Mike Ware (photographer)

Michael J. (Mike) Ware (born 1939, Bromley) is a chemist and photographer, known for his work in alternative photographic processes, earlier methods of printing photographic images that were succeeded by the more common silver-gelatin used today. His website includes practical instructions for the argyrotype (prints using iron salts as the light-sensitive coating), cyanotype, platinotype (prints using light-sensitive solutions containing platinum), palladiotype (prints using light-sensitive solutions containing palladium), and chrysotype (using gold to form or tone the final image) processes. The site also includes papers on various technical issues, the conservation of 'alternative process' prints, historical essays, galleries, and extensive lists of links and resources. Ware remains active as a consultant, most recently on the history and development of the platinotype and palladium processes. His published works include:

• Cyanotype: The History, Science and Art of Photographic Printing in Prussian Blue
• Mechanisms of Image Deterioration in Early Photographs: The Sensitivity to Light of W H F Talbot's Halide-fixed Images