Clarence John Laughlin | Darkroom Initiative

David Armentor and Thom Bennett, under the auspices of St. Veronica’s Photography, have created a print portfolio related to New Orleans master photographer Clarence John Laughlin to pay homage to his memory and to provide a vehicle by which to raise the funds necessary to support the new community darkroom at the New Orleans Photo Alliance. Working in concert with both Longue Vue House and Gardens, and The Historic New Orleans Collection, which houses his archives, the team photographed a collection of Laughlin’s own photo related objects which represent a universal darkroom workflow: camera, enlarger, film holder, chemical bottle, radio, and trash can.

Respecting the gravitas of Laughlin’s work, and to focus on their historic value, the objects were photographed dramatically in a black studio setting with an 8x10 view camera and black & white film. The images are contact printed using Silver Chloride paper, a decision made to represent the time period in which Laughlin worked. A percentage of the funds generated from the sale of the portfolios will be donated to the New Orleans Photo Alliance to maintain the darkroom so that a new generation of darkroom workers can experience the magic of making photo prints using materials much the same as Laughlin had available. A limited edition of Twenty-five portfolios, each containing all six prints matted in 8-ply archival boards and nestled into an archival box, are available.

The pricing structure is as follows:
1-5: $1800
6-10: $2100
11-15: $2400
16-20: $2700
21-25: $3000

Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery