I have worked as a photographer my whole adult life; 45 years of making pictures.  For the last 26 years, I have been lucky enough to spend my days working as a fine art photographer. More specifically, working as a photographer who photographed using large-format cameras and made platinum prints from the sheet film negatives. Many of you have collected these platinum prints over the years. Some of you have learned platinum printing from me along the way.

I love the process, and I have loved every minute of this period in my work. Platinum printing is an amazing and beautiful way to make photographs.

For the last nine years, I have started working to make photogravure prints – polymer plate photogravure prints, to be specific. I worked to learn the process, decided I wanted to make a change, and made a commitment to working as a printmaker making photogravure prints. You all know me as a person who likes handmade photography. Handmade objects are at the heart of my photographic journey, and printmaking is all of that, and more. I have, in the last year, added letterpress and hand-made fine press books to my list of favorite things.  These objects will continue to hold my fascination for many years.

Working under the imprint Cascabel Press, my time now revolves around hand-pulled printmaking and book arts. I am excited and passionate about it, and I hope y’all will get excited with me! Photogravure prints are beautiful, and this type of printmaking has a long, rich history. These objects are ink on paper with so many variables: the paper I use, the color of the ink I choose, and adding some very interesting techniques such as chine collé that give each print a unique look. Mix in typography, letterpress printing, and book binding, and I am truly “living the dream.”

I hope you will look me up and continue on this journey with me.

Be well,

Ray