This one-day 6h workshop is an an introduction to wet plate collodion- a historical process using silver and light to obtain a unique images on the glass plate.

LEVEL

This is a beginner wet plate session.

WORKSHOP AGENDA

1. Health & Safety Information

2. Information on wet-plate darkroom equipment-studio work and field work

3. Preparation of chemistry-glass cleaning agent, cadmium-free salted collodion, silver bath, developer , standard fixer. Note on maturing and shelf-life of chemistry

4. Introduction to large format camera and collodion plate holders.

5. Collodion studio lighting set-up and notes on exposure measuring methods

6. Plate preparation and glass cleaning methods including troubleshooting.

7. Creating wet plate portraits/still life (it will be up to you, you are welcome to bring any objects you would like to use) .

8. Varnishing and various varnish types

9. Troubleshooting tips

WHAT YOU GET

You’ll gain the basic understanding of the process and opportunity to create 2 plates start to finish-using still life or taking self portraits. Keeping groups small-up to 4 participants-allows for more personalised experience.

LOCATION

Workshops will take place in my studio space in West London Earls Court/West Brompton, SW6 1TT

Make sure to bring comfortable darkroom clothes as they may get stained !