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Scotland is a wonderful place and is slowly becoming a second home for me
and my family. So I am pleased to announce that I will be returning to Scotland
in 2010 to teach two workshops and see more of the wonderful Scottish landscape.
My very good friend and talented photographer Carl Radford
and his good lady Liz have once again generously offered their home and darkroom
located on the outskirts of Glasgow as the venue for the workshops.
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Introduction to Wet Plate Collodion
July 10-11, 2010 Workshop Full |
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Wet plate collodion, one of the earliest photographic processes, has been
experiencing a resurgence of interest in recent years. This resurgence is partly
due to the decreasing availability of traditional
photographic materials and a reaction to the machine-made, mass-produced
aspects of digital photography, but primarily because of the beauty and
uniqueness of the images created. Many contemporary artists such as Sally Mann
are using wet plate collodion in their work. In this workshop we will primarily work on producing wet plate positive images: ambrotypes and tintypes. We will also spend some time creating wet plate negatives. Through a combination of discussions, shooting sessions and darkroom time, participants will learn how to use this historic process in their own photography. You will learn preparation and safe handling of the chemicals used in the process, cutting and preparation of glass for ambrotypes and negatives, adapting standard film holders for wet plate use, reading light and exposure (light meters are of little use with wet plate), pouring collodion, development techniques, options for fixing and varnishing and presentation. As with most things hand-made, wet plate collodion is best learned by doing and there will be plenty of hands-on time in this workshop. Cameras ranging from a box brownie to 10x8 will be available, but you may also bring your own view camera. Wet plate holders will be available that will fit standard 5x4 and 10x8 view camera backs. Be aware that chemicals will likely drip onto your camera and leave permanent stains. |
The Plan
This 2-day workshop workshop will be limited to six people and you will work in
pairs, sharing equipment and photographing each other or objects. Feel free to
bring your own subject matter for still life images. We will begin in the
morning when you will learn how to cut and properly clean glass and become
familiar with the equipment used in the process. You will also learn how to
safely handle and prepare the necessary chemicals. By the afternoon of the
first day you will begin pouring plates and making wet plate images. You will
spend the second day refining your skills and I suspect having more fun than
you've had with photography in a long time, if not ever! Other topics to be
covered will include shooting with natural and artificial light, working mobile
in the field, use of contemporary and period equipment.
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The tuition for this workshop is £300 and includes all supplies
and lunch both days. I expect there will be more demand than spaces
available, so I encourage you to sign up early.
A deposit of £100 will be required to reserve your spot. The balance of
the tuition will be due by May 1, 2010. At that point, refunds will only be
provided if we cancel the workshop for any reason. If you need to cancel and
there are people on the waiting list to take your spot, you will also receive
a refund. Otherwise, your tuition will be forfeited. We will
provide information regarding lodging near Carl's house. To sign up or if you
have questions,
send me an email and I will let you know how to pay the deposit.  |
Introduction to Platinum/Palladium Printing and Making Digital Negatives with QTR July 13-14, 2010 Workshop Full |
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Platinum/palladium is one of the most venerable of the alternative processes. It
produces warm, beautiful prints with a soft glow that is unique to the medium.
Whle it is a relatively easy process to learn, the best results require negatives
that are tailored to the process. These can either be made in-camera using view
cameras or the much more popular and flexible approach of printing with digital
negatives. |
The Plan
This workshop will be limited to five people. The focus will be printing with
digital negatives, but you may also bring in-camera negatives up to a maximum
size of 10x8.
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The workshop will begin with a get-together the evening before the workshop.
During this time we will look at many platinum prints
as well as examples of each participant's work. Bring a few prints to share
with the class! We will also spend some time reviewing the technical
aspects of the process.
Tuesday will mostly be devoted to learning the craft of making digital negatives using QTR. You will learn how to calibrate the system for your Epson printer. We will use a straightforward approach that is streamlined thanks to a Photoshop script written by my good friend and talented photographer David Eisenlord. The script eliminates much of the tedious math and measurements required to create the Photoshop curves utilized in the process. You will receive a copy of the script for your own use as well as a detailed, step-by-step illustrated manual. Wednesday morning we will begin making platinum/palladium prints. You will learn the subtleties involved in making top-quality platinum/palladium prints including paper choices, contrast controls, environmental controls and the techniques necessary for consistent results. My approach to platinum printing is simple and straightforward and does not involve complex sensitometry or math that can make the process appear much more difficult that it is. A class workbook is included with all the technical details of the process. This will be provided as a PDF file few weeks before the workshop so you can do a little studying ahead of time. Bring your images, your enthusiasm and your sense of humor. This will be an intensive workshop as there is lots to learn, but these processes are fun and not too difficult. Whether you shoot 10x8 film or a digital point and shoot, this workshop will allow you to make beautiful platinum/palladium platinum prints and have a great time doing it. |
Gum Bichromate Option
For those interested in learning to make gum over platinum prints, we are considering
offering an optional third day to the workshop to teach the gum bichromate process. If
you think you are interested in this option, let us know when you e-mail to sign up.
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The tuition for this workshop is £300 and includes all supplies
and lunch both days. If we are able to add a third day to cover gum bichromate, there will
be an additional fee of £125. I expect there will be more demand than spaces
available, so I encourage you to sign up early.
A deposit of £100 will be required to reserve your spot. The balance of
the tuition will be due by May 1, 2010. At that point, refunds will only be
provided if we cancel the workshop for any reason. If you need to cancel and
there are people on the waiting list to take your spot, you will also receive
a refund. Otherwise, your tuition will be forfeited. We will
provide information regarding lodging near Carl's house. To sign up or if you
have questions,
send me an email and I will let you know how to pay the deposit.
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