PORTRAITS IN SILVER
The art of collodion wetplate photography
THE ORIGIN OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The word 'Photography' is derived from the ancient greek words "phos" and "graphe" meaning "light drawing". With modern camera's it's often easy to forget how magical the process is. Seeing an image appear before your eyes, using only chemicals and light, truly is a drawing made with light.
During the photoshoot portraits are made with a wooden camera from 1900 and using the wetplate collodion technique. The light is caught with silver on black aluminium (tintype) or glass (ambrotype). It's a unique and unpredictable process with a very characteristic aesthetic. You will travel back in time and see yourself like never before!
THE PROCESS
The process starts with a glass or aluminium plate, which is made light sensitive in the silverbath. After leaving the bath everything has to be done under a red save light. The
plate is loaded in the camera and the photo can be taken. The next step is developing the plate. This is when the first hints of the portrait become visible.
During the fixation process the image goes from negative to positive, a beautiful and magical chemical reaction. Finally the plate has to be varnished, as pure silver will oxidize
when exposed to moisture. .
The wetplate collodion experience
A look behind the scenes