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REVISED - 4/9/08!!! |
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Perhaps snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, it now looks like we may be
able to go ahead with workshops in Scotland this year! As you know, we had
cancelled these plans after several students dropped out for scheduling and
financial reasons. Or maybe they just preferred making injet prints! Within
days of cancelling, I started to get requests from others to fill those spots.
We now have enough to fill one wet plate and one gum/platinum workshop with
maybe a short waiting list to boot. As we had planned, the workshops will be
hosted at the home of my good friend Carl Radford located on the outskirts of
Glasgow. We will be doing two workshops over four consecutive days. Because I
made some other commitments after cancelling, we've had to change the schedule.
The schedule is now:
Please let us know ASAP
via email
if these dates will work for you. If so, please plan to
send your deposit soon. I would prefer checks made out to Carl Radford
(we will provide you with his mailing address). If you would rather pay with
PayPal, you can send payment to my PayPal account at kerik@kerik.com. June 14-15 (sat-sun) - Introduction to Wet Plate Collodion June 17-18 (tues-wed) - Introduction to Platinum/Gum Bichromate I am currently trying to rearrange affordable flights and other travel plans as well as securing the necessary workshop supplies, so consider this about a 90% sure thing until I get those details finalized on my end. For now, I just need to know if the dates work for you and that you REALLY, REALLY want and plan to attend.
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Introduction to Platinum/Palladium and Gum Printing |
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Platinum/palladium and gum bichromate are two of the most venerable of the
alternative processes. Used alone they are each capable of creating beautiful,
evocative images. When used in combination they become a whole that is greater
than the sum of the parts. Combining the two processes provides a palette with
which truly unique prints can be made. Whether you have some experience in
either or both of these processes or if you have never before made a hand-made
print, this workshop is for you. In this workshop, you will start by learning the subtleties involved in making top-quality platinum/palladium prints including paper choices, contrast controls, environmental controls and the techniques necessary for consistent results. My approach to platinum printing is simple and straightforward and does not involve complex sensitometry or math that can make the process appear much more difficult that it is. You will also learn the fundamentals of the gum bichromate process including a novel approach to coating that provides for very smooth, creamy gum layers that blend seamlessly with the underlying platinum/palladium print. Adding one or more layers of gum bichromate to a platinum/palladium print results in prints that can range from subtle to wildly colorful; the final choice is up to you. Combining these processes allows you to use both the left and right sides of your brain to produce work that is uniquely yours. Whether you shoot 10x8 film or a digital point and shoot, this workshop will allow you to make beautiful platinum/palladium and gum over platinum prints and have a great time doing it. |
The Plan
This workshop will be limited to four people. Negatives from 5x4 to a maximum
of 10x8 are suggested. If you don't have appropriate negatives, we will
make digital negatives from two of your images prior to the workshop for your
use. More details on this later... I will give a demonstration on making
digital negatives and provide resources for further study, but we won't have
time to go into it in great detail.
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The workshop will begin with a get-together the evening before the workshop.
During this time we will look at many platinum and gum/platinum prints
as well as examples of each participant's work. Bring a few prints to share
with the class! We will also spend some time reviewing the technical
aspects of the process. Saturday morning we will begin making platinum/palladium
prints. On sunday, we will learn the basics of the gum bichromate process and
start adding layers of gum over some of the prints made the previous day.
You will also learn how to deal with any problems encountered along the way.
A class workbook is included with all the technical details of the processes.
This will be provided as a PDF file few weeks before the workshop so you can
do a little studying ahead of time. Bring your negatives, your enthusiasm and
your sense of humor. This will be an intensive workshop as there is lots to
learn, but these processes are fun and not too difficult.
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Introduction to Wet Plate Colldion |
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Wet plate collodion, one of the earliest photographic processes, has been
experiencing a resurgence of interest in recent years. This resurgence is partly
due to the decreasing availability of traditional
photographic materials and a reaction to the machine-made, mass-produced
aspects of digital photography, but primarily because of the beauty and
uniqueness of the images created. Many contemporary artists such as Sally Mann
are using wet plate collodion in their work. In this workshop we will primarily work on producing wet plate positive images: ambrotypes and tintypes. We will also spend some time creating wet plate negatives. Through a combination of discussions, shooting sessions and darkroom time, participants will learn how to use this historic process in their own photography. You will learn preparation and safe handling of the chemicals used in the process, cutting and preparation of glass for ambrotypes and negatives, adapting standard film holders for wet plate use, reading light and exposure (light meters are useless with wet plate), pouring collodion, development techniques, options for fixing and varnishing and presentation. As with most things hand-made, wet plate collodion is best learned by doing and there will be plenty of hands-on time in this workshop. Cameras ranging from a box brownie to 10x8 will be available, but you may also bring your own view camera. Wet plate holders will be available that will fit standard 5x4 and 10x8 view camera backs. Be aware that chemicals will likely drip onto your camera and leave permanent stains. If you have an old, beater view camera, bring that and leave the Ebony at home. |
The Plan
This 2-day workshop workshop will be limited to six people and you will work in
pairs, sharing equipment and photographing each other. We will begin in the
morning when you will learn how to cut and properly clean glass and become
familiar with the equipment used in the process. You will also learn how to
safely handle and prepare the necessary chemicals. By the afternoon of the
first day you will begin pouring plates and making wet plate images. You will
spend the second day refining your skills and I suspect having more fun than
you've had with photography in a long time, if not ever!
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