Shillea, Tom. Photographer's Forum, Vol. 8, No. 2, February 1986.

Edited and published by Glen R. Serbin.  Includes Tom Shillea (interview); Photography in Latvia by Ulvis Alberts, who made the cover photo; Robert Glenn Ketchum; Darleen White; Adam Setter; Franz Jantzen; Donna McDermott; David Paone; Norm Parker; Garry Gay; School profile of R.I.T.; book reviews, and more. Fine, 64 pages.  Summary:

Photographer’s Forum, Vol. 8, No. 2 (February 1986) is a significant mid-80s issue of the quarterly journal known for its high-quality printing and focus on emerging talent alongside established masters. Edited by Glen Serbin, this issue is particularly notable for its international outlook and its bridge between traditional film craft and the burgeoning environmental photography movement.

Cover Story & International Feature

• Ulvis Alberts – Photography in Latvia: The cover features a striking image by Alberts, a Latvian-born photographer who gained fame for his celebrity portraits and "Poker Face" series. In this issue, Alberts provides a rare glimpse behind the Iron Curtain, documenting the vibrant but struggling photographic community in Soviet-era Latvia. He discusses the creative resilience of Latvian artists who faced extreme shortages of paper and chemistry.

Featured Interviews & Portfolios

• Tom Shillea: A master of the Platinum/Palladium process, Shillea is interviewed about his dedication to 19th-century printing techniques. He discusses the unique tonal range of noble metals and his philosophy of "slow photography" in a rapidly accelerating industry.

• Robert Glenn Ketchum: This feature highlights Ketchum’s role as a pioneer of conservation photography. The portfolio showcases his intricate, painterly landscapes (often focusing on the Hudson River or Alaska), emphasizing his belief that beautiful imagery can be a powerful tool for environmental activism.

• Diverse Artist Portfolios: The issue includes curated selections from a variety of contemporary photographers, highlighting a range of styles from formalist studies to street photography:

  • Darleen White and Adam Setter

  • Franz Jantzen and Donna McDermott

  • David Paone, Norm Parker, and Garry Gay

Education & Professional Development

• School Profile – Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): A deep dive into one of the world’s premier photography schools. The profile examines RIT's rigorous technical curriculum and its reputation for producing the industry’s leading commercial and scientific photographers.

• EndNotes by Bill Jay: The legendary critic and historian Bill Jay offers his characteristically blunt and humorous commentary. In this issue, he focuses on the economics of the print, discussing the complexities of how photographers should value and price their work.

Editorial & Reviews

• Greg McGregor Interview Summary: A look at McGregor’s documentary work, particularly his interest in the intersection of geography and human history.

• Book Reviews: The issue concludes with critical reviews of contemporary photographic monographs, serving as a guide for collectors and enthusiasts building their personal libraries.

Significance

This issue of Photographer’s Forum is a prime example of the magazine's mission to serve as a professional cross-pollinator. By pairing the high-tech RIT school profile with the ancient platinum processes of Tom Shillea and the "found" ingenuity of Latvian photographers, the February 1986 issue captures the expansive, eclectic spirit of 1980s photography.