Description
Wetplate collodion picture 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, one 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.
We have made these plates negative also, so you can check at alternative processes prints of the wet set 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.
Ambrotypes are unique works of art
Wet plate collodion ambrotypes are unique and original pieces, because copying, reproduction of print is impossible. If another picture is wanted, it must be reshoot again on a brand new wet plate. Therefore you are purchasing a unique, original plate. More plates may be produced with this subject but they will result in different looks, hence different pieces, even if the subject is the same.
Brightness of an ambrotype
Ambrotypes do not perform the same brightness as a normal print, so they require a spot light to be shown at best. Consider also the varnish provides a glossy finish. The other pictures added to this gallery should provide a look on how an ambrotype may appear when showcased in a low lit ambient, when a light is cast direct to it and how much reflective its surface is.
If you have any question for displaying this product please ask.
Floating frame
The work of art maybe showcased as mounted on an original frame of my own concept, called ‘floating frame‘. Such a framing holds the plate at a distance from the back of the frame. The plate is kept in position by 8 L-type brass-coated hooks for large plates (4 hooks in the pics as per early versions) and only 4 hooks for smaller plates. The frame is made of raw wood and it is painted in black.
Frame is for description only, It is not included in this product sale. You can find it in a separate section of this Shop.
If you have any question for displaying this product please ask.
Selling and shipping details
Ships in a box, worldwide. This work of art is sold without the frame. The price is for plate only. The frame is available for sale and it is listed on this website shop.
Copyright and trademark
All photos on this website are copyrighted © Michele Pero/Jessica, all rights are reserved, copying and/or downloading is forbidden.
The watermark on the images is for digital protection purpose only. The original piece comes without watermark. Ambrotypes are not marked nor sealed nor signed for not ruin their integrity.
