Traditional Photography
Custom Printing
In the early 1950s I was introduced to the photographic darkroom. It was entralling to observe the image as it developed. In those days, photographic materials were less sensitive to the red region of the visible spectrum so that it was possible develop films and prints by inspection under a "safe light". Viewing the images as they emerged made a lasting impression.
My experiences led to working on the high school annual; to a paid position on the college annual; and to selling "newsworthy" photos to the local newspaper. I continued to process my own films and prints.
By the late 1970s, as the color processes became easier to use, I began adding equipment for both color and black and white processing. In 1996 I moved from Denver back to Virginia and built a darkroom into my home.
In 1998, looking for a critique of the quality of my prints, I joined four Virginia camera clubs. I competed in the monthly competitions to observe the judges' criticisms and used this to hone my skills in fine art photography. During this period, I won many ribbons in the club competitions and was twice awarded Photographer of the Year.
During the 2002-2003 season, four of my prints were juried into the monthly exhibits at The Art League in Alexandria, Virginia. Since 2004 several of my prints have been juried into the Annual Center for Southwest Studies Juried Photography Exhibit. Prints have also been juried into the Durango Art Center Annual Juried Show with prints also juried into the Four Corners Art Commission Show.
In 2005 nine images were submitted to The Nocturnes, (a group that promotes and exhibits nighttime photography) with five more images to the 2006 show. All fourteen submissions were juried into these events. For six consecutive years I was invited to participate in the Kent Denver Art Show. My prints have been exhibited on three occasions in juried shows at the Shy Rabbit. Current work has been selected for exhibit at the Denver International Airport and then to be moved to the Colorado State Capitol.
I work primarily with negative films and am particularly interested in low light photography and the use of infrared materials, both color and black & white. My selection of equipment includes all formats from 35mm to 8x10 view cameras. Although I produce a few prints digitally, I prefer to create the final product in my well-equipped, traditional darkroom where I am able to process both color and black & white films and prints.
All of the images on this page are copyrighted. See tooltip for information.
Al Olson
(970) 731-9801
a.c.olson@CenturyTel.net