Michael Stipek

I photograph all my own work, either on location or as still lifes in my studio using a medium format (2 1/4 x 2 1/4 ) Hassleblad 500CM camera system and Kodak and AGFA film. I hand-print my own photographs with a Kodak Acculite enlarger using Kodak type “RA-4” paper and chemistry.

I also do all of my own matting and framing, conforming to archival standards. One very part-time assistant does most of the heat-sensitive dry mounting of the photographs.

The combination of fine art training and the ability to print my own color photography enables me to pursue and secure on film the essence of an image. My work captures a sense of warmth, beauty and composition that few have achieved. In my creative process I strive for a balance between simplicity of composition, strength of color and natural lighting techniques that lead observers to believe they are viewing paintings rather than photography.