The Wet Plate Collodion Process
Wet plate collodion is a Victorian process, developed in the 1850s by Frederick Scott Archer. The process involves coating a glass plate (ambrotype) or tin plate (tintype) with a chemical known as collodion, which is then sensitised to light by submerging the plate in a silver nitrate solution. Using a traditional large format bellows camera and while the plate is still wet, an exposure is made and a latent image formed. A developer is used to bring out the image and then the plate is bathed in a fixing solution and washed. This process works with UV and therefore a light meter is ineffective which makes exposure times a matter of ‘trial and error’ rather than measured accuracy, leading to occasionally a series of portraits being taken of an individual to get this right. The images are recorded in reverse and upside down. Often they are extended exposure times and this combined with the variable processing techniques gives each image a unique feel, creating imperfections and highly visible flaws. The photographs produced have a most intriguing almost timeless quality, and there is something about them that is redolent of the old photographs taken in the 1850s. To make a single plate takes about 30 minutes.
Fixing a wet plate during a workshop.
Wetplate Collodion Workshops
These workshops take place in a beautiful rural setting on Dartmoor. They are designed to allow you to learn the wet collodion process in a relaxed, supportive and fun way. There will be step by step guidance and support every step of the way. By the end of the day you will have your own finished wet plates to take home. The class sizes are small so that you get all the help and support you need. Basic photography skills are welcome but not essential. Bring old clothes and comfy shoes as you will be on the go all day and the silver nitrate stains!
Wet Collodion Workshop
This is a one-day course designed to show the basics of wet collodion photography. No experience necessary but it helps. This can be a tailored to an individual or for a small group (students max.3). The workshop will take place at my studio, in a beautiful rural location near Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor, Devon. Learn how to prepare and pour your plates, use a large format camera to take the image and then develop, fix, wash, and finally varnish your plates. You will make approximately 4 plates (as many as time allows).
Occasionally I will take a small group, but this depends on individual’s photographic experience.
£200 pp including all materials
1:1 £280
Next Available dates
For next available dates please contact me directly.
1:1 Wet Collodion Workshops
I also run personal 1:1 Wet Collodion Workshops too. You will get individual attention and guidance, suitable for those needing more space and time to learn on their own without other distractions. Learn how to prepare and pour your plates, use a large format camera to take the image and then develop, fix, wash, and finally varnish your plates. You will make approximately 5 plates in the day.
£280 a day Includes all materials and lunch.
Please contact me to arrange a suitable day.
2 Day Wet Collodion Workshop
This is a two-day course to really immerse yourself in wet plate photography experience. (Min. 1 - max 4 students). The workshop will take place at my studio, in a beautiful rural location near Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor, Devon. Learn how to prepare and pour your plates, use a large format camera to take the image and then develop, fix, wash, and finally varnish your plates. The second day we will be consolidating what you have learnt the day before and really enjoying the process.
£450 includes all materials.
Free basic camping.
For next available dates please contact me directly.
Intermediate Wet Collodion Workshop
I also run 1 -day Intermediate Workshop. This is designed to consolidate the skills you have already developed, and go into more detail about the process and chemicals used, trying out different collodions and developers to see their effects.
The workshop will take place at my studio in a beautiful rural location near Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor, Devon.
£200 pp (max 4 people).
Includes all materials and lunch.
For next available dates please contact me directly.
Gift Voucher Wet Collodion Workshop
This is a gift voucher to allow one person to take part in a one-day wet collodion workshop. (Min. 2 students Max.3). students. The workshop will take place at my studio in a beautiful rural location near Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor, Devon. It is an amazingly fun process, no experience necessary but an active interest in analogue photography would help. This is a one-day course designed so that you will feel confident to work independently afterwards.
£200 pp for a group session
£280 for 1:1 session
James
‘‘I was just blown away by the course”
Pippa
“This was a really rewarding and informative introduction to a complex but utterly compelling photographic process, delivered with calm and clarity and inspirational enthusiasm. The meticulous preparation and careful curation of the experience was faultless and hugely appreciated. The day itself felt really collaborative and mutually supportive, and your facilitation was completely 'holding' and enabling. A great experience, and - talking to people at the weekend etc - I realised I had actually embedded real knowledge as a result of your fantastic teaching and practical guidance.”
Richard
“I thoroughly enjoyed my day of wet plating! Super location, the group size was just right and everything was well organised and resourced.”