Description
Cyanotype print of Jessica, from the project ‘This is Jessica’
The ‘wet set’ series
We have been working at these photos on a set equipped with a dripping tank placed above Jessica’s head, while she was standing still in a kid’s pool for to collect water. We had to shoot for days, in order to get some plates to keep. Jessica has been just fantastic in resisting under the water for hours, during advanced autumn days, when the cold was getting harsher.
Shooting on wetplate collodion is always a challenge. This wet set pushed the challenge beyond, because the amount of light necessary to get the plate exposed and to keep the water leak ‘froze but not frozen’ is massive. So, on one hand we had to manage power, on the other hand we had to manage lighting, which is related to how the picture will look like, by creating pleasant shadows, direction of light and mood. This technical challenge along with keeping the set wet while avoiding flooding the studio has made this picture complex and long to be delivered.
These are the alternative processes prints made out of the negative production from the wet series.
This is Jessica project
‘This is Jessica’ is a title and also an invitation to get introduced to her, because she’s not a professional model. This is her first time ever on a photographic set. This work wants to be an hommage to such a daring girl who has discovered a new herself in front of a lens.
‘This is Jessica’ begins with wet plate collodion photographs. Wherever possible we take two or more shots, so some sets are presented in more options, since every taking is an original. Some plates are converted in negatives so we can offer prints with alternative printing processes such as cyanotypes, Van Dyke brown, salted paper and so on. Check the next galleries.
This work of art is printed with the cyanotype process
This work can be made with both the traditional cyanotype process (called ‘Classic cyanotype’ on short description) and also with the new Mike Ware’s cyanotype process (called ‘New cyanotype’ on short description).
The two processes differ for blue hue (classic is colder) and contrast (classic is harsher). Depending on the negatives I take my choice and go for one process or the other. You can check short description for which process was used for this actual work of art.
Rosaspina and Artistico papers
I use two kinds of papers for the cyanotype processes: Fabriano Rosaspina and Fabriano Artistico, at my own choice and inspiration.
Both papers are museum-quality papers from the Italian paper mill Fabriano. I only use heavy weight paper, such as in the range of 285-330 gr/sqm.
Rosaspina performs a coarse grain surface, as rough as raw paper. The image looks printed inside the texture of the paper, as it is indeed. I like this kind of result because ancient printing techniques should show the primitive essence of imagery, in my opinion. Such a raw texture meets perfectly my goal and inspiration while making this project.
Artistico is smooth. The print looks sharper. Prints made on Artistico papers are more photographic-looking, closer to a modern print.
Archival processing
The print undergoes an archival processing specifically designed for this kind of photographic printing process. Then it’s trademarked with press seal.
Archival processing is designed to extend life of the print to the maximum possible. Nevertheless it is recommended to showcase the work of art away from direct sunlight.
Floating frame
The work of art is showcased as mounted on an original frame of my own concept, called ‘floating frame’. Such a framing holds the print at a distance from the back of the frame. The sheet is kept in position by eight L-type brass-coated hooks. The frame is made of raw wood and it is painted in black.
If you have any question for displaying this product please ask.
Selling and shipping details
This work of art is sold without the frame. The price is for print only. The frame is available for sale and it is listed on this website shop.
Ships in a tube, worldwide.
Copyright, watermark and seal
All photos on this website are copyrighted © Michele Pero/Jessica, all rights are reserved, copying and/or downloading is forbidden.
Watermark on images is for digital protection purpose only. The original piece comes without watermark.
Prints are marked with my original press seal ‘Michele Pero Photography’ for to certify the work of art.
