ABOUT THIS DOMAIN
Welcome to my domain, Makeshiftdarkroom.com. Photography has always been one of my passions. Here is where that passion is collectively assembled. This site showcases some of my finest photographic works; an online gallery of my best images as well as many other fun and informative links. This is my domain, my virtual play ground, and represents the sphere of all that is "Photographically" Ron Medeiros. I invite you to Bookmark / Favorites the home page and return here often for a look at my frequently updated "Latest Work" page.
Home > Exposures > Latest Work
All serious photographers have their own approach to photography. Makeshiftdarkroom.com takes the position that fine art photography, in it's truest sense, should include the complete use of the available controls within the entire system of photography. These controls include, not only the camera, but the all important refinement of post-production. It is through the use of these controls, in their entirety, that the creative photographer critically executes the fine finished image. Using this approach, the photographer's unique personal touch is entirely involved in the art of "making" a photograph, from start to finish. This, over the years, has been my approach to photography. Each photograph in my gallery is mine alone, and has been painstakingly refined to represent my highest standard of image quality. For many, photography primarily involves the camera. Those who emphasize the "in camera" approach to photography often entrust post-production to automation, someone else, or avoid it altogether. Although this practice is common, I do not believe it represents the entire system of creative photography.
ABOUT THE NAME
FINE PRINTS OUT OF MAKESHIFT MEANS
Why did I choose the name Makeshift Darkroom? It characterizes my earlier formative years practicing photography in the darkroom. No better word than "makeshift" could be used to describe every home darkroom I have ever had. Yet, this was where my work was done. In a crude setting with only the bare essentials like running water, an enlarger, print trays, and a safe light I would mix my chemistry and undertake printing sessions that would last late into the evenings. This is where I learned the art of fine print making.
I chose the darkroom theme as it best reflects my "creative control" approach to photography. The darkroom is where creative control lives; it is where photographs are made. The darkroom has always been my favorite part of photography, making up most of the creative process. Having spent thousands of hours working under the safe light, I have been as much at home in the darkroom as anywhere else. Custom printing my own photographs, to me, is quintessential to the photographic process. Carefully composing and capturing images with a camera is very important, but is only the first part of photography. The creative controls available in the darkroom are indispensable to making good exposures into fine photographs. This is what puts the "fine" in fine art photography. "Fine print quality is king"!
In more recent years I have strongly embraced digital photography and this same principle holds true. The "digital darkroom" has given me exceptional control and freedom in the world of color photography. The control I have enjoyed in the black and white darkroom is now afforded, to an even greater degree, in glorious color. I just love working with both of these mediums. Any print making skills I have acquired have come out of the countless hours spent rocking trays in the "makeshift darkroom". I have fond memories of all the late nights in the amber light watching the images emerge in the developer. The name "Makeshift Darkroom", therefore, is a very fitting title to encompass all that is "photographically" Ron Medeiros.
Hence my personal domain
