When does black-and-white photography evoke an emotional response?

WHEN THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER IS BEHIND THE LENS, AND THE RIGHT PAPER IS BEHIND THE PRINT.

Consumed by the Moment

Enter Red River Paper

When it comes to translating his vision to print, Tom relies on Red River Paper products, particularly Palo Duro Baryta Fiber 300. "I love this paper's subtle, warm tone and texture, as well as the deep, rich black and incredible tonal range," says Tom, who lives in Lebanon, Ohio. “It is so good at rendering smooth tones and deep blacks I am often asked if the prints were created in the darkroom.”

The consistency and variety of Red River's offerings allow Tom to select precisely what he needs for each project, from greeting cards and UltraPro Luster 300 to his preferred Baryta paper. Reliable quality and prompt delivery have made Red River the perfect partner for his artistic expression.

See More of Tom's Work

To experience Tom's evocative landscapes and wildlife photography (in both black-and-white and color) and learn about his destination workshops, visit his website or follow him on Instagram. Through his imagery, Tom invites us all to reconnect with and protect our remaining wild places — a visual reminder of what we stand to lose if we remain indifferent to nature's fragile beauty.

Enjoy our Q&A with Tom Croce

What year was your business founded and how did you get started?
I began as a part-time professional photographer in 2008, balancing my career as an architect with my love for photography and nature. In 2020, I started my career as a full-time landscape and nature photographer.

Tell us a little about what product or service your business offers.
I sell my prints at art fairs and online in conjunction with design and installation services. I also offer destination workshops.

What makes your business unique?
I believe photography is an expressive art. It is not just about taking a picture or recording an external event; it's about being consumed by the moment. Creating a photograph is a deliberate and internal process, a tangible expression of the internal emotions and feelings I feel the moment I make the exposure. I then present to the viewer the print as an expression of that moment, standing on its own, equal to and expressive of the feelings and emotions I was experiencing. To that end, I make my prints large — 32"x48" and larger — primarily in black and white. The black and white evokes a strong emotional response, while the large size invites the viewer to engage with the work in a more intimate way.

Where do you source your raw materials from?
I get all my print paper from Red River Paper.

In what ways does the business reflect your own personality?
I have loved nature and wildlife for as long as I can remember. Over the last several years, I have become increasingly concerned about the loss of wild places and our connection to the cycles and seasons of our natural world. This lost connection fosters an air of indifference and a lack of awareness of the threats and challenges these places face. I hope my work can inform, educate — and rekindle that lost connection and a desire to protect our last remaining wild places.

Who are your typical customers?
I've had exhibitions in galleries and with conservation groups and collectors.

What is the most interesting project you've encountered in the course of your work?
One of the most interesting projects I've worked on was photographing the ancient earthworks in Ohio. I gained enormous appreciation for the engineering skill and effort it took [for indigenous peoples] to create these monumental works. Several of these sites were recently named UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What has Red River Paper done for your business? Is there a particular challenge Red River Paper has helped you overcome or a goal they helped you meet?
I tried several papers before I settled on Red River Paper. The consistent quality and quick delivery make them perfectly suited for my business. The variety of sizes in both rolls and cut sheets lets me select exactly what I need for the project I'm working on.

Which Red River Paper products do you use, and what do you appreciate most about them?
I've used several Red River products: greeting cards, UltraPro Luster 300, and my paper of choice is the Palo Duro Baryta Fiber 300. I love this paper's subtle, warm tone and texture, as well as the deep, rich black and incredible tonal range. It is so good at rendering smooth tones and deep blacks I am often asked if the prints were created in the darkroom.

How can people purchase your products/service?
You can find me on my website or on Instagram @tcrocephoto.

Do you have any future growth plans?
I am currently working on photographing the grasslands and prairies of the Great Plains of North America. The loss of hundreds of millions of acres of grasslands and prairie makes them the most endangered ecosystem in the world.

Original Publication Date: June 03, 2025

Article Last updated: June 03, 2025

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