Gordon Lee 1863
Photography is my passion and I devote pretty serious time and energy into recreating history through my lens. I study and mostly follow the practice of Matthew Brady a famous civil war photographer. His work was difficult and managed from a horse drawn wagon/dark room....He used a 5x7 glass plate Rochester camera; I have one! He used toxic chemicals in a wet develop process, and by current standards the chemicals would and are banned in most states. when I do use the Rochester its with dry plates and under go a silver gelatin process, much safer and done after events.
Photography during the civil war was a fairly new concept, the uS Army had not acquired camera's or trained anyone in the signal corps yet, that day would come about 1870. To fill the gap contractors like Matthew Brady were hired to fill the void. His camera and his helpers had limits, he could not shoot at night or during battle, as subjects had to remain motionless for up to 20 seconds! A real challenge! Brady out of his own pocket set up 20 field teams of photographers at a cost of $100,000 (today 3 million) at the end of the war congress bought about 6,000 negatives....he died penniless and homeless.
Today For photography with fast movement I use a digital camera, but process in the wet or tin type format(s) Event and action photos can be found Here, I 100% stick to and use Bradys techniques as much as possible. I already have a contract (retirement from the the modern Army) so payment for my services is not required.
The Modern Me
As of 2023, I am retired from 22 years in the modern army as a Tank Company first sergeant, Husband, father of 3 adult children and grandpa to 8 kids. I have been married 44 years to the most amazing woman Ms. Julia. From 2001 to 2023 I worked for the VA at American lake where I taught photography to veterans with PTSD and drug addiction.Additionally, I was also the hospitals historian (the campus was constructed in 1918). In my free time I volunteer with the MCChord thrift store were I provide any kind of help they need a few hours a week, as well as, photographic technical support.
For camera gear I utilize Sony brand equipment, Cameron and Zeiss lenses, and my great grand father's 1865 Rochester poco field camera, and it still works!
My Goals
I am a 10 year member of the tacoma photographic society and the American photographic society. membership has helped me to improve my skills and connect with organizations that might benefit from my help. With PSA I am in pursuit of a master photographer credential; as I climb the psa ladder and the requirements for community service and and sharing my work.
VA National Art show
I compete annually this year (2025) first place in black and white. last year first place in digital design. I have been involved with the national art show for at least 20 years.
Skills
Photography, digital design, leather work....oh and Ms. Julia is a fantastic quilter