Michael Macpherson is an Australian fine art photographer based in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. His photography provides a means of expressing his artistic vision, creating images that invite contemplation while challenging the viewer through carefully crafted black and white photography.
After becoming disillusioned with the speed and perfect repeatability of digital photography, Michael returned to analogue photographic processes. He values the slower, more deliberate nature of working with film, where every stage of image making becomes part of the creative process. This hands-on approach allows each photograph to develop through craftsmanship, patience and thoughtful decision-making.
Michael works primarily with 35mm and 4×5 large format film, producing his photographs in a traditional wet darkroom. Using silver gelatin papers and historical darkroom techniques, he creates museum-quality handcrafted prints with exceptional archival permanence. Rather than relying on digital manipulation, he shapes each print through light, chemistry and careful darkroom craftsmanship.
The darkroom is central to Michael’s practice. It provides the freedom to interpret a negative rather than simply reproduce it. Through careful exposure, chemical development and print manipulation, he transforms each photograph into a unique fine art print that reflects both technical precision and creative expression.
Although his photographs are presented in monochrome, Michael uses several specialised printing techniques to achieve a distinctive visual language. These include lith printing, which produces warm highlights, rich contrast and beautifully textured shadow tones. He also employs a variety of toning techniques, including selective toning, to introduce subtle colour shifts and local tonal variations that enhance mood, depth and atmosphere while maintaining the integrity of black and white photography.
Michael Macpherson’s work celebrates the enduring craft of analogue photography. By combining traditional photographic processes with a contemporary artistic vision, he creates expressive fine art photographs that reward close observation and reveal the beauty and character of the handcrafted print.
Artist’s Viewing Room: Unforgiven
Image: Michael Macpherson