Siobhan Byrns

Lynchburg, Virginia, United States

Artist

Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies.

Diane Arbus

To me is art about perception and observation above all else. It’s about finding a new way of seeing the spectacular in the mundane. In the creation and expression of art, there is vulnerability in presenting one’s viewpoint in the quest for the truth. It is acquired piece by piece, body of work against body of work. We make art to create a world in which we can live deeply.

Alchemist

I am constantly looking to perfect my craft. I hope my work brings together the common thread between the Art and Science of Photography through education, research, outreach, and exhibition.

Academics

I have been teaching at the University of Lynchburg for over a decade. By default, I consider myself an artist and don’t like to be restricted as a “Photographer.” I think this allows me to chose the best medium to discuss the and facilitate the work I am trying to make. I am most comfortable in alternative process work, simply because I love chemistry and getting messy. I also feel as if I am “making” work and not taking it.

I teach a variety of classes including Digital Photography, Animation, Web Design, Alternative Process, and Traditional Darkroom. I am a lover of Adobe and all things Open Source.

Cyanotype is a photographic printing process. using two chemicals: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. It was discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842 and was used for engineering drawings or blueprints.

Cyanotypes

A Tintype is an American process that gained popularity in the 1860s and 1870s in part because they were the “instant” photo. These images are highly detailed images and archival after being varnished.

Tintype

Platinum/Palladium process uses precious metals that adhere directly to the paper, and some experts suggest these prints could last for thousands of years. In this adaptation, gold is adhered to the prints and sealed in the highlights

Platinum

Salt Prints from collodion negatives is where a salt print is developed on a photographic printing paper which has been coated with a salt solution and then a silver nitrate solution.

Mixed Methods

Private Lessons

Not sure which style you want to learn? Classes and private lessons are available. For more information, get in touch.