The Pose, Xtina Parks

Perched gracefully in the crook of a towering tree, a young vervet monkey sits with quiet contemplation, his hands resting on his feet as he meets my gaze. Against a stark white sky, the contrast of dark wood and soft fur draws us into his world—one of instinct, curiosity, and the simple beauty of living in the moment. While we ponder the complexities of conservation, he remains blissfully unaware, a reminder of the purity of the present—a lesson from the wild to us all. 

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"