Volume 7 Issue 1
Teaching Infrared Photography

Black & white infrared photography has always been a source of fascination and inspiration for both photographers and non-photographers alike. While regular B&W films have different spectral sensitivities (the ability of the film to render and record colors), infrared film gives us a special look into an alternative world of tones rendered by heat rather than visible light. There is an ethereal or ghostly quality to images that have been captured with infrared films as well as details that were not apparent to us when we were viewing the subject with our meager "visible spectrum" eyes. Trees, grass and foliage turn white. Clouds are stark white against a dark gray sky. Water and windows are rendered as black. Skin tones turn an eerie but beautiful glow of white.

For many years, photographers have been creating these special images using a variety of films that are characterized as "true infrared" (sensitivity of 820nm and above) as well as "near infrared" or extended red sensitivity films (sensitivity up to 750nm). These films record this special world for us allowing us to explore the hidden beauty in the world around us. (3 MB)

Volume 6 Issue 1
The Importance of the Darkroom

Six years ago when the industry started to be dominated by digital products, we at Freestyle made a conscious decision to focus on darkroom photographic products. This was not a decision we made lightly, but we felt confident it was the correct one. We knew that just as there are people who still enjoy classical arts such as painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, beading, etc., there would always be a market for traditional photographic products. Pulling from our already substantial position in this niche market we decided to take a leadership role. Your commitment to Freestyle and darkroom photography has saved these materials from disappearing altogether. Also, it has been proven throughout the country - and the world - that film and the darkroom is still an extremely important part of photo education. (655K)

Volume 5 Issue 1
Keeping B&W Available & Affordable!

This issue of Freestylin' is devoted to two new lines of B&W film and paper: Arista-II® and Arista.EDU Ultra®. Many of our customers have been following the turbulent news in the photo industry. Manufacturers have been filing for bankruptcy protection, reorganizing or discontinuing popular products in photographic education. Photo retailers are reducing their selection of B&W products in favor of ubiquitous, low-margin digital goods. Then, faced with the difficult job of competing with Costco, Best Buy or Walmart, many are simply going out of business.(391K)

Volume 4 Issue 2
INTRODUCING... The Holga CFN 120!

We have devoted this issue of Freestylin' to the world famous and ever popular Holga camera. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the Holga, here is a brief history. Back in the 1960's and 70's there was a plastic "toy" camera called the Diana which many photographers found to be a unique image making tool. Far from being a techinical piece of equipment, the Diana offered images that were soft and ethereal in nature and offered a "different" look and feel that caught on with fine-art photographers as well as educators.(861K)

Volume 4 Issue 1
The Fine-Art of Handcoloring Photographs

This issue of the Freestylin' Quarterly Newsletter is devoted to the fine-art of handcoloring photographs. Handcoloring photographs has been a popular craft and an art form almost since the invention of photography. Previous to the invention of color film, handcoloring was the only way to get a realistically colored photograph of the world.(192K)


Volume 3 Issue 2
Announcing... NEW Arista.EDU®!!

This issue of the Freestylin' Quarterly Newsletter is devoted to the introduction of a brand new value line of black and white photographic paper and film known as "Arista.EDU®". With continual budget cuts and increases in the cost of education, Freestyle has leveraged its significant buying power to create the ultimate line of black and white consumables for schools and students. (183K)


Volume 3 Issue 1
Introducing the Creative World of Lith Printing!

This issue of the Freestylin' Quarterly Newsletter is devoted to the Lith Printing process. Virtually unknown in the United States, it is very popular in Europe. In fact, you can't even call yourself a photo lab in some countries without offering Lith printing as a service, and in the U.K. you can't graduate from photography school without learning the Lith Printing process. (386K)


Volume 2 Issue 2
The Creative World of Black & White Darkroom

This issue of Freestylin' celebrates the teaching of darkroom in our schools and shows that whatever future changes occur, the Darkroom is a valuable part of the photographic process.

Volume 1 Issue 3
The World of Digital Photography

It is no longer a question of whether or not digital photography will be a part of our lives, it is here and here to stay!

Volume 1 Issue 2
B&W Infrared Photography

Our second issue focuses on the mysterious and etherial world of B&W Infrared Photography.

Volume 1 Issue 1
Pinhole Photography

Freestyle Photographic Supplies has always been committed to the art and teaching of photography.

Two More Precise Methods