The enduring legacy of Herb Ascherman
While Cleveland celebrates a moment in the baseball playoffs, a compelling documentary shines a light on Herb Ascherman, the city’s illustrious photographer. Known for his mastery of large-format photography and platinum printing, his work vividly captures the essence of Cleveland, including images of nighttime fireworks following a Guardians’ win.
The short film, The Eye of Cleveland, featured at the PhotoMuse Festival in Thrissur, India, presents Ascherman’s life and work. Garnering over 100,000 views on YouTube, it won the title of Best Documentary Short at the Columbus International Film and Animation Festival.
A lifetime dedicated to his photographic art
With more than four decades of experience, Ascherman has created over 9,000 portraits, predominantly in black-and-white. His oeuvre includes 32 pieces housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art. As both a student and teacher of photography, Ascherman’s library boasts over 2,300 photography books, reflecting his dedication to the “pursuit of quality.” Such dedication can be seen across various projects that have become iconic in the city.
A connection to tradition
Ascherman stands out when capturing images with his heavy Deardorff 8×10 view camera, drawing fascinated crowds. In 1977, he founded the Cleveland Photographic Workshop, a platform for over 1,000 photographers, and later, the Cleveland Society of Alternative Photographers to preserve traditional photographic processes. His business has continued to emphasize these traditional techniques in all his endeavors.
One notable project, 50 Faces: The Holocaust Remembered, toured nationally, strengthening his reputation.
The art of platinum processing
Born in 1947, Ascherman specializes in the rare platinum photo processing technique, which imparts a signature matte finish and an exceptional tonal range. Each print, requiring a negative of the same size, takes two hours to complete. This dedication to platinum photography defines him as an exemplar of the art form.
Only a dozen photographers practice this method commercially. Ascherman learned from the renowned Salvatore Lopes, ensuring the craft’s continuity despite challenges posed by modern technology.
For enthusiasts of photography and innovation, iOS 27’s Stunning AI Photo Tools offers a glimpse into the future of digital image processing.
Filmmaker Jim Koenigsaecker highlights these challenges in his documentary, which spotlights photography work outside major hubs like New York, where the influence of this Cleveland photographer is notable.
Capturing Cleveland’s revival
The film includes a scene where Ascherman photographs the Cleveland skyline as fireworks celebrate a Guardians victory, illustrating his and the city’s resilience. Despite industrial decline, Cleveland thrives with institutions like its renowned art museum and orchestra, which are frequently topics of his work.
Ascherman reflects on Cleveland’s indomitable spirit, paralleling the city’s success with his own dedication to an art form few master today.
To explore more about the artistry of capturing images beyond mainstream cities, Icelandair’s Challenge for Photographers showcases Iceland’s beauty through an amateur lens.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What type of photography is Herb Ascherman known for?
Herb Ascherman is known for large-format photography and platinum printing, which vividly capture the essence of Cleveland.
How many portraits has Ascherman created?
Ascherman has created over 9,000 portraits, predominantly in black-and-white.
What technique defines Ascherman as an exemplar?
Ascherman is defined as an exemplar by his dedication to the rare platinum photo processing technique, which imparts a signature matte finish and exceptional tonal range.
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