Introduction to the Wet Plate Collodion Process
(Limited to 4 Students)
$450
September 3-4, 2011
Studio Q / Quinn Jacobson Photography
3519 Brighton Boulevard Suite G
Denver, Colorado 80216
RiNo Art District
Quinn prepares to varnish an image. Breda, The Netherlands 2011This is an intensive, two-day, hands-on workshop that covers all aspects of making positive Wet Plate Collodion images; including Ambrotypes (black and clear glass), Tintypes/Ferrotypes, Alumitypes, and positive images on alternative substrate such as plastic, mirror, etc.
This course is designed for people who have never worked with the Wet Collodion process or for people that have and want more formal training in it. No darkroom experience is required but is helpful. No large format camera experience is required but again, it’s helpful.
Demonstrations
Students will get to see the process executed from start to finish and the workflow methodology that Quinn uses for his work. They will also get to see a Mammoth, Ultra Large Format plate made (20”x 24”). This is will be a real treat – Quinn is one of a handful of artists in the world working with this format.
Chemistry
Quinn will teach an in-depth segment on chemistry. Every (individual) chemical will be discussed and described in detail. Students learn about each chemical’s function and purpose in the process – this is very important as it relates to troubleshooting. Safety, storage and handling are also major components of this segment. Students will participate in making each of the chemicals for the process. Students will have the option to purchase a complete chemical kit to take with them at the end of the course (if they are driving). The chemical kits are $275 - that includes everything needed to make Wet Plate Collodion images when you leave the workshop.
Equipment
All of the equipment will be covered - that includes equipment for field work as well as studio work. Quinn will explain the essentials; from beakers to dark boxes, he'll show you everything you need and give you information on the best places to get it. You'll also be able to use a portable dark box (making images in the field) as well as using the luxury studio darkroom. Everything is covered and you will experience it all.
Plate Making
The students will use Quarter-Plate, 4x5 and Half-Plate format sizes. Students will have the opportunity to work in any/all of these formats. The second day of the workshop is devoted to plate making which includes preparations, glass cutting, cleaning, etc. pouring plates, sensitizing plates, exposing plates, developing plates, fixing plates and varnishing plates.
Critiques & Troubleshooting
At the end of the second day, there will be an overview/critique about the images made. This critique is based on troubleshooting – things that went wrong and things that worked. It’s a very valuable part of the course.
What’s Provided?
- You can attend the workshop with nothing but a pen and notebook. Cameras, chemistry, substrate and facilities are all provided. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own camera (if you can). Using your own equipment helps when you start making images on your own.
- You will receive a copy of Quinn’s book, “Chemical Pictures” and DVD. The book will be used throughout the course. The DVD is a great visual reference for what you will see in the workshop (making chemistry, exposure, troubleshooting, etc.).
- Lunch will be provided each day (it's unbelieveably delicious food). There will be drinks available at the studio (coffee/espresso, water, soft drinks, etc.) throughout the day.
- On Sunday night, we will have a small "celebration party" with drinks and nosh. We'll also award the Wet Plate Collodion Certificates of Training.
Course Date: September 3 - 4, 2011
Location: Studio Q / Quinn Jacobson Photography
3519 Brighton Blvd. Unit G
Denver, Colorado 80216
Time: 9AM - 6PM (with a lunch break)
Cost: $450
THIS COURSE IS FULL AND CLOSED. PLEASE EMAIL QUINN TO GET IN THE NEXT COURSE.
