Welcome to Black Art Photography. My name is Ian C. Minich, creator, visual artist, and photographer. I specialize in a variety of photographic processes and methods, especially the wet plate collodion tintype and ambrotype process, also known as "The Black Art." I also have extensive experience in digital studio photography, Photoshop, and film and darkroom printing techniques. I received my Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree from Utah State University in 2013 where I began my long and extensive exploration into the world of 19th century photographic processes and digital imaging. My work has been showcased and exhibited in group and solo exhibitions nationally in Utah, Louisiana, and Missouri, as well as internationally in Germany and Scotland. I've taught classes in alternative photographic processes at Louisiana State University and given lectures and wet plate workshops at Missouri State University, University of Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Napier University in Edinburgh Scotland.
I offer a very extensive variety of services to my clients. Whether it be a wedding, engagement, family portrait, or a portrait of you with your motorcycle, I can capture it for you in a unique way, directly onto a tangible piece of metal or glass, as well as digitally if that's what you're after. The wet plate process, or "The Black Art," is a photographic process originating from the civil war era in 1863. Utilizing 19th century chemistry, a large format camera, and an ice fishing shelter I've converted into a mobile darkroom, I can shoot just about anywhere and will shoot anything you have in mind for capturing that special person, place, or moment in time. My photographs are tangible and real; not only images but objects to be displayed. I also offer digital photographs if you so desire, instead of, or alongside my tintype photo packages.
I also offer Wet Plate Collodion Photography workshops for aspiring photographers looking to learn outside of the box and beyond the digital photography realm. Please feel free to contact me about any inquiries regarding my art and photography.