About Fine Black & White Prints - Randall R Bresee Photo

Randall R Bresee

I experimented with photography at a young age and obtained formal photographic training while attending college. My first photography course was limited to black & white imaging using a 4inch x 5inch view camera. I was greatly impressed with the control and exceptional image quality that could be achieved with this approach and I continue to make creative black & white images with a 4x5 camera. I strive to move people emotionally with black and white photographs that depict natural beauty with extremely high technical quality and artistic strength. 

Technique Summary

Images are captured directly in black & white using film of medium speed with sharp-as-a-tack lenses while the camera is secured on a tripod for virtually every image. Swing and tilt camera adjustments are used to optimize focus & perspective and zone system controls are used to optimize film exposure & development to obtain high quality negatives. Each 4x5 film is drum-scanned at high resolution (5,000ppi and 16-bit pixel depth) while wet mounted to achieve a 1 GB digital file. Scanner aperture and other hardware-level adjustments are made prior to each scan to obtain an optimum digital file for each negative. Image files are edited with a color-managed workflow to achieve consistent and predictable printing at high resolution. A 12-pigment inkjet printer is used to obtain archival prints (estimated life is >100years) using three or four black inks and split toning is commonly used to create depth in prints.

Recent Accomplishments

LensWork, No. 97, Dec 2011 - images published  

"The Great Wide Open," feature on Bresee, The Daily Times (Maryville, Tenn), page 7A, Dec 2, 2010

"The Inspirational B&W Work of Seven Photographers," PhotoFidelity-The Art and Science of Photography, Sept 18, 2010 www.photofidelity.com/blog/the-inspirational-bw-work-of-seven-photographers.html

1st Place Award in Photography/Digital Art for "Waves of New Mexico," The Arts Council of Henderson County, North Carolina, June 2010