When Ed Drew was deployed to Afghanistan as an aerial gunner in the California Air Guard, he brought along his interest in tintype photography. Drew decided that it would be great idea to do it in Afghanistan because he had not heard of anyone doing that.
In fact, Drew is the first person to take tintype photos in a combat zone since Matthew Brady documented the Civil War using tintype.
Tintype is a process in which a photograph is made by a direct positive exposure onto a sheet of metal.
However, was not without difficulties. The chemicals used in the process did not respond well to the environment in Afghanistan. The time commitment involved was also significant. It often takes more than an hour to create a photo, and Drew has had to stop his process mid-way more than once due to impromptu missions.
It was also difficult to find subjects due to the long process and unpredictable results. However, once his fellow airmen saw his amazing results, they started to book appointments.
Drew is currently studying at the San Francisco Art Institute, pursuing a BFA in sculpture with a minor in photography.
Visit Drew’s website to view more of his work.
[via F Stoppers, images via Ed Drew]