FARGO (KFGO) - A one-of-a-kind portrait by Bismarck photographer Shane Balkowitsch is heading to the Smithsonian Institution.
The "wet plate" photo of former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield was taken at Balkowitsch's studio in Bismarck. Balkowitsch says the black and white photo was processed with the same technology used in the 1840's.
Balkowitsch says Holyfield agreed to sit for the photo at the request of former boxing champion Virgil Hill of Bismarck. Following a meeting one day in Bismarck, Balkowitch said Hill shook his hand and said “I’m going to get the champ out here.”
About a week later, Balkowitsch received a phone call from someone who said “if you can pick the champ up in 10 minutes at the hotel, he’ll give you an hour.”
The 8x10 inch glass plate photo is insured for $25,000 and is being taken to the Smithsonian by a professional art moving service.
Balkowitsch says he considers the photo “priceless.”