The other day something amazing happened.  I acquired a beautiful piece of history.  It has been in it's case, on a shelf, for over 30 years; not seeing the light of day, and it craves light, craves being seen, and seeing.

What is this piece of history, you ask? It is a beautiful, fully functional, 8x10 view camera made by the Century Camera Company in Rochester, New York, in 1902.  It is in mint condition for a 111 year old wooden camera.  I am so grateful that circumstances aligned to have this camera find me.

Century View Camera

Looking through the huge ground glass at the upside down and reversed image being projected through the lens for the first time gave me chills.  I wondered, "who else has looked through this lens, what has this camera seen, where has it been, what is it's story?"

This camera came into my life for a reason, and at the right time.  I look forward to breathing new life into this incredible machine, and adding more pages to it's story. 

Our first chapter together will begin in a couple of days as we set out together on a six week road trip.  What will we see?  I don't know, but I am sure it will be interesting. 

By the way, I will be offering wet plate portrait sittings using this very camera beginning in November.  Please contact me if you would like to have the unique experience of sitting for an 8x10 tintype portrait.