Smash the Mystery of Collodion.
Detailed personal instruction, Historical Equipment, Experienced respectful Instruction.
See details and dates below
INTRODUCTION TO WET-PLATE COLLODION
Offering hands-on instruction each student will learn how to make "direct positive" Wetplate Collodion images from start to finish. Each plate is a one-of-a-kind positive image exposed directly in camera on blackened metal or glass. These timeless photographs use silver and light to develop a superior image with a surreal quality that will literally last for generations.
You will learn the chemistry and formulations for the various Wetplate Collodion practises, the techniques to correctly pour, expose, develop and varnish your own plates. Concentrating on correct handling, execution and understanding of materials and tools is the main focus. Everyone can expect to shoot a minimum of 3-4 of their own tintypes using converted vintage cameras. All equipment (chemistry, metal & glass plates, darkroom/dark box equipment and cameras) will be supplied. There will be lots of extra time to experiment and play with various cameras and formats, from box cameras to 4x5's view cameras. This is a one-of-a-kind chance to use a variety of vintage and historical equipment that you would otherwise spend hundreds of dollars on trying to figure what is right for you. Each student can pick from a variety of the unique vintage cameras - provided for use during the workshop depending on skill and comfort level. These fascinating objects are the real thing, varying in size and format producing images from - 23/4” x 41/4” to 4"x5" in size. Each students will need to bring a tripod. If you desire to bring you own cameras please contact me first to talk about details.
Prior to shooting, and to get people into the collodion mood, there will be an instructor demo followed by all the nitty-gritty details regarding chemistry, recipes, pouring technique and the health & safety protocols that must be observed. At TinCan Studios, we will be committed to shooting all day long, with hands on instruction and right up to varnishing your plates, all with with one-on-one instructor guidance, . You will also receive detailed recipes, advanced technical and experiential information and the sources to help further your wet-plate exploration. The classes are very small and intimate, with enrollment limited to 5 students only. These classes will be conducted mostly outdoors with the emphasis on shooting in natural daylight. After completing this course, you will have a solid foundation of skills, experience and information to continue the Wet-Plate process on your own. Having a base knowledge and practice in analog photography would be helpful but not essential.
These workshops will be held in the beautiful surrounding of the TinCan Studios in a relaxed and supportive outdoor environment - Please dress according to the weather - rain or shine. See below for further details.
CONTACT : paul@elter.ca
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
As a multi-disciplinary artist of 25+ years working in photography, painting and sculpture. Combined with two decades of art instruction, and years of personal wetplate experience and study have made him an accomplished, well rounded teacher delivering clear, experienced and insightful instruction.
If you are in Sudbury during Northern Lights Festival Boreal Music festival - Canadas oldest music festival - come hang out and have your portrait taken. The TinCan Van will be on site doing demonstrations and taking portraits. Stop by and say hello.