La Tumba De Familia Pena (The Pena Family Tomb), Panteon General, Ciudad de Oaxaca, Mexico, El Dia de Los Muertos (The day of the Dead), Silver Gelatin Print by Martin M Stone

Paper size; 16" x 20"

Image area; 12" x 17.5"

From the Artist;

Over the past 34 years, my work has included commissioned portraits, commercial photography, landscapes, nudes, nature studies, still life and photo documentaries. All my photographs are made the 'old fashioned' way, in a darkroom, using only the finest photographic materials and techniques -- including archival photographic printing and processing.

For me, black and white photography has the unique ability to affect and inspire through the expression of contrast, drama, beauty, and tension. I also love the democracy of photography - as the nature of the medium provides an affordable way for ordinary people to collect original works of art, Finally, the long-lived nature of archival black and white fine prints (many hundreds of years), ensure that others will be able to enjoy, desire, and collect works of art that resonate through time.

Former instructor of photography, my work has been widely published (American Photo, yellow silk, the sun, shots, etc).

About the materials and process;

All of the prints being offered for sale were printed more than 20 years ago. Some more than 30 years old. they all look as clean and crisp as the day they were printed, which is a testament to the archival quality of their printing and post-processing treatment. None of the photographic paper that was available then is available now. There are no more of these prints available for sale and no more can or will be printed.

While the photographic paper used may vary (i.e. glossy, matte, or brand), all prints are made on 100% rag (cotton) double-weight, premium, pure white photographic paper, covered with photosensitive silver suspended in gelatin. Each print has been fixed twice, with the second fix in a solution of pure hypo. Each print is then washed and toned in a selenium solution that archives the print. Each print is then washed for an hour to remove all chemicals, air dried, and finally heat pressed. Some papers turn a warm red/brown color when toned, while others turn a more cold blue/black tone. The choice of paper and reaction when toned is a key decision, as it should help set the "tone" or mood of the photo.