The Pointy End, Xtina Parks

A study in texture and presence, this close-up portrait captures the intricate details of a bull elephant’s weathered skin and sharply pointed tusk. Framed tightly, the image offers an intimate connection—one that speaks of wisdom, resilience, and quiet power. In a rare moment of trust, he lowered his gaze and allowed me into his world, a fleeting yet profound exchange with one of Africa’s last great giants. This photograph is a tribute to their majesty and a call to protect what remains of the wild. 

Transcending Stories Through Platinum/Palladium Prints
For me, black and white photography is more than an image—it’s a timeless narrative, a way to transcend the moment and tell stories that linger for generations. I strive to work with the same dedication and precision as the old masters, like Ansel Adams, whose artistry in the darkroom elevated photography to fine art.

My prints are created in collaboration with Cone Editions Press in Vermont, a studio renowned for its mastery of the platinum/palladium (Pt/Pd) process. This meticulous, entirely hand-crafted method begins with coating fine art paper in a light-sensitive blend of platinum and palladium salts. The paper is then exposed in direct contact with a large-format negative, producing images of remarkable tonal depth, silken shadows, and luminous highlights.

Unlike silver-based prints, Pt/Pd images are embedded into the very fibers of the paper, giving them an extraordinary permanence and resistance to fading. The result is an archival work of art with a rich, almost three-dimensional presence—each one as unique as the story it tells.

Print Measurement 22"x 30".   This print is available in a limited edition of 10.

Framed Measurement 26" x 35.25"