ALT02 – Introduction to Wet Plate Collodion

Description

A process steeped in history and mystique; dating back to 1851 the Wet Plate Collodion process has been used to document everything from war, aristocrats, medical patients and families who couldn’t afford a painted portrait.

This introduction weekend will be a hands-on & creative approach to Wet Plate Collodion, giving students the opportunity to learn through practice how to make their own plates from scratch. Students will begin will a chemical safety brief, after which Louis will demonstrate the various techniques involved before given students a chance to prepare, coat, expose and develop their own plates by hand.

The weekend will revolve around a portrait session on Saturday and a still life session on Sunday. Students are encouraged to think about the images they want to make and bring in their own interesting props and pieces that will help them make the best work. A table of props will be provided for general use.