Ian Ruhter, Alchemist

I think it would be hard to fully appreciate Ian Ruhter without watching this.

He doesn’t just make photographs, he captures moments.

His goal with his Silver & Light project is to connect the people and places of America through the lens of his camera and social networking sites.

Each of Ruhter’s one-of-a-kind images, averaging in size from 18″ to 36″, is created with the wet-plate photography method using a giant camera that he built himself.

The goal was not to build the world’s biggest camera but to do what he loved. The camera was necessary because he is interested in creating only large-scale original prints, not enlargements.

He’s so passionate about his work that it’s cost him everything — his entire life savings to do what he loves. He goes for broke each time with no guarantee of successful pictures, let alone sales.

If you had been searching your whole life for something you loved and you found it, what would you be willing to sacrifice?

Follow Ian Ruhter’s Silver & Light project on Tumbler or connect with him on Facebook to see his most current photographs and events.

All images copyright Ian Ruhter, via his web site and Tumbler.

Tags: artist, black and white, do what you love, giant camera, ian ruhter, landscape photos, photography, portraiture, silver and light project, truck camera, wet plate collodial

9 thoughts on “Ian Ruhter, Alchemist”

El Guapo on September 17, 2013 at 11:06 am said:

Wow! Some of those pictures are stunning!
And with his passion, I’m guessing even during the rough stretches, it’s enough to sustain him.

Reply ↓
- Laura on September 17, 2013 at 12:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks Guap! I love the video because I think it gives such an accurate sense of what it’s like to take risks and have no one but yourself to blame for failure or congratulate for success. How being a creative is equal parts self-doubt and inspiration, constantly battling one to keep the other alive.
  
  Reply ↓
  - El Guapo on September 17, 2013 at 1:00 pm said:
    
    That last line is a perfect description!
    
    Reply ↓
Stacie Chadwick on September 17, 2013 at 12:40 pm said:

Incredible! Thanks for sharing Laura!!!

Reply ↓
- Laura on September 17, 2013 at 12:56 pm said:
  
  Aw, thanks Stacie. I get so excited and inspired by other people’s stories sometimes that I just have to spread ’em around. 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
lepburpsgarlic on September 17, 2013 at 5:17 pm said:

Thanks. Thank God for the creative and loving people who are willing to sacrifice everything in order to bring the rest of us clarity and vision.

Reply ↓
- Laura on September 18, 2013 at 11:36 am said:
  
  🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Ginger on September 18, 2013 at 6:07 am said:

Thank you Laura for sharing this. It is beautiful

Reply ↓
- Laura on September 18, 2013 at 11:35 am said:
  
  I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Ginger. I thought he was too special NOT to share!
  
  Reply ↓