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Inside Analog Photo presents a variety of radio and tv programs geared towards traditional photographic processes for enthusiasts and professionals. Inside Analog Photo content includes the latest news, in-depth interviews, product reviews, event coverage, and tips featuring special guests representing the industry's best traditional photography experts. Hear it and see it with Inside Analog Photo, the only traditional photographic radio and tv program available today.

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Episode 008: Ctein

November 15, 2008

Ctein - Premier Dye Transfer Printer

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Tags: Alternative, Darkroom, Photographer, Printing



Ctein has a double-degree from Caltech in English and Physics, and has written over 250 articles and manuals on photographic topics. Also we has done research in everything from solar astronomy to the seventy-year-old dye transfer printmaking process. He has also made new discoveries about ordinary black-and-white photographic printing.

In his heart of hearts, Ctein an artist. Kodak made him their PPA Featured Photographer in 1983, and everyone who has seen his work declares it unparalleled. The editor of the magazine PHOTO Techniques wrote of his work, "Ctein may well be one of America’s most accomplished unknown photographers."

Ctein does have an international reputation as one of the premier photographic printers alive; in fact, experts at Kodak at one time declared him to be the finest color printer, bar none. For many years his printing skills have been in great demand by others.

Ctein is currently one of a handful of photographers in the world who can still make dye transfer prints. When Kodak stopped making dye transfer printing materials, he installed deep-freezers in his home and took the unprecedented step of purchasing a multi-year supply of the necessary films, dyes, papers and chemicals. Ctein is one of the few people left who can create these wonderful photographs.


Ctein's portfolio of dye transfer photographs now numbers about 300. His style has been described as "landscape", but the subject matter is as diverse as his interests are. There is the traditional western scenery, of course, but it happily coexists with subject matter ranging from nighttime urban architecture to the Space Shuttle, from the interiors of caves to the aurora borealis, from comets and eclipses to animals in zoos and aquariums.

What ties his work together is a consistent and coherent artistic vision. Ctein has managed to build up a growing following among collectors and lovers of fine photography, despite very little gallery or professional representation.
Be sure to visit Ctein's web site to find out more about what he is up to.  www.ctein.com