This is a one-day Wetplate Collodion Workshop, which takes place at WE Studio in Berlin, Germany
When: Scheduled for July 16th 2023
The Wetplate Collodion Workshop at WE Studio is a one-day full-immersion hands-on workshop that takes place in Berlin, Germany. Participants will learn the basics of wetplate collodion photography, operate on a large format wood made camera of the early 1900s and using the portable darkroom made by Michele Pero for to shoot wetplate collodion on the field.
Every student will make some plates each. By the end of the day each one will return home with at least one good tintype (ferrotypes) and one good glass plate (ambrotype).
At the end of this program on wet plate collodion photography students will have acquired also notions on use of chemicals, formulas for wet plate collodion, safety measures to handle chemicals and materials, procedures for preparing wet plates on your own and to get them developed and fully finished.
Program
Program of the Wetplate Collodion Workshop at WE Studio, Berlin
Meeting at 9:30 at the premise. Workshop begins.
We will immediately make an introduction on archaic photographic techniques with a particular focus on the wet collodion technique. This will be followed by a view of various images made at the collodion both in the 1800s and in the present day.
After the first introductory part we will proceed to the demonstration of the preparation of the various necessary solutions, such as collodion, development and fixing.
We will take some demonstration shots and start practicing with the plates and pouring the collodion. If we can, we will also take some shots before the lunch break. We will use wooden cameras, dating back to the early 1900s, specially built for wet collodion.
Lunch break where and how one wants. There are various solutions around the venue.
After lunch we plan to assemble a photo shoot to take pictures, both indoors and outdoors (if weather allows that).
We will prepare the plate emulsions and take a series of wet collodion images. Here each participant will be able to create his own series of images.
We will practice with natural lighting outdoors and operate with the wood-made folding portable darkroom.
The development, fixing and final varnishing of the plates will follow (necessary finishing phase).
At the end of the day we will discuss the works done and give all the practical advice to find the materials, chemistry and even the wooden cameras that are still used today for wet collodion.
Workshop ends at around 5:30 pm.
Each participant will return home with a series of images made in wet collodion and a series of notes with the recipes to carry out the collodion independently.
Requirements
What does the course fee include?
The cost of the course includes enough chemical materials and plates to satisfy the curiosity of all participants. It does not include the materials in the list below (Course requirements).
Course requirements
All materials and equipment needed are provided with the course fee. Students should arrive with:
- Show up with a proper working dressing for to protect yourself from staining, such as an apron. Also shoes are at staining risk, so consider a shoe change for to work safely.
- Wear protective clear glasses for to keep your eyes safe while working with certain chemicals in the darkroom. You can buy clear protection glasses at any hardware store. If you already must wear glasses, they will be sufficient.
- IMPORTANT NOTICE: buy a box of disposable gloves in nitrile that fit your size. Make sure the material is nitrile. Ask for the type B or the thicker type, the same in use by mechanics. Thinner and cheap gloves or different materials may let chemicals pass through.
- please arrive with a proper notebook for to take handouts
Where
Course Fees
Course fee
The fee for this workshop is 150 Euro per person and it includes German VAT (19%)
Questions and Application Form
Please use the form below for your inquiries. Use the next form for applications. Thanks.
