Wet and Dry Collodion on Glass

From July 18, 2011 through July 22, 2011 at Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock Abbey

The wet-collodion method is one of the most popular alternative processes in the world today. Capable of producing one-of-a-kind ambrotypes and tintype positives, the wet-collodion process can also be used to make glass negatives that can be perfectly matched for all historic and modern photographic printing processes.

In this workshop, participants are first guided through the basics of making positive wet-collodion images using a conventional darkroom. Later in the week, portable darkrooms will be used to allow shooting on the grounds of the Abbey. The dry-collodion negative variant will also be taught. This rare technique enables photographers to sensitize plates many days before shooting, allowing the freedom to work without a silver bath or portable darkroom on site.

This workshop is a collaboration with Curator Roger Watson of the Fox Talbot Museum and is taught by Mark Osterman and France Scully Osterman, a couple well-known as respected artists and photo historians. They were the first to publish, exhibit as art and teach the history, aesthetics and process of collodion photography. The workshop includes discussions on the evolution of the collodion process and viewing historic sample images. Complete instructions and formulas will be included in the selected readings. No prior wet-plate collodion experience is necessary.

Limited to 8 participants. (This workshop is currently full; please contact us to be put on the waitlist.)

Tuition: $1,860, plus $200 materials fee.

Cancellation Policy: Withdrawal from the workshop two weeks before the session start date will receive a refund, minus a $50 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than two weeks before a workshop start date. If the workshop is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class will be fully refunded. The Eastman House is not responsible for airline ticket cancellation costs or fees. The Eastman House may take and use images, still or video, for educational and promotional purposes. 

Scheduling: Daily sessions begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.  

Lodging: Lodging is not included in the cost of the workshop. Click here for accommodations options.