Purist Methodology

Robert Christian Malmberg, photographer of these magnificent photos which captured my attention with this methodology of purity. Although Robert uses high end digital cameras for his commercial work, he produces a great deal of outstanding work with his collodion camera, Polariod, and Super 8mm without digital alterations or corrections. Robert Malmberg's work of art is "widely recognized due to the slight, random 'imperfections' associated with alternative mediums and retain an old-world ambiance and atmosphere."

Robert Malmberg graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, then moved to New York to work as an Assistant Photographer in the fashion industry. Upon his discovery with Wet Plate Collodion Era process and various alternative mediums, as well as working in the fashion advertising, Robert opened Collodion Studios in Brooklyn, New York, concentrating on private commissions and editorial. With the success of his studio, Robert expanded his business with a second studio in San Francisco's SOMA district in 2010.

Robert Malmberg is expecting to publish a coffee table book featuring his work in 2011/12, published by AP Limited, and he has directed a feature length documentary titled, "The 2nd Assassination of JFK" which will debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011.

For additional information about Wet Plate Collodion, check out our previous posting with Ken Merfield, and please visit Robert Malmberg's webpage to view his entire portfolio.

Red Orange

Based in San Francisco, California, Alex Varanese grew up with an interest in video games which naturally lead him to study graphic design and software engineering. In the beginning of his career, he concentrated in programming but until recently, returning to his passion in design.

His style is distinct with usage of 3D modeling, vector elements, and Photoshop design combined and layered with typography, and of course, his signature and favorite color palette of red-orange but claims to apply much "retro" yellowing to his work turning his treatment to more of an orange hue. He quoted, "95% of my work starts with an object, scene or abstract design of some kind." With such hard work, his talent has gain noticed, leading him to work with Chevy, Drambuie, Nike, Fortune, and Surface Magazine.

Known for his strong branding, Alex Varanese is open to flexibility and diversity by stating, "I don't expect my client work to necessarily conform to the style of my personal work, however, it's fine if they want to go in a different direction." Alex Varanese continues to work on larger projects as well as motion-based work with a focus on narrative and storytelling, but expect his first publication near the end of this year.