Self, Wet-Plate Collodion Ambrotype
by Walker Pickering
UPDATE: I’ve given this a write-up over at CrazyWalker for those of you interested in my views on the future of photography and the wet darkroom.
This is “my” first wet-plate image. But of course, the incredible Mark Osterman was the one doing the shooting. And while I poured the plate and developed it and so on, France Scully Osterman was the one who managed to make sure I didn’t screw it all up. Both of them were phenomenal, and if you have any interest in this process, you should take one of their workshops at the very least.
I’ve been wanting to learn this process for, I guess, 3 years now. So the fact that they came to the Ransom Center in Austin was perfect. It probably would’ve been at least another 3 years before I could’ve made it up to Rochester otherwise. I’ll try to post images from the workshop soon, but no promises.=)
Wonderful!
Very nice. Love the hands.
Cool man!
Great portrait. Very cool looking.
A little creepy, but cool.
Way cool — I keep wanting to try this, I just have to find the time. Thanks for the nice note this morning. It’s hard to think about how digital has sort of ruined it for the rest of us film fans
So cool!! I do envy you, what a wonderful learning experience!!
like the tones and texture of this portrait! cheers
inspiring. if only the subject was wearing different clothing, the ghosted hands would be more effective.
Great. Thanks. Now I have to leave the lights on!
I really hope you do some more of the wet plate images — and share please.
Ha! Too awesome…