All of Mike McMullen’s images are the product of light, film and traditional darkroom techniques. No computers are used; the entire creative process is controlled by the artist, and done by hand. The opportunity for creative craftsmanship in the darkroom is intimately connected with the artistic process and true to the original image: nothing is substituted, deleted or staged, rather, what the camera saw can be refined in the darkroom to convey the unique textures, shapes and shadows that make the subject remarkable. To McMullen, that is the power and appeal of classic black and white images. McMullen’s photographs are in scores of private and public collections, including H&R Block World Headquarters, University of Kansas Hospital, Federal Home Loan Bank, BKD LLP, Superior Bowen, Seigfreid Bingham LC, Sterling Bank and the President Hotel in Kansas City. Black and white photography has been McMullen’s passion for more than 30 years. In 1980, McMullen met with Ansel Adams and was inspired by the artistry of his hand-printed images. Adams became a mentor to Mike for much of that year. In 2000, McMullen began using medium format cameras, printing larger images and using Adam’s “Zone System” to maximize tonal range and contrast control. Each image is an original print by hand in the traditional darkroom setting.