Alex Bond works with film-based, large format, landscape photography in Perth Western Australia. His photographs are created while hiking with his large-format 4×5 field camera.
He continues to use sheet film for its slower pace, because it’s tactile, and for its inherent aesthetics. Although now considered an alternative photographic process, Alex continues his practice of traditional darkroom printmaking, using established archival techniques and procedures. He shares his knowledge and skills through workshops and tuition.
Alex Bond offers a unique collection of traditional hand printed, silver gelatin photographs, exploring the Western Australian landscape. Photographs are available as dry-mounted prints on museum board or as a print only.
“Alex Bond knows when not to take a photograph. His approach to capturing the WA landscape on film is based on patience and attunement. The results have found a worldwide audience.”
Stephen Scourfield, The West Magazine, The West Australian Newspaper
While everyone else had a real job I spent more than 25 years hiking and camping in southwest Western Australia. With my trusty wooden field camera and a few sheets of film, you can find me out on the coast, in the bush or exploring some peak.
I go for long walks. It gives me time to become immersed in my surroundings. In my backpack, I carry my field camera, film, tripod and sometimes a tent and food.
The West has a unique and ancient landscape. Our quality of light is both as hard as it is voluminous. It provides me with a continual challenge to reproduce that quality within the limitations of a photograph.
Film cameras and light sensitive photographic paper
My introduction to large format film landscape photography was in the era of film cameras and light-sensitive photographic paper. Film cameras such as my field camera are very simple and robust. I am frequently working outdoors in rain, dusty or salty conditions. My wooden 4×5 film camera does not require any batteries and is lighter than a digital SLR.
Hand Crafted Silver Gelatin Photographic Prints
I develop my film in a tank and print my photographs in a traditional wet darkroom. By today’s standards, it is neither fast nor easy. But it is a process I maintain to this day. It remains alongside my digital workflow.
Printmaking by hand is the final and possibly most important act in this creative cycle. This level of involvement gives an unquestioning intention and authenticity to a photographer’s works.
I explore my subject over a period of years. I do not plan images, I work to discover. Many of my images fail, but those I’m happy with,
Recent Posts
- Kodak Xtol Stand Development
Kodak Xtol Stand Development with Ilford FP4 and Ilford HP5 films - Burning Dodging Masks for Darkroom Printing
Burning & dodging masks can help you control print exposures within a difficult negative. - Burning Dodging Darkroom Tools
How to make burning and dodging tools for darkroom printing and tips for successful technique. - Sheoak Forest Canning River Perth
Sheoak forest Canning River is a high contrast scene that benefited from stand development and will easily print using a split grade printing technique. - Large-format camera movements
What are large-format camera movements and what do you use them for? What do rise and fall, lens shift, swing and tilt, and Scheimpflug principle mean? - Triptych Storm Clouds Sunset
Triptych Storm Clouds comprises of three panels intended to be displayed together. Available as a print only, framed print or stretched canvas with worldwide shipping available.
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