My first ambrotypes

gr82bart · Nov 20, 2007

Well, I made my first 5 ambrotypes on Sunday. I don't if it was the ether or what, but I'm hooked. This is amazing and now I have more stuff I can do with the tens of thousands of slides I have.

For those of you that have never tried it, I recommend it. Once the chems are mixed, which isn't too difficult, the process is pretty simple. There is one tricky part though and that the pouring and layering of the collodian onto the glass plate. Takes practice, but after a few times - piece of cake.

I'll post a scan later.

What I like about traditional film photography and the historical processes is the many possibilities to 'discover'.

Regards, Art.

Zebra · Nov 20, 2007

Congrats Art!! On your way to being a black paw. I mixed collodion all day yesterday as I go through it pretty fast around these parts. Hope to see some of the work soon,

best,

Zebra

donbga · Nov 20, 2007

gr82bart said:
Well, I made my first 5 ambrotypes on Sunday. I don't if it was the ether or what, but I'm hooked. This is amazing and now I have more stuff I can do with the tens of thousands of slides I have.

For those of you that have never tried it, I recommend it. Once the chems are mixed, which isn't too difficult, the process is pretty simple. There is one tricky part though and that the pouring and layering of the collodian onto the glass plate. Takes practice, but after a few times - piece of cake.

I'll post a scan later.

What I like about traditional film photography and the historical processes is the many possibilities to 'discover'.

Regards, Art.

So what kind of camera did you adopt for wet plate? What size plates?

bill schwab · Nov 20, 2007

gr82bart said:
I don't if it was the ether or what, but I'm hooked.

Well, it certainly doesn't hurt!

Congrats Art. It is addictive, that is for sure. I look forward to seeing what you're doing.

Bill

highpeak · Nov 20, 2007

I think he tear apart his hassi to convert it to a wetplate camera

Art, do post your images. I want to see what they look like.

Alex W.

RobertP · Nov 21, 2007

I assume he is projection printing on wet plates. Enlighten us Art. Oh ...and pass the ether.

davido · Nov 21, 2007

Art, by any chance, did you take the Ambrotype workshop with Rob Norton at Gallery 44 last sunday?
I took it last year and it was alot of fun. I'm hoping to do in camera wet-plate in the near future.
david

gr82bart · Nov 22, 2007

Hi Folks,

Sorry, but I won't be able to scan the plates as I'm at my parent's place and they don't have a scanner or PS either. I will have them tonight at the APUG get together in Toronto.

Don, I used an enlarger not a camera. I'm glad I did this as I now one more thing I could do with the thousands of slides I have.

Alex, how dare you think I'd tear up my beloved precious ...

David, yes, it was a course with Rob. It was a great class too. He's a an easy going teacher - very pragmatic and has an approach that makes you want to do more ambrotypes. Definitely need more folks like him. I'd recommend his class. Plus I've recommended that class actually be two days - second day being nothing but more practice, practice, practice - and critique. If you're in town and can weather the freezing rain, hope you can make it out tonight.

I think I'll make some for the next round of print exchanges too.

Thanks, Art.

gr82bart · Nov 25, 2007

OK folks, here's two of the five plates. Comments and critiques welcome.

Regards, Art.

paxette · Dec 7, 2007

Where are you getting the chemicals in Canada? I want to play too ...

My first ambrotypes

gr82bart

Zebra

donbga

bill schwab

Advertiser

highpeak

RobertP

davido

gr82bart

gr82bart

Attachments

paxette

My first ambrotypes

Advertiser

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency