DRMC Employee of the Year - 380Guide Magazine

Darkroom
to Digital
by Andrea Hikel
U
sing a hybrid of different technologies in order to
transform an image from its rawest, original form
into a beautiful finished product is an exciting process. Many
photographers who have had experience with both film and digital
may argue that digital takes the personal touch out of photography,
but after speaking with Tom Judd I feel that this is not so. “I have
complete control over the final print,” says Judd, “I do all of my
work from the initial capture to exhibition.” Though he may alter
images slightly, by digitally pushing the boundaries of color for
instance, he typically limits those “enhancements” to the same
kinds of interpretations that he might have achieved by choosing
on particular film stock over another, years ago.
Tom Judd grew up in the rural Hudson River Valley region of New
York State. When he was young, he would develop prints in the
darkroom with his dad. In high school, he enjoyed working on
the school newspaper and yearbook. He graduated from Southern
Illinois University in 1980 with a B.A. in Professional Photography
and opened Thomas Judd Photography in Denton, TX in 1983.
Today, Judd uses his 26+ years of experience to take amazing
pictures for corporate events, editorial, marketing, pageants,
headshots and portraits.
When traveling, Judd enjoys taking photos of wildlife and nature
scenes. “I find inspiration when I travel,” says Judd, “I search for
great textures, patterns, shapes, contrasts and bold colors. I like
clean compositions. I enjoy the look and feel of three dimensions
in a two-dimensional medium.” He has visited places such as
Wyoming, New Mexico, Michigan, and New York bringing
back digital memories to share with others. His outstanding
photographs allow viewers to witness real life scenes that they
would have otherwise never gotten to experience. Birds seem to fly
right off the paper and nature scenes come alive with each photo.
Tom Judd’s work can be found on display at Oxide Gallery in Denton
and he is also a member of VAST. Private photography lessons are
available and Thomas Judd Photography is always looking for
enthusiastic, hard-working interns. For more information on Tom
Judd’s photography, private lessons or internship opportunities,
please visit www.thomasjuddphotography.com.
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