;

Workshops In Development

(pun intended;)

DSCEditjpg
20240720_135009.jpg

First Contact: Wet Plate Photography for the Curious

Are you drawn to the look and physicality of tintypes but not sure how to begin your journey?

First Contact: A Private Studio Introduction to Wet Plate

Single Participant: $275

Dual Session (Bring a Friend): $375

The 19th-century photographic process is best understood through direct observation and physical handling. First Contact is a deliberate, four-hour intensive for those curious about the craft. You do not need a background in photography; this session is designed to deconstruct the workflow in a focused, one-on-one (or two-on-one) environment.

Together, we will move through the entire technical cycle: coating and sensitizing the plate, managing the exposure, and the final development. You will observe the nuances of each stage and participate in the creation of the image.

The Experience Includes:

Technical Instruction: A complete walkthrough of the wet plate workflow from chemistry to varnish.

The Artifact: Each participant will sit for a professional 4x5 tintype portrait to take home.

The Credit: Should you choose to pursue a full Masterclass later, $100 of this fee will be applied to your tuition.

Note: Dual sessions are limited to two participants to ensure everyone spends sufficient time hands-on with the equipment and chemistry.

First Contact Sessions are 1-1 or 2-1 only

collodionpour.jpg

Ambrotype & Glass: The Technical Intensive

A Specialized One-Day Masterclass for the Advanced Practitioner.

Single Participant: $550

Dual Session (Bring a Friend): $750

While the tintype is the bedrock of the medium, the Ambrotype (wet plate on glass) is its most ethereal and demanding expression. This intensive is designed for those who have mastered the fundamentals of metal plates and are ready to tackle the fragility, transparency, and complex nature of glass.

What is Covered:

Substrate Mastery: Cutting glass to custom sizes and the critical "chemically clean" preparation using traditional polishing agents.

The Physics of the Glass Pour: Managing the weight and surface tension of a glass plates compared to metal.

Development Logic: Shifting from standard exposure to Positive vs. Negative development—adjusting timing and chemistry to ensure a luminous, high-contrast positive.

Substrate Preparation: Master the "tooth" and "anchor" techniques (bordering and albumen) to prevent the devastating film-lift and peeling that can occurs on glass plates.

The Varnish Balance: Learn the delicate physics of the "solvent attack." We discuss how to manage old collodion vs. fresh varnish to ensure your silver image stays on the plate and doesn't "melt" away.

Thermal Management: Navigation of the specific heat-retention properties of glass to ensure a level, crystal-clear finish without bubbles or shattering the plate.

I provide all specialized equipment and chemistry.

Availability: Sessions are scheduled on demand to ensure a high level of technical instruction.

IMG_4145.jpeg

The Masterclass: Wet Plate Collodion at

Pendray House

The Masterclass: Two-Day Intensive

Single Participant: $1,200

Dual Session (Bring a Friend): $1,800

For photographers and artists seeking to master the 19th-century darkroom, this two-day intensive is a deep dive into the technical and aesthetic rigors of the medium. We cover the entire workflow from initial chemical mixing to the final sandarac varnish. These sessions utilize both studio lighting and the natural light of the Pendray House grounds.

What is Covered:

Chemistry Management: Mixing salted collodion, developer, fixer, and maintaining the silver bath.

Studio and Field Work: Balancing large format techniques with varied lighting.

The Artifact: Participants will create multiple plates on both 4x5 and 8x10 cameras.

Establishing a Practice: Guidance on sourcing equipment and building a darkroom.

I provide all specialized equipment and chemistry. High-quality snacks and water are provided; we take a daily one-hour break to enjoy the local dining options near Pendray House, or bring lunch and enjoy the peaceful seaside picnic area.

Availability: Sessions are scheduled on demand to ensure a high level of technical instruction.

**Note on Scheduling: To accommodate the booking system, this session is listed as an 8-hour block. However, the Masterclass is a comprehensive 16-hour weekend intensive (8 hours Saturday / 8 hours Sunday). Your booking secures your place for the entire weekend.

**Please confirm prior to booking that your desired weekend is fully available.
**Requests for workshops on days other than the weekend can also be arranged.

IMGjpeg

Workshops

CAD $275 - CAD $1,800

Pricing
First Contact: Wet Plate for the Curious
4 hr$275
Hide Details
Technical Instruction of the wet plate process
Professional 4x5 tintype portrait
$100 of this fee applied to Masterclass tuition.
Appointment subject to photographer approval.
Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.
$100 booking fee at time of approval.
Remainder amount $175 is due on the day of the shoot.
First Contact: Wet Plate for 2
4 hr$375
Show Details
Technical Instruction of the wet plate process
Professional 4x5 tintype portrait
$100 of this fee applied to Masterclass tuition.
Appointment subject to photographer approval.
Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.
$100 booking fee at time of approval.
Remainder amount $275 is due on the day of the shoot.
Ambrotype & Glass Intensive
6 hr$550
Show Details
Glass cutting to custom sizes
Chemically clean preparation
The physics of the glass pour
Positive vs. Negative development
The blacking process
Troubleshooting glass plate issues
Finishing and archiving considerations
Appointment subject to photographer approval.
Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.
$200 booking fee at time of approval.
Remainder amount $350 is due on the day of the shoot.
Ambrotype & Glass Intensive for 2
6 hr$750
Show Details
Glass cutting to custom sizes
Chemically clean preparation
The physics of the glass pour
Positive vs. Negative development
The blacking process
Troubleshooting glass plate issues
Finishing and archiving considerations
Appointment subject to photographer approval.
Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.
$300 booking fee at time of approval.
Remainder amount $450 is due on the day of the shoot.
The Masterclass: Two-Day Intensive
8 hr$1,200
Show Details
Two day intensive workshop
Technical Instruction of the wet plate process
Chemistry Management
4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 camera work
Studio and Field Work
Establishing a Practice
Specialized equipment and chemistry for workshop
Snacks and water are provided
Resource materiel included
Digital archiving and presentation options
Appointment subject to photographer approval.
Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.
$600 booking fee at time of approval.
Remainder amount $600 is due on the day of the shoot.
The Masterclass: Two-Day Intensive for 2
8 hr$1,800
Show Details
Two day intensive workshop
Technical Instruction of the wet plate process
Chemistry Management
4x5 and 8x10 camera work
Studio and Field Work
Establishing a Practice:
Specialized equipment and chemistry for workshop
Snacks and water are provided
Resource materiel included
Finishing and digital archiving options
Appointment subject to photographer approval.
Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.
$900 booking fee at time of approval.
Remainder amount $900 is due on the day of the shoot.