One Kennedy constant is the Palladium Printing process he uses. Unlike the cool black and white values of silver prints, palladium processing creates those warm, brownish tones and the richness in his images. The process dates back to the late 1800s and involves brushing two coats of ferric oxalate, potassium chlorate (to increase contrast) and sodium chloropalladite (palladium and salt) onto archival rag paper. The sensitizing is accomplished by pouring the sensitized solution (emulsion) onto the paper and then brushing it on evenly. Kennedy may use more than one coating of the emulsion depending on the desired depth of the final print. The process ensures that each print will be unique, even if only subtlety, from the next.

To develop, Kennedy uses a saturated solution of potassium oxalate heated to about 120 degrees for plenty of warm tones.While the outcome is beautiful, the process is tedious and challenging. On a good day Kennedy and his assistant finish 5-8 prints by hand. He jokingly admits that at times the laborious process makes him "want to slit his wrists."

"The process Is as much magic as it is technique. You do not control the process, it controls you." Unpredictability of this process can be caused by humidity, changes In atmospheric conditions and static electricity. "There's a tremendous amount of variables you have to contend with," says Kennedy.

His archival prints style works well with his America Indian projects. It is not surprising that his work of the life and people on the reservations is very personal to him.

"I was always drawn toward American Indians. I identify with their culture and belief system." Recently, he has been capturing ceremonial traditional dancers of the Lakota Nation including activist Russell Means, who he met by working on a Penthouse story. The story was about Leonard Peltier, a member of Lakota Nation who many believe has been wrongly imprisoned for 27 years for allegedly murdering two FBI agents in South Dakota. Kennedy has even become active in the fight to free Peltier.

Through years of living and working In New Mexico, the shooter has made many American Indian friends who seem to understand him and his work. When trying to convince Crow Dog, a well-known medicine man, to let him take photographs, Kennedy simply showed him his portfolio. "Crow Dog just looked at the portfolio, smiled, and said "I understand.' "

Access Kennedy's Web site at davidmichaelkennedy.com.