Wet Plate Collodion with Allan Barnes
Wet plate collodion is an early photographic technique invented by Englishman Frederick Scott Archer in 1851. The process involves adding a soluble iodide to a solution of collodion (cellulose nitrate) and coating a glass plate with the mixture. In the darkroom the plate is immersed in a solution of silver nitrate to form silver iodide. The plate, still wet, is exposed in the camera. It is then developed by pouring a solution of pyrogallic acid over it and was fixed with a strong solution of sodium thiosulfate, for which potassium cyanide was later substituted. Immediate developing and fixing were necessary because, after the collodion film has dried, it becomes waterproof and the reagent solutions can’t not penetrate it.
Workshop Basics
Participants will use large format period-correct cameras to explore the craftsmanship of tintypes and ambrotypes. After a brief historical discussion of the process, students will be trained in the coating, exposure, development and preservation of the photographic plate. The goal is to provide a taste of how the process works, with each participant walking away with 3-4 plates. We will be making photographs at/around the location of the workshop. Participants are invited to bring their own props, old costumes, etc.
All chemistry, media and cameras will be provided, Please bring disposable latex or nitrile gloves, aprons and work clothing (materials used can easily stain skin and clothing).
Workshop Schedule
Friday
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Meet and Greet
Saturday
9:00am - 3:00pm
Wet Plate Collodion Processing
Saturday
9:00am - 3:00pm
Wet Plate Collodion Processing
*Masks will be required inside during the workshop
Allan Barnes
Allan is an editorial and fine art photographer from Detroit, Michigan. After 25 years as an editorial photographer, he began working in the Wet Plate Collodion Process and currently specializes in portraiture and fashion. His studio is in the North San Francisco Bay Area, where he also teaches photography classes at Petaluma High School. Previously, he taught photo classes at Citrus College in Glendora, CA and Santa Monica College in Santa Monica CA.