Robert J Carmody
Photographic Journeyman
I've only got a minute, who are you?
Born March 28th, 1979 Robert has always been a naturally creative spirit captivated by ANY creative endeavor that sounds interesting or challenging. He has established a long career despite being a self-taught photographer, one man video production guy & career designer who dropped out of Daytona State College. Most of his skillz have come from on-the-job situations where he was given little time and guidance to learn new skillsets.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Robert’s current work has at its core a curiosity and exploration of light wavelengths not visible to the human eye. Wet plate collodion processes (commonly referred to as tintypes) are sensitive to the ultraviolet spectrum and digital cameras modified for infrared sensitivity, capture spectrums of light that are beyond a human’s vision. Combining hidden light with his affinity for glass lens formulas that are not necessarily made for standard camera use, Robert ventures in capturing that which exists and can be sensed, but is not seen.
ARTIST BIO
Robert J Carmody
PHOTOGRAPHER, VIDEOGRAPHER, GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND DISCOVERER OF EXPERIMENTAL VISUAL IMAGE-MAKING TECHNIQUES
Born: 1979 - Titusville, Florida
Irish/Dominican
Robert is a self taught photographer & videographer who has been internationally published and now calls Tucson home, which has lead to a resurgence in his photography focused artwork. He is currently the President of the Western Photographic Historical Society, based here in Tucson.
Straight to of High School Robert was employed in Graphic Arts and continued into college studding Graphic Design. Soon after his design work he expanded into digital photography which led him to explore various forms of analog processes from instant film to medium format to large format photography, mainly the historic wet plate collodion process. Curiosity has driven his multi discipline approach to creating images which continues to be self-taught.
Inspiration comes from everyday life, with a Zen approach guiding his study of the “ordinary” searching for extraordinary visuals. Add to that the beauty of people and places, Robert is compelled to see what kinds of engaging images can be created using various processes. Currently Wet Plate Collodion and Digital Infrared photography are the areas of practice and interest.
It’s the process of creating images that is almost more appealing than the subject itself. Is it a challenge? Does it need a unique angle or aesthetic? Does capturing the needed image sound just plane fun, then Robert is down to see what can be done. This curious, Zen like approach guides him on a path of photographic discovery that is anything but a straight line.
The Wet Plate Collodion processes, commonly referred to as “tintypes”, can be created on metal or glass (Ambrotype if on glass). It has a sense of beautiful chaos and unpredictable results with no two plates being the same. It’s a meticulous process to create an “instant” image with no negatives or transfers, truly one of a kind. The material is actually inside the camera and every time you expose an image, it’s not exactly the same as the previous image. It’s an almost magical process to witness first hand, to see a engaging image appear within seconds right before your eyes. For the subject having your portrait made in a tintype is more an experience than just something you pose for.
Being immediately hooked after making his very first plate here in Tucson, Robert knew this would be a long running exploration and learning process. He had found the hardest way yet to make a photograph and couldn’t be more thrilled to dive in with the curiosity of a child having received a shiny new toy to cherish.
Robert’s design, video & photographic work has been published in numerous national and international skydiving industry publications, videos and websites. Before that, a brief stint in the world of NASCAR during which he spent time photographing and designing for the legendary Richard Petty Enterprises. His work has even found its way into a Hollywood action movie. These days the ability to explore these artistic photographic adventures is supported by photo & video production roles in military training exercises around Tucson, but as you probably guessed, those works never get to see the light of day.