Monochrome Photographs

Using 8 x 10 glass slides for this series, Robert Sanders set out to photograph Death Valley from non-traditional angles and using styles requiring modifications to the early stands used to hold cameras. He would spend hours creating angular brackets to hold his camera to capture unseen angles.

One is able to define the grains of sand in this photograph.. From a distance and up-close, the definition is evident in ways pixels can't compete with. This photograph looks amazing in all types of print styles. Most people prefer high quality paper to retain the classic look with increased depth of shadows. .  

Large Format slides were used to capture the snowy downfall that graces Kern County seldom now; more so when this photograph was taken. It represents a weather that is reminiscent of a time when seasons took on a 'classic' look and feel. The distinct patterns in the snow, the rich shades of black are telling signs this is truly large format beauty; bold and dynamic. 

The shades and shadows are incredibly dark, contrasting the bright white sky of imminent snowfall. Timed shutter speed, controlled exposure and careful darkroom development encompasses the photo by balancing exposure while revealing the effects of the two extremes. 

This monochrome benefits differently from from paper than it will acrylic and metal. Paper will deliver a classic glossy look, delivering a finish exactly like original. Acrylic and metal will increase the contrast and provide an extraordinarily bold appearance ion comparison. It will stand out in a room. 

'Old School' represents a time and era long gone. Junkyards have become museums partially fulfilling curiosities of the past leaving much to the imagination. This relic shows remnants of Dust Bowl era lifestyle, outlining makeshift truck beds, farmhand built quarters tucked within a fraction of an acre, making as much room as possible for farm and livestock. If you wanted something done, you made it yourself. Quality was not in question; proving the relics in this photo were made the 'Old School' way.

This photograph is intended to present itself in a classic style; best suited on high quality papers and canvas. A significant restoration brought this photo back to life in a way that shows medium contrast while giving full representation to shadows and subtle tones. It looks almost three dimension with dedicated light. 

Time always wins. Nothing can beat it, not even the ancient trees that stood for hundreds of years before they would lay themselves to rest, one by one as centuries of seasons greeted and parted. This example was captured by Robert Sanders, who had originally seen the fallen tree years before, knowing a little more time was needed before the moment arrived to capture the image. Eventually, the moment revealed itself; exposing the roots in retreat, wooded and laid to rest. 

This detailed example of nature's work is rich in texture and benefits from fine paper or canvas, balancing details and contrast as intended when photographed. 

Long & Winding road is a classic example of Robert Sanders' love for the unknown, whatever is ahead will remain in the dark until discovered. It was a staple in his photography methods; communicating the romance the unknown can provide; leaving the imagination to experience the vacillation of curiosity, fear and an infinite supply of possibilities. Trees shroud the pathway to the end, like soldiers at attention; escorting you to your destination. 

This photo is a large representation of dynamics meant to stand tall. It looks amazing on metal and acrylic, touting dark and sultry qualities one usually can not capture in a larger piece. A heavier contrast brings out the differences of darks, increasing depth of field.

Mono Lake is a moving evolution, always a work-in-progress. It changes year to year, giving each photo its own unique qualities. Mono Lake was a different scene when this photograph was taken. Rock formations, water levels and land situations were all different. This era is widely known for its captures of Mono Lake. The formations and variations of length and form has given the location an historic status. 

This photograph looks beautiful on a glossy application, whether it is a quality gloss paper or a deep acrylic base. The reflection stands out with each stage of depth you decide to choose from. Any size delivers a potent amount of black to white, attracting the eye in any light. 

No footprint, not a single disturbance. Nature's art was left alone and respected when this photograph was captured. The wind, over the course of weeks, form patterns like this in the sand. There are very few that cross this area; leaving no trace of any presence. 

This photograph looks excellent in oversized print, metal or acrylic; giving a metallic style glow of the sand granules. Paper and canvas applications are excellent for original style presentation, showing the accentuations of each curve and contrast. There is a 'smokey' type of shadowing effect that takes place using canvas. 

Small tucked away places that existed years ago, with clean waters cascading down to small creeks and riverbeds, working its way around small fishing shacks that look to be hand-built from the 1920s era. Balance Rock is nestled in the Kern Hills, in an area not friendly to overnight stays; knowing someone is a must. This is an area forever dedicated to hiding itself from the potential of fellow admirers. 

This photograph is an early long-exposure style photo, leaving the shutter opened for a prolonged period of time to capture a smooth flowing pattern of the waterfall. This photograph is best viewed on a semi-gloss paper or canvas application; bringing out the smooth and subtle tones the long exposure style brings. 

Robert Sanders shared the same philosophy as his photography partner; 'make the photo'. Using darkroom techniques stemming from years of light experimentation, he set out to bring new styles of photography. He had visited this area many times before, taking notes on various areas the sun would hit, knowing ideal moments as he learned. This photograph was taken years after he began learning the timely beauties of the Sierras. 

This is a high contrast photograph, requiring subtle light on a matte finish of paper or canvas. The dark to light ratio is profound, giving it most benefit to a dark room with indirect light.

The California Desert is vast and it is hard to understand its vibe unless you have seen it for yourself. This example of footprints in the sand gives the message of, "You are on the wrong path." It also presents itself as a message of how little it takes, just one person, to disrupt miles of desert. When developing in the darkroom, the shadows of the footprints were focused on, making sure the difference between sand and step has a clear distinction while the rest of the photo remains well defined and blended. 

This photograph is beautiful on a glossy finish, whether paper or metal, this will be a significant addition to any wall, any color. Acrylic will bring out the bold contrasts more, giving more depth to the darks while adding a slight additional gloss overall. 

Still Waters are calming and not easy to capture during Fall, but my grandfather managed to do it. The collection of leaves are just making themselves known around the rock, while accompanying leaves finish their cycles of life before completing their journey into the water. The tones of the wood begin to change, drying out before meeting the cold frost of Early Winter. Branches take on a more angular look as they begin to prepare for the next shift in weather, bowing out until Spring when it will be full of greenery and wildlife. 

This photograph is best suited in a large size print, preferably in a metal or acrylic application. It is a higher contrast piece, accentuating the reflective values in the water and bringing out the texture in the leaves. This photo looks excellent against white and solid colors.

Central California is rich with history and when these photographs were taken, the elements of wear had only just started its years long decay, leaving traces only to see now. Railcars, abandon homes and Victorian relics were spread throughout the valleys, giving my grandfather some incredible subjects to work with. 

This photo looks great in any size, best represented on a very high quality semi-gloss or canvas. The semi-gloss allows for the textures of wood to come through without being glazed over, giving a dimension depth from the opening of the train, working its way outward. 

Wind in the Fall; brushing up against the trees gives a gentle push to let go, giving the leaves a direct path to the end of their purpose. Color changes, Fall hues, the colder climate make for the most beautiful reminder Winter is to follow. This photo gives a dreamscape to nature's beauty; with a purposeful lens blur to accentuate the feelings he associated with the vibe that comes with the season. 

This photograph takes on multiple styles based on the material it is printed on. Metal and acrylic provide the gloss and bring the trees out to the forefront more while paper and canvas give a classical with hints of a rustic feel. 

There is no wi-fi in the desert, but the connection is better. The desert relies on you for all the noise. It is quiet; leaving even groups of people feeling alone. It offers a vacuum of traffic, giving you enough solitude to last. The desert reveals a visual kinship to other planets, giving photographers patterns, hills and vast openness to work with. My grandfather relied heavily on vibes and patterns, hoping that his photographs would leave the viewer feeling cold in Winter, or feeling alone in the desert; creating a place for the viewer inside the photograph. 

This photograph has sharp details, giving it plenty of choices for print. Traditional glossy would give this a classic look, rich with detail and a sense of elegance. Metal and Acrylic would provide a much bolder appearance with an equal amount of definition. 

Peace & Love, inhale & exhale; it's the same thing when among nature. The sense of peace the forest provides comes with an understanding that love and respect are reciprocal in all ways. The understanding of preservation being a two-way situation is a clear message; breathing in fresh air provided directly to you, from the source that rounds the experience with visual beauty not to be taken for granted. The message of untouched land brings a collective appreciation allowing for everyone to see. 

This photograph is amazing under a dedicated light; being one of the few monochrome photos that provides a warmth to the area. This photograph looks best on Acrylic or Metal in large sizes. Paper in a high gloss will be better for smaller prints, giving it a sharp and detailed image.

This photograph represents light, the effect it has when laying itself upon the natural settings. It reveals itself as an art form, glowing, giving shadows and scales of light only to be picked up with monochrome film. Photographing it from a lower angle, giving backlit leaves the center stage to a landscape setting that was given a wealth of treatment in the darkroom. 

Acrylic and Metal give this photograph all the representation it needs to be the main focus in any room. The contrast is rich and gives the backlit leaves a clear presence while striking up against the darkness of its neighboring tree. Paper and canvas give this a glossy finish that provides elegance, appropriate for any setting with an added benefit using indirect light. 

Classic Winter settings in the hillsides of Kern County, weighing down limbs and branches, packed with snow providing intensities of various grayscales throughout the photo. The stillness of the water gives accurate reflection properties, mirroring the surroundings. The snow lined trees and ground, reveal bits of mystery in the darkness behind it, leaving a sense of curiosity that the photograph produces. 

This photograph is available in Acrylic and Metal. Paper will deliver a classic look, however the harder surfaces bring out the depth and black tones that give this photograph a multi-dimensional feel.

The feeling of cold comes through with this photograph, showing the frigid air and clouds gathering around the mountain tops while the reflection in the ice cold water sits still from the micro-layer of ice that separates it from the current. He used stillness to represent the frigid temperatures, knowing how everything comes to a stop when freezing. The implementation of critical visionary thoughts always became a planned photograph, waiting hours, up to months to get that right vibe. 

Every approach to this photo is profound; giving the sense of cold, with strong reflections displaying the sky and clouds. The larger this photo is, the more striking it becomes. There is no loss of detail at any size. Paper always delivers the original classic look, while the Acrylic gives an entirely new level of depth and contrast.

Being in the mountains, walking through unknown territories and mapping your way as you go, gives new definition to the word 'Faith'. When walking through a new area, dark with very little knowledge of your surroundings, the light is sought to guide the way home. When the light is first seen, hope turns back into faith and the peppering of illumination lets you know help is on the way.

This photograph has infinite possibilities on paper, metal, acrylic and canvas. Each application allows for characteristics to come through ranging from definition to the soft glow of the light as it marks the leaves. This print looks excellent as a stand-alone or in a group of other photos. It works best as a center-piece given the striking contrasts it reveals.