Tuesday, March 14 | Transfer Pizzeria Café 101 W. Mitchell Street
5:30 | Schmooze and Photo Feedback
6:30 | Announcements
6:40 | Feature presentation: Dennis Collins – Alternative Processes
Dennis Collins
Dennis L. Collins is a fine art photographer best known for his mastery of “archaic” and alternative photographic processes. After a lengthy career in commercial and corporate photography, he shifted his focus to the fine arts, specifically reviving rare techniques that emphasize texture and permanence.
Professional Background
Dennis’s professional journey spans over 40 years, moving from corporate assignments to academic and artistic pursuits:
- Corporate Career: He spent 25 years as a photographer for AT&T, specializing in annual reports, advertising, and editorial work he served as the staff photographer for Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.
- Artistic Transition: At the age of 45, he pursued a fine art degree at the Center for Creative Studies (College of Art and Design) in Detroit, where he chose to specialize in the rare carbon printing process for his thesis despite being warned of its difficulty.
Expertise in Carbon Printing
Collins is considered a contemporary expert in carbon transfer printing, a process dating back to the 19th century.
- The Process: It involves using finely ground pigments (carbon) and potassium dichromate. The unhardened pigment is washed away, leaving a permanent image with a distinct relief and a rich tonal range. He was drawn to the “timeless beauty” and physical texture of these prints, which he describes as objects that “beg to be held.”
- Teaching: He frequently hosts workshops (notably at Art Intersection in Arizona) to share his knowledge of this complex medium, hoping to ensure the art form survives.
Collections and Recognition
His works are included in several prominent permanent collections.
Detroit Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, University of Michigan, Oakland University, and private collections.
Schmooze and Photo Reviews
Beginning at 5:30, and going until the meeting starts at 6:30, we will continue to host photo reviews in small groups. Anyone who wishes to participate is encouraged to bring three to five photos to share and discuss. Tablets or laptops are best but prints work too. Join when you arrive, the earlier the better, and enjoy some food and drink at the same time!
