

Blossfeldt's work was a revelation when I explored his book. Combining his appproach to "botanical" work with datuerreotypes here is brilliant.

Perhaps appropriate to mention, Blossfelfdt didn't make photographs for themselves, but rather to explore botanical designs for cast iron furniture, such as sewing machine stands.

 

[Fragomeni]

Beautiful work!

Blossfeldt's work was a revelation when I explored his book. Combining his appproach to "botanical" work with datuerreotypes here is brilliant.

Perhaps appropriate to mention, Blossfelfdt didn't make photographs for themselves, but rather to explore botanical designs for cast iron furniture, such as sewing machine stands.

Thanks very much for your kind words. These initial tests have definitely given me new reason to get excited about this type of subject matter and I'm building out a few things in my studio to explore more deeply and am very much looking forward to seeing where this leads me.

And yes, a very good note on Blossfeldt. I'm aware of his sculptural work and the connection to his photography. I think thats an important part of his story.

 

[Daniela]

Gorgeous! So much beauty and delicacy...
Would be exciting to see where else this process takes you.

 

[Fragomeni]

Gorgeous! So much beauty and delicacy...
Would be exciting to see where else this process takes you.

Thanks very much for the lovely response! And yes, the daguerreotype process is now my primary medium and I don't think I've ever been more enamored with a process. I'll continue to share from time to time when I come up with exciting results worth sharing. Thanks for your support!

 

[dasBlute]

Beautiful work, stunning results, keep sharing, this is extraordinary

 

[Fragomeni]

Beautiful work, stunning results, keep sharing, this is extraordinary

Thanks very much. I appreciate the encouragement and will do!

 

[Lemmythink]

That is exactly what I want to be doing. Perhaps not daguerreotype, but that image style. I love my plants.

 

[JensH]

Fantastic! Stunning work.
Many thanks for sharing your art here.

 

[infrar3d]

Beautiful work.