Joseph J Zaia, FPSA, PPSA, ASIIPC, FMC
November 2025 - Etching
Original
About the Image(s)
How I Did “Etching”. Etching is one of several images I created several years ago on a project of photographing over 200 glass etchings from 1870 to 1970, which took over 2 1/2 years to accomplish. The idea was to show the entire circular goblet image on a flat surface. Each goblet, pitcher or vase, required about 8 to 12 images. Taking each image was very time consuming, trying to avoid reflections, and the back side image of the subject. It was necessary to darken the inside of the goblet and reset it accordingly for each exposure. Then in Photoshop I spent countless hours to blend/composite images, process, align and clean all reflections, dust and reconstruct any damaged areas of each goblet.
9 comments posted
Wow, what an amazing effort Joe! This was quite a task you set for yourself, and obviously very successfully. Have you printed the final images that you created? Or what was your finished product? Posted: 11/11/2025 22:58:58
I have not printed any of the images, but the owner of the etchings published a two volume book of the results. He did credit me on the cover and in the book. Posted: 11/19/2025 00:12:40
(Group 32)
Your patience with such a long time-frame project is inspiring. Your result is impressive. I will take you as an example when I consider long-term projects in the future. Posted: 11/12/2025 00:32:28
Thank you for looking in, for your appreciation and for your kind words, Stephen. Posted: 11/19/2025 00:14:43
And I thought I was patient! Could be a seasonal or even a Christmas decoration or ornament. Lots of work has paid off. If you cropped off the uneven bottom a little it could be printed as a unique card. May I suggest submitting this to the PSA Journal? Well done. Posted: 11/12/2025 17:32:37
Thank you for the suggestions Jerry. Yes, I have thought of a PSA Journal article several times, but after 2 1/2 years of work I put it aside. Afterwards, other responsibility have kept me away. All in all, it was only a labor of love and commitment. Posted: 11/19/2025 00:35:17
Very interesting. I like the ice-like appearance. I agree it should go to PSA for the Journal. Great job. Posted: 11/18/2025 18:29:07
Thank you Marti, I will consider it. Posted: 11/19/2025 00:33:43
Thank you everyone for your appreciation and kind words. Only another photographer can truly appreciate what goes into a project like this. Your appreciation means a lot. Posted: 11/20/2025 21:33:30