Our alternative photographic processes
About Studio OAF
Trained in silver gelatin photography too long ago! Colin Dyson, founder of Studio OAF, can boast a long and varied career in the artistic world and beyond..
In recent years, he has rekindled his passion for traditional photographic methods and ventured into the realm of alternative photography. Recent advancements in the field of digital printing of negatives and a better understanding of the chemistry have made these old processes more accessible, which has encouraged Colin to delve deeper into their subtleties..
The OAF Studio offers bespoke alternative photography printing services and limited edition prints of Colin's works. This is just the beginning; future projects include expanding to other alternative photographic techniques such as Kallitype, Vandyke, and Argyrotypes. Stay tuned for updates!
Salt Printing
Salt printing, developed by William Henry Fox Talbot in the 1830s, is one of photography’s earliest techniques. Known for its soft, delicate textures and warm, earthy tones, it creates images with a distinctive, organic feel that modern processes simply can’t replicate..
The process involves coating paper with a salt solution, sensitising it with silver nitrate, and exposing it to light. Toning with gold or other noble metals enhances the final image, adding depth, cooler or warmer hues, and increasing archival stability. The result is a photograph with timeless character and elegance.
Do you want to see your own photos come to life through salt printing? We offer personalised printing services that transform your digital images into handcrafted works of art. Each print is made with the utmost care, ensuring that your memories are preserved through the beauty and authenticity of this historic process. In the shop, we also offer a range of salt prints created by Studio OAF..
The cyanotype
Cyanotype is a historic photographic process, first developed by Sir John Herschel in 1842. Recognisable by its rich, Prussian-blue hues, cyanotype produces images with a striking, graphic quality that feels both vintage and contemporary. It’s simple yet magical, with every print being completely unique.
The technique involves coating paper with a light-sensitive solution, placing a negative or object on top, and exposing it to sunlight. After washing the print in water, the image emerges in vivid blue. Toning with natural materials like tea or wine can soften the colour, creating beautiful variations from slate grey to warm browns..
We offer a customised cyanotype printing service that transforms your images into handcrafted works of art. In the shop, we also offer a range of cyanotype prints created by Studio OAF.