The International Photography Awards (IPA) recognizes the finest works in the world of photography. Among the many categories, the Analog/Film Portrait category stands out for its nostalgic appeal and dedication to traditional photographic techniques. In 2024, three exceptional photographers were awarded for their striking analog portraits, each with a unique artistic vision and mastery of the analog medium.
Descendants of Black civil combatants by Drew Gardner: Analog/Film Photographer of the Year
Drew Gardner has been awarded the prestigious title of Analog/Film Photographer of the Year for his exceptional work in the “Descendants of the Civil War” series. Shot on a 5×7 TinType camera, Gardner’s portraits are not merely images—they are history brought to life. In his series, Gardner explores the descendants of Black Civil War combatants, carefully tracing their lineage over three years of research.
One of the standout images features Neikoye Flowers, a direct descendant of David Miles Moore, a drummer boy in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, who served in the Civil War. Gardner’s decision to use the TinType process—an early photographic technique known for its vintage, tactile quality—gives these portraits an authenticity and gravity that resonates with the weight of history. His work not only honors the legacy of these individuals but also serves as a profound meditation on heritage and identity.
Portraits, Wet Plate Collodion by Miguel Angel Cruzado: 2nd Place Winner for Analog/Film Portraits
The 2nd Place award in the Analog/Film/Portrait category went to Miguel Angel Cruzado for his outstanding series, “Portraits, Wet Plate Collodion”. This project delves into the richness of human diversity through portraits captured using the wet plate collodion process, a labor-intensive and highly artistic method from the 19th century.
Cruzado’s portraits are deeply introspective, capturing the unique character and emotional depth of each subject. The wet plate collodion process, with its rich tonalities and timeless aesthetic, highlights the individuality of each person, making every portrait an evocative piece of art.
Cruzado reflects on the project, stating,
“The project “Portraits Wet Plate Collodion” explores human character diversity through portraits captured using the wet collodion technique. Each image highlights the depth and uniqueness of the individuals, offering an introspective and nostalgic view. The richness of individual stories is manifested through the timeless aesthetic of the photographic process.”
He further describes the special moment shared with his models during development, saying, “The most magical moment happens during the fixing process in the darkroom, when the image progressively appears on the plate. It is at this point that the model experiences a profound sense of wonder, often describing the emergence of their portrait as magical. “It’s magic” is the phrase I hear most often.”
”People to whom I have invited myself” by Martina Holmberg: 3rd Place Winner for Analog/Film Portraits
In 3rd Place, Martina Holmberg was recognized for her poignant portrait of Voukko, a woman who has faced significant health challenges, particularly severe rheumatism. Captured in 2008 using a Pentax and Kodak 120 film, Holmberg’s portrait is part of her ongoing project, “People to Whom I Have Invited Myself”.
Holmberg’s project is an exploration of human connection, vulnerability, and the search for meaning in the fleeting moments of our lives. She met each of her subjects through chance encounters and then invited herself into their homes to capture intimate, revealing portraits.
Explaining the inspiration behind this series, Holmberg shared
“I have been working on the project for a couple of years. By inviting myself to strangers, tension arises. I have no idea who the person is and what the person will tell me or how the meeting and the photo shoot will crystallize. Every person is unique and has a unique story. We are all people who are trying to create a meaningful existence for ourselves. Therefore, every person carries a story that is worth telling.”
Holmberg’s work embodies the essence of analog portraiture, where the imperfections and organic qualities of the medium enhance the authenticity of the human experience. The analog process allows her to create timeless portraits that speak volumes about the individuality of her subjects and the connection between photographer and subject.
Visit Holmberg’s website to learn more about her.
Conclusion
These three winners—Drew Gardner, Miguel Angel Cruzado, and Martina Holmberg—demonstrate the enduring power of analog photography in capturing the soul of their subjects. Whether using wet plate collodion, TinType, or Kodak 120 film, each photographer brings their own distinct approach to the medium, but all share a commitment to creating art that transcends the limits of time.