The Romantic Image: Fashion & Portraits in Wet Plate Workshop

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Saturday, April 5th, 2014
Feb 8 & 9, 2014 or April 5 & 6, 2014

This two-day workshop will take you from the fundamental techniques of the collodion wet plate process to the creative world of working with studio lighting and wonderful models to make beautiful portraits with an editorial and fashion flare.

Saturday begins with a morning lecture and discussion where we'll explore the history of the process along with how it's being used by contemporary photographers. From there we move onto the fundamentals of wet plate chemistry, formulas, safety procedures, and sources for wet plate supplies.

After a brief demonstration on the process, from coating the plate, exposing, and developing, participants will work in small groups to make their first 4x5 tintypes. We conclude the afternoon with a discussion and demonstration about the lighting requirements and techniques for in studio wet plate work.

On Sunday we spend the day working with fashion writer and consultant Lia Crowe and a team of models to create distinctive portraits with an editorial / fashion flare. Each participant will have the opportunity to work directly with the models to create their own unique images, with assistance in creative direction from Lia and technical support from Quinton and Diana.

Our weekend concludes with a discussion and demonstration on how to varnish your plates using a traditional mix of gum sandarac, grain alcohol and lavender oil.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

We will provide instruction and guidance, chemistry, camera equipment, wet-plate backs, lighting, tin & glass (usually each student makes between 4-6 plates over the two days).

Models will be provided on Sunday ... styled by Lia Crowe*

Each student will gain a working knowledge of the wet plate process; in the studio. Plus have the necessary information to continue making wet plates on their own.

Lunch will be provided on Sunday. * please advise if you have allergies.

Open to all levels.

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 also 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.

Limited to 6 participants. Register and pay online>>