Do you do your own darkroom work?
Yes, since 1948 I have always done all of my darkroom work.
What type of cameras do you use? And what lenses do you use?
Today I use Hasselblad camera exclusively with 50, 60, 80, 100, 150 and 250 mm lenses. I use the 50mm for nearly 75% of my work, excluding portraiture.
What type of film do you prefer?
I used to prefer the slowest speed film possible. For years I used Kodak Panatomic X until it was discontinued in 1989. I used Kodak TXP for interior work and portraits until it was reformulated. I am currently using Ilford HP 5, which I consider the best all round film on the market today. I find there is no reliable fine grain film on the market today.
I develop all my film in Kodak D76 - ratio 1:1. I use the Zone System to make all my exposures.
Do you work in color?
I have not worked in color since I came to the Institute of Design in 1978 when I learned from my students and fellow faculty members that I understood nothing about the architecture and language of color. Several of my early books and many magazine articles did contain color photographs.
What type of photographic paper do you prefer?
I use Oriental Seagull Grade 3 for 99% of my work. Unfortunately in my opinion the quality of this is paper has deteriorated so badly in recent years that I have relied on my cache of thousands of sheets of frozen paper when I print.
How many books have you had published?
I have published 16 books that I have illustrated and written the text and 13 others that I illustrated.
Where can I get a David Plowden original print?
I have many prints available at two galleries. View gallery list
You may also see my pictures in various collections. View collections list
How can I find your books?
They are available for sale online at www.amazon.com, Barnes &Noble.com or at most book stores. They can also be found in numerous libraries throughout the country.
How can I get a copy of your video entitled: David Plowden: Light, Shadow, and Form?
This film, which appeared on public television nationwide, won an Emmy Award and was narrated by Bill Curtis.
To purchase a copy go to: http://www.wgvu.org/store/emmy_plowden.html
Do you attend and/or participate in workshops?
Yes, but only through galleries, schools, libraries and other institutions.
Please look at upcoming activities in the Events Section.
Why don't you take more pictures of people?
I do. I have many portraits to view in the Portrait Section.
Do you teach?
I retired from the faculty of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI. in August 2007 after teaching for 29 years
Further details can be found in my Biography Section.
Do you make digital images?
Yes. I have recently been working extensively with Photoshop PS 3, scanning my prints with an Epson 1640 XL flatbed scanner and printing them with an Epson R2400 printer using a Harrington Quadtone RIP software. I use Hahnemule Photo Rag Bright White 310gsm inkjet paper to make all my final prints.