Introduction to Wet Plate Photography Workshop

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Saturday, April 26th, 2014
April 26 & 27, 2014 | 10:00am - 4:30pm

This two-day, hands-on workshop takes place at Luz Studios and on-location at Saanich Horse Farm. The workshop includes instruction and guidance, chemistry, camera equipment, wet-plate backs, tin & glass. Students will gain a working knowledge of the wet plate process in the field.

Open to all levels.
Limited to 6 participants.
Register and pay online >>

The weekend workshop begins with a morning lecture and discussion session where we�ll explore the history of the wet plate photographic process, how it is being used by contemporary artists and what each participant hopes to get out of the workshop. Then, we�ll begin with a discussion of chemical sources, formulas and safety procedures for working in wet plate collodion. We will also focus on how to work on location; building your portable dark box and the equipment needed to shoot outside a studio location.

After a brief demonstration of the process from coating a plate, sensitizing it, shooting it and processing, participants will work in pairs on making their first 4�x5� tintype.

At the end of this day, we�ll sit down to look at everyone�s work, discuss the trials and tribulations people faced making their plates, and make sure that everyone understands and is comfortable working with the process. As we will be heading out on-location, we will finish the day with a varnish demo.

On Sunday we will spend the full day making plates working "in the field". Working on location with a portable darkbox, students will shoot tintypes & glass plates in various location on the property. They will have the option of shooting portraits and landscapes while learning how to process & develop in the field.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

We will provide instruction and guidance, chemistry, camera equipment, wet-plate backs, tin & glass (usually each student makes between 4-6 plates over the two days). Each student will gain a working knowledge of the wet plate process; in the field. Plus have the necessary information to continue making wet plates on their own.

A 'farm lunch' will be provided on Sunday.

WHAT TO BRING

- Please wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or stained, including closed toed shoes.
* If you have a smock/apron - please bring. We can provide aprons, gloves & safety glasses
- Notebook, pencil
- Bring your large format camera, tripod, lenses, wet plate back.... If you own one.
* Cameras will be provided for the workshop (you will be working in pairs)
- Containers to bring home your plates (ask us for suggestions)

Please note we may not be able to varnish plates shot on Sunday, so we can provide extra studio time to varnish throughout the week.