Dozens of priests gather in quiet anticipation, waiting for mass to begin inside the cathedral’s grand halls.

Fathers captures a rare, unguarded moment amidst the pageantry of tradition. Standing outside the heavy stone walls of St. Patrick’s, a group of clergy in ceremonial vestments share a candid conversation. The central figure, hands pressed to his face, breaks the "performance" of the ritual, revealing a flash of exhaustion or contemplation that feels deeply human. It is a photograph that grounds the sacred in the reality of the people who uphold it.

Limited Edition of 15 Hand Enlarged Chromogenic Prints.
Developed & Hand Printed by Nice Film Club.
Signed and Numbered by the artist and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Title: Fathers
Artist: Paul Baldonado
Year: 2022
Location: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, NY
Limited Edition of 15

Framing (optional): Cleat Maple
Face width 1 1/4", crafted in premium American hardwood

Format: Hand Enlarged C-Print
Printed on: FUJIFILM Crystal Archive Glossy
Camera: Leica M6
Lens: 28mm Summicron Lens
Film: Portra 800

This image is a technical feat for silver halide printing. The scene is dominated by "high-key" tones, specifically the cream vestments and the bright sunlight. Digital prints often struggle here and blow out the highlights into flat white patches. However, the chemical process preserves the delicate texture of the fabric folds and the subtle separation between the varying shades of ivory and bone. This gives the image a tactile, velvety softness.

Due to the hand-made nature of the printing process, minor color variations may occur.