Wet Plate Collodion
Beginner's Workshop with Joe Smigiel
assisted by Bill Schwab

Cross Village, Michigan
June 23 - 24, 2008

Skill Level: All
Fee: $350.00 (includes lab fees)
Limited to 6 participants

1 Space is Available as of June 9, 2008

Free Camping Available

Perhaps a reaction to the push button, digital world or maybe simply a desire to get back to basics, the collodion or wet plate process has been undergoing a wave of interest that has been increasing over the past few years. And while it can be an extremely expressive and addictive process, it can be a bit complicated at first. Due to some of the chemistry involved, it also needs to be handled with a degree of care that is a touch above the average darkroom. Speaking from experience it helps a great deal to be able to watch and work with someone experienced with the process as the method and materials can be somewhat intimidating. This is why we are offering this short beginners course that is designed to give a good base of experience to build upon.

This course will first cover chemistry, formulas and safe handling. You will mix collodion*, silver nitrate solution as well as developer and fixing baths. All chemistry and materials used during the course of this workshop as well as safety equipment will be provided.

You will then move on to the pouring of plates, sensitizing them in the silver nitrate bath, exposure in the camera and finally processing of the plate. Although there will be a demonstration of glass plate negative creation, you will be concentrating on positives made on aluminum, or "Tin Types" as they are commonly known. You will also be making positive plates using colored and clear glass, or "Ambrotypes". By the end of your first day, you will have poured and exposed several plates of your own and will be ready for our next day.

The final day of your workshop will be spent working in the field. Both Joe and I have mobile darkrooms that will allow you to go out into the surrounding landscape to make photographic plates getting a taste of what it is like to create plates on location. Unlike the 19th century photographers, there will be no Mule teams! Also demonstrated will be the use of a Darkbox, or small portable darkroom.

Registration for this workshop requires a deposit of $100.00 to reserve your space and can be done in the column to the right. This deposit will be refundable until April 1st of this year. The balance of the fee will be due on or before June 1, 2008.

To add to your stay with us is our annual Photographer's Gathering or "Photostock" as it is becoming known. It starts the following day on the property and we are expecting upwards of 40 photographers over the course of the week. It runs from the 25th to the 29th of June and will include shooting excursions, demonstrations and the fireside camaraderie of others sharing your interest in photography. While a lot of fun, you can't help but learn from one another as well. If coming to the workshop, why not just make the week of it and extend your stay with us? The gathering is free to all who attend, camping is available on the property at no extra charge and there is also discount lodging available nearby.

We are located on 11 acres of beautiful Northern Michigan woodland and rustic camping is available to all who attend. Water and limited electric is available as is a community fire pit and rustic toilet facilities. For those that like a little more comfort, we have a block of rooms available at the nearby Birchwood Inn for this workshop and the following photographer's gathering. If interested, please make that selection when you register.  so that we may get a room count. You will be responsible for your own reservations as the event draws near.

Links have also been provided in the right column that may be of help in making your decision, finding an alternate place to stay and getting a feel for the area.

Once registered, you will be sent more information, maps, etc. as the event draws near. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and someone will get back with you soon. We will do our best to help with your arrangements.

Thank You!

Bill Schwab

*Collodion contains ether and the smell may cause nausea or aggravate existing respiratory ailments in some. Please be advised that if you fall into this category, you may not wish to attend.