Fine Art Photography & Mixed Media Artwork
by Shannon & Colleen Graham
of S&C Design Studios
About The Darkroom Artists
Darkroom Artist features the fine art photography and mixed media artwork of Shannon and Colleen Graham (just call us "S&C" — we're OK with that!), specialists in traditional black and white film photography. The team's work is often experimental with a modern art twist, and the original silver gelatin prints are created in the darkroom at S&C Design Studios.
The vision is one thing, and the technique is another.
The physical process and chemical reaction of producing silver gelatin prints are among the most fascinating transformations that a person can witness. It is at that moment — as the latent image slowly appears in the developer tray — when the true magic of photography comes to life. That is the point in which you know that every step you have taken along the way, every detail that you picked at, and every bit of perfection that you demanded was not in vain.
We invite you to step into our world...
It's a visual journey in which form, contrast, and light are more important than the subject. Our artwork reflects decades of experience in the medium and a true passion for keeping its traditional techniques alive. Of course, once you learn all the rules of any art form, it's time to break them! That is where many of the pieces take a fascinating turn.
The more abstract and non-traditional pieces have been described as "simply captivating," "rustic industrial," and "moody" by art collectors. Some do not involve a camera, while others employ mixed media techniques that morph photography and painting with various media. Each print is entirely unique, and that makes the artistic journey so much more interesting...the results are what fuel our creative journey and go beyond any preconceived boundaries.
The Artwork on View
Any piece of artwork is better experienced in person, and that is definitely true of a silver gelatin print. The often rare and unique papers we choose have a different feel; a texture, depth, and tonal range that is challenging to fully convey online.
The Viewing Experience
"The contrast is so much deeper and complex, the textural elements added by the different papers are very different when experienced in real life. These things are not as vivid when portrayed in the digital realm." - Lisa Pooré, Sculptor, New England
Galleries, Art Shows, & Inquiries
Experience our artwork for yourself. We regularly show in galleries and travel to the best art festivals in the Midwest. Event listings will be announced on social media as they're booked, and in-person studio visits are always welcome. Of course, you can contact us directly to inquire about any piece of art you see on the site or our social media pages. Our primary purpose as artists is to make photographic art that brings years of enjoyment to someone else. We do not "take" photographs, we "create" them, and we we want to share that experience with you.
You can also view our profile on the Iowa Artist Directory to learn about more of the art services we offer.
Connect With S&C
Thank you for viewing our artwork at DarkroomArtist.com.
Many pieces of original art featured on this site are available for sale, and we hope you consider adding one to your collection. Email is the best way to contact us at the studio; please note the piece's title that interests you.
We also welcome other comments or inquiries, so please feel free to reach out. Simply drop a note, and we'll get back to you soon.
All the best,
Shannon & Colleen
S&C Design Studios LLC
