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My pictures are inkjet-printed digital impressions of original photographs .
Every photographer has at some time used image modification techniques, from soft-focus filters to " contra-jour " ( shooting into the light ) , in an attempt to get away from the stark reality of a straight colour photograph ; and black & white photography can have the same effect. Likewise, cropping the picture in the darkroom or in the camera using a zoom lens, and using "dodging" and "burning-in" at the printing stage, are very common ways of changing the finished result.

I have been taking pictures, mainly landscapes and of children, for a long time now,and used to carry through the whole process myself, from the developing of the film to printing and framing large Cibachromes. I have been addicted to computers since my first Sinclair Spectrum ( which still works ! ). However only in the last year or so have I had access to the AppleMac and associated software that has enabled me tolearn the techniques that can change a photograph into an impression.

Computer generated artistic images are not new, and digital manipulation and enhancment of photographs is commonplace. However I feel that I am helping to break new ground. By using the latest digital techniques and conventional photography, I am trying to bridge the gap between the often over-detailed image sof film and the impression that a painter can create.

In order to paint people in action, the sea in motion, or the ever-changing light ofa landscape, an artist will use preliminary sketches and his memory, and some timesphotography as raw material. Likewise, my photographs are the first stages in a process that takes hours and often days to reach the effect I want.

The first stage is to establish the composition, by cropping, changing shapes andperspectives , and adding, removing and changing the relationships of various elements.

I then try to establish the mood of the picture by using overall effects ; equivalent, say ,to the washes of a watercolourist. This is the bit I like best .I have to admit that here chance plays a significant part ; I may lay on 20 or 30 or more changes before I am happy. Choice is the artistic imput at this stage, again like a watercolor painter.

My tools : Pentax & Bronica cameras, various films & lenses, Linotype scanner, Apple-Mac computer, Epsom printer, Wacom graphics tablet & pen, special heavyweight gloss paper.

Framed Pictures

The pictures are printed & mounted by myself, and framed by
Max Beason of St.Mawgan (01637 860014) . He is responsible
for the very individual colour staining of the mouldings, selected to enhance each particular image.
LIMITED EDITIONS

I print all my pictures for sale myself ; especialy with the big ones it is very far from being an automated process. I undertake to print only 25 of my limited edition pictures , excluding only 'miniatures' i.e. postcard & greetings card size ,and images in publications , such as a forthcoming publication on tourism in Cornwall. Each print is marked with it's number either in the picture before its printed or by hand on the print.
Care of the Print : The inks are relatively fade-resistant, but like most media should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. If a disaster should befall your print, I might be able to replace it at cost if if the original still exists.
The paper can be temporarily affected by changes in humidity but as it is only attached at the top of the print it should not suffer any permanent distortion.
Printing :
Ink-jet printing of colour is very different from the efficient automatedcommercial processes. In fact, getting an acceptable printed version ofthe picture on the Mackintosh screen I find is the most rewarding and themost frustrating part. I have a relationship with my printer very like thatof a potter with his kiln... Getting a flawless 22"x16" print gives me a real feeling of achievement. Sometimes an awful lot of expensive ink and paper ends up in the bin ........
The Original :

The "raw" picture to that is scanned into the computer can be a 35mm or medium format print or transparency. As yet I haven't used digital cameras, as they don't seem to offer any advantages over film.
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