Handmade, unique silver-gelatin dryplate photography

Dryplate, also known as gelatin process, is an improved type of photographic plate. It was invented by Dr. Richard L. Maddox in 1871, and by 1879 it was so well introduced that the first dry plate factory had been established. With much of the complex chemistry work centralized into a factory, the new process simplified the work of photographers, allowing them to expand their business.

After years of testing the german based photographer Valery Kloubert is reusing this nearly forgotten technique.
In search of a minimalistic photography, Valéry Kloubert wanted to know if there is a method that focuses model and photographer on the moment of exposure, if the essence can be captured in a portrait and whether it is possible to develop an emulsion, which sharpness would reflect the uniqueness of each person.
After two years of testing the result is convincing. Sharply drawn portraits emerge from the glass in the darkroom. The glassnegative reflects the personality, which is characterized by ups and downs of life and can be seen in each face. Unvarnished, fascinating, opinion-forming. The portraits convey a message. They show the individuality of people and the art in photography.

“meinungsbilder” – opinion shots

Valéry Kloubert´s art project “meinungsbilder” (“opinion shots”) favors the German bone marrow donor DKMS and shows unique portraits of famous celebrities like Wim Wenders and Toni Schumacher and many others in the incredible size of 1.50 x 2.00 meters (60 x 79 inch). They can be acquired as limited fine art prints in 3 different sizes.