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Friday - Sunday, June 19-21
Skill Level: All Perhaps a reaction to the push button, digital world or maybe simply a desire to get back to basics, the collodion or wet plate process has been undergoing a wave of interest that has been increasing over the past few years. And while it can be an extremely expressive and addictive process, it can be a bit complicated at first. Due to some of the chemistry involved, it also needs to be handled with a degree of care that is a touch above the average darkroom. Speaking from experience it helps a great deal to be able to watch and work with someone experienced with the process as the method and materials can be somewhat intimidating. This is why we are offering this short beginners course that is designed to give a good base of experience to build upon. This course will first cover chemistry, formulas and safe handling. You will mix collodion*, silver nitrate solution as well as developer and fixing baths. All chemistry and materials used during the course of this workshop as well as safety equipment will be provided. You will then move on to the pouring of plates, sensitizing them in the silver nitrate bath, exposure in the camera and finally processing of the plate. Although there will be a demonstration of glass plate negative creation, you will be concentrating on positives made on aluminum, or "Tin Types" as they are commonly known. You will also be making positive plates using colored and clear glass, or "Ambrotypes". By the end of your first day, you will have poured and exposed several plates of your own and will be ready for our next day. The final day of your workshop will be spent working in the field. Both Joe and I have mobile darkrooms that will allow you to go out into the surrounding landscape to make photographic plates getting a taste of what it is like to create plates on location. Unlike the 19th century photographers, there will be no Mule teams! Also demonstrated will be the use of a Darkbox, or small portable darkroom. We will also have all the camera equipment needed for this workshop, but if you have a favorite view camera you like to work with, by all means bring it along. We will have modified film holders in both 4x5 and 8x10 that you can use with your personal camera.
*Collodion contains ether and the smell may cause nausea or aggravate existing respiratory ailments in some. Please be advised that if you fall into this category, you may not wish to attend. |
Register by choosing an option below:
Workshop Now Full
or Workshop fees includes basic Photostock 2009 registration and entitles you to all activities. ***Please be aware that although we will do our best to find replacements for those needing to drop out of a workshop commitment, no refunds can be given after June 1, 2009.***
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