Microstructure

Microstructure 2025

In my photography I often explore patterns in nature; shapes that reoccur in landscapes and living creatures alike. In this series of Daguerreotypes I look at the intricate structure of feathers.

The microstructure of a feather is physically complex and resilient, yet the feather itself is ethereally beautiful and highly decorative.

Despite its mechanical strength and biological purpose of protection a feather is airy, and elusively invisible to the touch.

This duality is echoed in my medium of choice and my art practice in general. A Daguerreotype is a chemically and physically complex object yet it yields beautifully fine and delicate detail. The image is captivating, yet fleeting, shifting from positive to negative depending on the angle of viewing. Colours also shift from cool to warm depending on the light hitting the highly polished silver surface.

In my photography practice in general although I use mediums which are sometimes laborious and complicated, I find a directness in making images in camera, utilising the sciences of the natural world and my two hands to create a tangible description of where I see wonder in the world around me.

This series was exhibited at the Hill End Analogue Photography Festival, Hill End NSW. November 2025.

For all sales/ price enquiries please email me bianca@biancaconwellphotographer.com

 The Briny Deep

The Briny Deep - An observation of the recurring shapes and forms in nature. 2023

Throughout the natural world we find repeating shapes; meandering patterns, symmetries, spirals and waves.
We see the shapes of grand landscapes and mountain ranges, flowing bodies of water, plant and animal life, prehistoric forms, celestial bodies and galaxies all reflected in each other.

More broadly this body of work reflects my wonder at the interconnectedness of life, nature and our place in it. We are all made of the same matter.

This is my first solo exhibition, all of the photographs in it are made using large format cameras, hand made emulsions and negatives, and hand made printing methods. This exhibition includes salted paper and carbon prints from wet plate glass negatives, and ambrotypes.

I am inspired by time spent in nature along the Otway coast in Victoria, and in this work especially by objects from the sea.

The Briny Deep was exhibited at Gold Street Studios in Trentham East, Vic from 9th Aug-1st October 2023.

For all sales/ price enquiries please email me bianca@biancaconwellphotographer.com