I support any procedure that allows photographers to express

The words of John Sexton, “I support any procedure that allows photographers to express themselves, whether that involves color, black and white, platinum, palladium and digital technology,” resound as a declaration of artistic freedom and the boundless possibilities of human imagination. Sexton speaks not of tools alone, but of expression, of the right and power of the individual to shape reality through vision. In his statement, every medium—ancient or modern, chemical or digital—is honored, for what matters is not the method, but the voice and vision that it allows the artist to convey.

The origin of this insight lies in Sexton’s life as a master photographer and educator, one deeply immersed in both the craft and philosophy of photography. He has witnessed the evolution of the art form—from traditional platinum and palladium prints to the rise of digital imaging—and recognized that no single medium should dominate or constrain creativity. His words reflect a belief that the artist’s purpose transcends technology; the medium is a vehicle, not the master. Every tool that enables the human spirit to communicate deserves respect and exploration.

History provides ample illustration. In the early twentieth century, photographers like Ansel Adams elevated black-and-white landscapes into sublime art, exploiting light, shadow, and texture to express vision with profound emotional depth. Yet Adams himself experimented with different papers and techniques to achieve his desired expression. Sexton’s insight echoes this philosophy: it is not the medium—whether black and white or color, platinum or digital—that defines the photograph, but the intention, perception, and mastery of the artist.

Even in contemporary practice, Sexton’s ethos holds true. Digital photography, with its limitless capacity for manipulation, editing, and distribution, has expanded the possibilities for expression. Photographers can explore nuances of tone, color, and composition impossible in earlier eras. Yet these tools serve the same purpose as traditional methods: to allow the artist to convey meaning, evoke emotion, and communicate a personal vision. The technology is a means, not an end; it amplifies the capacity for creative expression.

The meaning of Sexton’s words extends beyond photography to all forms of human endeavor. Innovation and artistry are not bound by tools, but by imagination. To restrict creativity to a single medium or method is to diminish potential. By supporting a multiplicity of approaches, Sexton champions the principle that freedom of expression is paramount, and that every advance—technological or chemical—serves the eternal human drive to communicate, to inspire, and to leave a mark upon the world.

The lesson for future generations is profound: embrace all available tools as pathways to self-expression. Understand that mastery of method enhances, but does not define, artistic vision. Whether in photography, writing, music, or digital creation, the value lies in the ideas and emotion conveyed, not in the apparatus used. Sexton reminds us that innovation in technique should expand, not limit, the voice of the creator.

Practical action flows naturally. Experiment with different mediums, explore both traditional and modern techniques, and do not fear the unfamiliar. Study the work of masters in every era, learning how they harnessed the technology of their time to express vision. Combine techniques when appropriate, allowing the strengths of each to enhance the clarity and impact of your expression. Above all, let your work reflect your individual voice, not the constraints of a single medium.

Thus, let John Sexton’s words endure as a guiding principle: all technologies that enable artistic expression deserve respect and exploration. From platinum prints to digital imaging, from monochrome to vivid color, every method is a bridge for the human spirit. May all who create remember that it is not the medium that matters, but the vision it carries, the emotion it evokes, and the truth it communicates to generations that follow.