Printmaking Process

Melding analog craftsmanship and digital technology to make timeless prints.

Hassleblad camera on the coast of Ireland

In the Field

Using medium format film cameras and shooting with classic black and white film stock, I explore the landscape looking for images. Sometimes this is chest deep in 40 degree water or standing at the edge of an active volcano.

Review & Selection

After film development, reviewing and archiving film is a process that can take weeks or years. Images sometimes show themselves immediately but for the most part this is a process that takes a considerable amount of time. Often projects are at varying stages. I may make new images and not review them for 6 months while I work on other projects.

Drum Scanning, Editing, & Digital Negative

Now to the digital side of the process. After an image is selected for inclusion in my catalog it is sent away for drum scanning. Each drum scan produces a gigabyte size high resolution file that can be printed in great detail. Edits to these image files are made digitally and a “digital negative” is made for contact printing.

Platinum Palladium Printing

Back to the analog process of platinum palladium print making. Created in the 1870’s, this process is the most archival photographic printing process available. The tonal range and depth are unrivaled by modern inkjet printers. This process creates one of a kind, collectable prints.

Finishing & Display

The back part of my studio is a woodshop where I have made hundreds of frames for professional photographers across the world, under the name Saw & Mitre Frame Company. Using only American hardwoods such as walnut, maple, and oak, I handcraft each frame.

I also source only the highest quality archival matting and materials for finishing my frames.

How To Purchase A Print

  • Each print is available in two sizes and prices:

    8” x 8” : $400 or 12” x 12” : $800

    Each print is limited to an edition of 12. Larger sizes, up to 40” x 40” are available upon request. I personally make each print in my studio using Arches Platine paper. Due to the nature of Platinum Palladium printing, each print will vary slightly in tone and appearance.

    Pricing does not include framing or shipping costs.

    Turnaround time: 3 - 4 weeks

  • Framing is available for each print upon request. Each frame is made in my workshop using quality American hardwoods such as walnut, maple, and oak. See my framing work at www.sawandmitre.com or reach out to me directly

  • If you are interested in purchasing a print, please reach out to me directly via the following email address with the title or a screenshot. I will then confirm your order, provide a shipping estimate and send a PayPal invoice.

    david@davidrathbone.com

    (Response times may be a bit slow at times.)

    Any image published via this website, Instagram, or book is available for purchase.