Peter Liepke

The Show



My working process begins by photographing with a 100 year old 4x5 Graphlex Super D camera, and a homemade modified lens. I always shoot handheld, and rarely use a tripod with conventional Tri X film developed in Rodinal diluted 1:25.The developed 4x5 sheet film is then scanned it into Photoshop to remove dust marks, improve contrast, burn dodge etc, and determine the final crop of the image.Rarely if ever do I perform extensive Photoshop work to the image, my goal is to keep the look texture, and integrity of the original image.Once I am satisfied with what I see on the monitor I invert the image, and print an enlarged digital inkjet paper negative on the Epson 4000 printer.
 
After the digital negative has been printed, I let the ink dry for a few moments and then wax the back of the paper to make it more translucent.It is at this stage the newly waxed paper negative is ready to be contact printed to any of the alternative processes of my choice.I believe that the image always dictates the process, so it is also at this stage that I experiment in finding out which process would compliment the image best. Some of my favorite print making methods are Gum Bichromate, Platinum Palladium, Oil/Bromoil and combination printing.

A must read is "The Book of Alternative Processes" by Christopher James.


By: Peter Liepke





Peter Liepke has been involved in photography for well over twenty years both commercially, and in fine art. After growing up in Minneapolis, he moved to Los Angeles California, attending the Art Center College of Design as photography major. He has operated commercial studios both in Los Angeles, and New York City.

His first solo exhibition was held in 1997 at The Museum of Television & Radio in New York. His work is now represented in many galleries across the country.
Presently Mr. Liepke resides in upstate New York with his wife, and two sons.
Utilizing waxed paper negatives, he enjoys using the rare and challenging turn of the century alternative printing processes for his medium such as Bromoil, Platinum Palladium, and Gum Bichromate.
His articles, and photographs have been featured in PHOTOGRAPHIS, GRAPHIS Showcase, Photo District News, B&W magazine, The Photo Review, View Camera, Silvershots, Photographic Possibilities, The Book of Alternative Processes and numerous other publications.

Peter Liepke's website