Arts: The 19th Century?s Instagram

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Behold The 19th Century's Instagram By David Rosenberg Posted Thursday, Nov 15, 2012, at 02:30 PM ET Behold is Slate's brand-new photo blog. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @beholdphotos and on Tumblr. Learn what this space is all about here. While most photographers have transitioned from film to digital photography, Harry Taylor decided on a different route—one that led him to the mid-19th century and the world of wet plate collodion process photography. It's a messy, labor intensive process that involves long wait times, dangerous chemicals, and little margin of error, but for Taylor it's pretty much perfect. "For most people, making a great image with HDR [high dynamic range] or Instagram … is a great way to work," said Taylor. "I work that way too, but for me I do love to see the image appear in the solution. I love the starting regime of working with big cameras, ancient optics, and long exposures." Taylor initially became interested in wet plates while taking care of his mother, who was sick with cancer. During the long hours in the hospital, Taylor began rereading his favorite books about his photography heroes, including Robert Frank, Garry Winogand, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, among others. Taylor realized in hindsight he was getting in touch with his roots and preparing for what he would do next. After his mother passed away, Taylor says, "I found a spark in the grieving that carried me to the place I needed to be." Initially a film photographer with a passion for 4x5 and 8x10 formats, Taylor became disenchanted ... To continue reading, click here. Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum What did you think of this article? POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES Also In Slate Meet Second-Term Obama The Real Romney Nintendo's New Console Will Change How You Watch Television	Advertisement
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