Tonal Alteration Technique
An homage to black and white nude photography.
“Tonal alteration” is far from a straightforward photographic technique. Although very close to black and white photography, this process uses hints of warm and cool colors to set a mood. I begin with a camera, then use a computer. Although I transform the colors with software, the process requires human input, often requiring several hours to achieve the desired effect in each part of a given image.
The resulting toning often closely resembles monochrome techniques. When I was earning my art degree in college, I studied classic chemical processes applied to black and white fiber based papers. I was inspired to create images which resemble selenium, sepia, and platinum. Other techniques are reminiscent of early non-color images such as cyanotype, calotype or daguerreotype. A selection of two or more colors are mapped across the darks and lights of the image. To produce these digital compositions, I build on my training in traditional wet-chemical film photography processing, toning, and tinting. I typically spend many hours further adjusting the intensity in select areas in a process that succeeds hand-painting.
I remove color from an image to draw the viewer through the shapes and lines of the composition. A monochrome artwork eliminates the distraction of color. I add subtle (multi-tonal) colors to the monochrome image to compel an emotional reaction. Reducing an image to near-monochrome brings it closer to its abstract components–the heart of any artwork.
Viewing a (nearly) colorless image, free from the seductive spectrum of hues, is a more serious-feeling pursuit. It’s a contemporary twist on a timeless tradition. Black and white predates photography, with grisaille painting, printmaking, ink, and graphite drawings.
Glossary:
Black and white photography: shades of gray with no color.
Monochrome photography: Varying tones of a single color.
Cool gray: A color close to neutral gray, with hints of blue, purple, or turquoise.
Warm gray: A color close to neutral gray, with hints of red, orange, or yellow.
Showing 1–15 of 62 results
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Fille dans une ombre feuillue 3/5
Edition of 6 ~ 24×36 inches
$950.00 -
Arecales Umbra Femina 5/10
Edition of 10 ~ 20×30 inches
$650.00 -
Beach Prelude
Edition of 5 ~ 20×30 inches
$650.00 -
Counterpoise 4/15
Edition of 15 ~ 20×30 inches
$650.00 -
Kaylee, Back 2/10
Edition of 10 ~ 16×11 inches
$200.00 -
Lofted Manila
Edition of 4 ~ 40×26.7 inches
$1,400.00 -
The Likeness of Julie
Edition of 3 ~ 36×24 inches
$950.00 -
Parking (mmxx)
Edition of 6 ~ 27×18 inches
$425.00 -
Hose Seventeen
Edition of 5 ~ 24 x 16 inches
$300.00 -
Emily, Brewhouse Tank 6/25
Edition of 25 ~ 10×7 inches
$150.00 -
Emily on the Bridge 2/10
Edition of 10 ~ 20×16 inches
$300.00 -
Tropical Shade 2/5
Edition of 5 ~ 30×20 inches
$650.00 -
Essex House, View from Central Park 2/10
Edition of 10 ~ 24×16 inches
$300.00 -
The Graceful and the Unyielding
Edition of 10 ~ 36×24 inches
$950.00 -
Brew Forward
Edition of 5 ~ 30 x 20 inches
$650.00