Audio By Carbonatix
Folks take sooo much for granted when it comes to modern-day still photography. All digital shutterbugs gotta do is frame their shot, release the shutter, and look at a screen to decide whether or not to retake. So easy and low-stress.
But where’s the fun in that instant-gratification crap? Imagine working in photography during the 1800s, known today as alternative processes that feature maybe a 50 percent success rate. Plus, there’s all that death-potential stuff like breathing in harmful chemicals and hauling around backbreaking materials, which, to us, corresponds to a good time.
By these standards, Mark Osterman, a non-silver photo-process historian at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film, may be the most fun photo cat you’ll ever meet. In his “Artifacts of a Curious Mind” exhibit at Tilt Gallery, Osterman showcases mind-blowing, 1850s-era ambrotypes. It’s a process that’s not only a real bitch, but carries a constant risk of conflagrating. Cool.
Fri., April 10, 6-10 p.m., 2009
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
