Thanks a lot for the explanation! Where can I get more detailed information about this process? Are the chemicals easy to come by? Thanks once again! Keep it up!
Is that Bad Brad sitting for the shoot??? I watched this video curious about the process, having no idea there was any connection to Utah (where I grew up!)
I am taking a Photography class, and it is because of the teacher that i am taking a look at your project "youtube video". I totally respect you! You are awesome and bringing history to life! I am sure the inventor of this is looking down on you and is very PROUD OF YOU. I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU~!!!! Keep doing what you love to do. Just do not BURN yourself~!!
@gakinimechoka Thank you for the note and very kind words. I hope Archer is doing just that, I owe him a lot - it's a wonderful process. I'll try to stay safe, too. Thanks, again.
@gakinimechoka Thank you very much, you're too kind. I'm glad that you are taking a photo class and am happy that your teacher recommended my video to watch (please thank them for me). I hope you continue to pursue photography!
Great video! It's funny but I was reading the comments here and found that I posted a comment myself three years ago. At that time, I mentioned that I have always wanted to try this. Your video inspires me. I may have some questions for you at some point but I have a very basic question now: Will I need a special film holder or camera back for my 8x10" camera to do this? Keep up the great work!
Yes, I think this has been on YouTube for about 5 years. Time goes by fast!
You can modify a modern film holder to accommodate glass and metal plates. It's easy; you cut out the septum - an 8x10 will give you a Whole Plate size - and then fasten small "ears" in the corners of the cut out to hold the plate and you're off and running! Maybe I can post a video about converting a modern film holder to use for Wet Plate Collosion.
@quinnjacobson Thank you for your response to my question. I'm going to do some basic research on the process. A video on how to modify a holder for wet plate use would be great. Is there a problem when adapting the holder to get the front of the plate to occupy the same exact plane as the ground glass image? In oher words, do you have to adjust the setup to account for the greater thickness of the glass as opposed to film? Thanks again!
I would be remiss if I didn't plug my book and online video series here; studioQ.com it's all in the book and videos - it's called, Chemical Pictures.
There is no problem with the focal plane. You're basically allowing the surface of the plate, the Collodion, to sit exactly where the film would be. The "ears" in the corner of the plate holder align the plate exactly on the focal plane of the ground glass/film.
@quinnjacobson Thanks much! It would be an easy matter to check that the collodion is in the same plane as the ground glass (and film) if necessary. Thanks for the link too. Oh! You mentioned that wet plate collodion is very expensive. How would it compare with, say, platinum/palladium as far as cost goes? Just curious.
@quinnjacobson BTW, when I asked how the cost of wet plate collodion compares to platinum/palladium, I realize that that's really comparing apples to oranges because platinum is just a printing process, not a taking process, but I just wondered how the costs would compare to get an idea of what to expect. One other thing: Being a blues lover, I really like your background music for this video.
@ZoneIII The cost of Collodion varies to some degree. The price of silver and oil have a lot to do with it. Like the root of photography (Collodion), I consider blues music the root of music (at least American). Without blues, we wouldn't have much of the music we have today. Good stuff.
@bsv628 I think you've selected a good process if you want to slow down. This demands that you contemplate before making an image, rather than after.
I'm not sure what you mean by suggestions. If you're making plates now, you have resources and equipment, yes?
If that's the case, I would offer some philosophical advice and encourage you to be present through the process. I think that's where the art is made - the image is only the residue.
@tupelosurfer I appreciate the kind words. Practice and experience will get you there. After a thousand pours, or more, you get the hang of it. Thanks.
You, sir, are a genius. Thanks so much for keeping this process alive. I think your work may have made Mathew Brady's chin drop, were he to have ever seen it. I saw some of your work on your website, and I love it!
I dont store ether. I stabilize by mixing it with alcohol, and salts, to create the iodizer. Ether, over time, can form peroxides. They are very dangerous (explosive). Its not recommended to store (opened) ether for longer than 3 months. And thats in a cool (68F or lower) dark place, away from any ignition source.
Yes, "grain alcohol" or denatured alcohol stabilizes ether very well. There are also BHT additives (chemical) stabilizers that they put in the ether, too.
@rubbers99 ether vapors are wunnerful. This was an informative video. It's great how there is a digital counter-revolution going on in the arts, from photography to music.
Wow! I'm not a photographer, but had to comment on how gorgeous both the finished product is, and the process itself! I'm so happy you are keeping this technique alive!
Wow... The end result was fantastic. I'm doing research on this for my Modern Art History class, and I had never scene this process done before. It was really informative. Thank you.
Thanks for this video! I am a student paper/photograph conservator and you really helped me understand the technique used. I am working on a 1850s broken ambrotype and actually seeing someone making one somehow makes my work more ''real''. Thanks again!
Hi, I really love your videos,I watch them alot. I am dying to give it a go. Could you help with something.I have come across the TINTYPE PARLOR available from Rockland Colloid. It seems to be the same thing but the kit is really cheap and it seems simple to use. Do you know of this kit and what the main difference between a finished ambrotype or a finished glass plate using this kit would be. In other words is it worth getting all those chemicals. If you could help I would greatly appreciate it
Awesome video! I have been wanting to do this for a long time, but just don't know where to begin. What type of camera would you recommend? Can these cameras be used for wet collodion as well as film? Where do I buy the necessary chemicals? Thanks!
an 8x10 camera is a good base for a project like this. I recommend starting with 4x5 (using standard film), then moving to film with an 8x10, and if you still enjoy the process consider trying wet-plate. It is extremely expensive and time consuming, though so be prepared.
I am inspired even more to do this. Since I saw Sally Mann's "What Remains" I have wanted to try this! And even before. I have worked with 4x5 film and that is the largest format I have done. I am planning on building a large Pin Hole camera and trying this glass plate negative thing! Thanks for the inspiration!
Labor of love. This is really cool. .each time I see a new digital camera that tracks faces, composes 3 exposures into one HDR, or takes 5 shots and stitches them into a panorama all inside the camera I think "At least it allows people to focus on composition, but damn that's lazy."
That is absolutely fantastic. I'm writing a conference paper on John Thompson's photographs of Victorian London Street Life and your video just brought it all together for me, in terms of what Thompson was actually doing. You are extremely talented, and this video was very helpful (and brief enough for busy students). Thank you, 5/5!!
Good work man. I just figured out how to get an almost exact daguerreotype "look" using multiple programs on my digital files. They're pretty sweet. I'm getting images that look like that book Bob Holman and Chuck Close collaborated on.
ANy black material (velvet is what they mostly used in the 19th C.) works well for AMbrotypes. They are just very thin negatives, the black allows the shadow areas to be black and the highlights are reflected back from the silver.
Oh wow, I didn't even notice the stand the first time I watched this. Very authentic! I love reading the descriptions of people being photographed for the first time describing it like an uncomfortable rigid jaw clamp holding their head in place.
Great video Quinn, you make the wet plate process look easy, and from what I've read, it's not.
Thank you. The headbrace/clamp is almost a must for portraiture work. The exposures can be very long. It's not painful for the sitter, but can be uncomfortable and "stiff" while sitting for a long exposure.
Thanks for your video. I would love to see your work in person. Do you have any displayed nationally? I have seen some originals from the late 1800's and they are faded but your work is rich and full of detail.
Thank you. Check my site now and then for my exhibitions/shows. I'm in Europe now (for a few years), I hope to have some shows when I return to the states. We'll see. Thanks again for your interest.
ZoneIII, I believe this is a VERY viable option for anyone looking to free themselves from the anxiety of the future of film (wet darkrooms in general) or the ever-changing, and very expensive, world of digital image making. Don't misunderstand me, I enjoy both of those crafts, I just prefer to be independent from commerce and technology when it comes to my personal work, not to mention the intention and context of my work as it relates to this process.
Excellent video. Since I am already a large format photographer, I have the equipment I would need to give this a try. It's nice to know that if the day comes when film is no longer available, I can do this.
Thank you for the comments. I've been working on a complete (detailed) collection of video tutorials for almost two years now. I hope to put those out soon.
I work with both positives and negatives (Albumen prints and Salt prints). I agree with you, Son House would have made an intense and incredible image!
I consider it orginal music and something that has influenced all music today. Wet plate is in the same leaugue; original and influential. Also, I play resonator guitar and make wet plate images, they go together well for me.
Thanks for your comments, I'm glas you liked the video portion.
Thanks a lot for the explanation! Where can I get more detailed information about this process? Are the chemicals easy to come by? Thanks once again! Keep it up!
claytoncurmi 7 months ago
you are my hero!
TwoFreshForYou22 8 months ago
Wow!
tugamario 9 months ago
Is that Bad Brad sitting for the shoot??? I watched this video curious about the process, having no idea there was any connection to Utah (where I grew up!)
Funny coincidence. Thanks for the vid.
tgrantrichardson 9 months ago
I am taking a Photography class, and it is because of the teacher that i am taking a look at your project "youtube video". I totally respect you! You are awesome and bringing history to life! I am sure the inventor of this is looking down on you and is very PROUD OF YOU. I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU~!!!! Keep doing what you love to do. Just do not BURN yourself~!!
gakinimechoka 11 months ago 11
@gakinimechoka Thank you for the note and very kind words. I hope Archer is doing just that, I owe him a lot - it's a wonderful process. I'll try to stay safe, too. Thanks, again.
Quinn
quinnjacobson 11 months ago
@gakinimechoka Thank you very much, you're too kind. I'm glad that you are taking a photo class and am happy that your teacher recommended my video to watch (please thank them for me). I hope you continue to pursue photography!
My very best,
Quinn
quinnjacobson 11 months ago
on that last photograph (the old man) how were you able to create that distressed border to the photograph?
Xefeh 1 year ago
@Xefeh That is part of the process (in this case development).
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
Great video! It's funny but I was reading the comments here and found that I posted a comment myself three years ago. At that time, I mentioned that I have always wanted to try this. Your video inspires me. I may have some questions for you at some point but I have a very basic question now: Will I need a special film holder or camera back for my 8x10" camera to do this? Keep up the great work!
ZoneIII 1 year ago
@ZoneIII Thank you!
Yes, I think this has been on YouTube for about 5 years. Time goes by fast!
You can modify a modern film holder to accommodate glass and metal plates. It's easy; you cut out the septum - an 8x10 will give you a Whole Plate size - and then fasten small "ears" in the corners of the cut out to hold the plate and you're off and running! Maybe I can post a video about converting a modern film holder to use for Wet Plate Collosion.
My best,
Quinn
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
@quinnjacobson Thank you for your response to my question. I'm going to do some basic research on the process. A video on how to modify a holder for wet plate use would be great. Is there a problem when adapting the holder to get the front of the plate to occupy the same exact plane as the ground glass image? In oher words, do you have to adjust the setup to account for the greater thickness of the glass as opposed to film? Thanks again!
ZoneIII 1 year ago
@ZoneIII No worries.
I would be remiss if I didn't plug my book and online video series here; studioQ.com it's all in the book and videos - it's called, Chemical Pictures.
There is no problem with the focal plane. You're basically allowing the surface of the plate, the Collodion, to sit exactly where the film would be. The "ears" in the corner of the plate holder align the plate exactly on the focal plane of the ground glass/film.
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
@quinnjacobson Thanks much! It would be an easy matter to check that the collodion is in the same plane as the ground glass (and film) if necessary. Thanks for the link too. Oh! You mentioned that wet plate collodion is very expensive. How would it compare with, say, platinum/palladium as far as cost goes? Just curious.
ZoneIII 1 year ago
@quinnjacobson BTW, when I asked how the cost of wet plate collodion compares to platinum/palladium, I realize that that's really comparing apples to oranges because platinum is just a printing process, not a taking process, but I just wondered how the costs would compare to get an idea of what to expect. One other thing: Being a blues lover, I really like your background music for this video.
ZoneIII 1 year ago
@ZoneIII The cost of Collodion varies to some degree. The price of silver and oil have a lot to do with it. Like the root of photography (Collodion), I consider blues music the root of music (at least American). Without blues, we wouldn't have much of the music we have today. Good stuff.
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
@quinnjacobson Yep! As the old saying goes, "Blues had a baby and they called it rock & roll."
ZoneIII 1 year ago
Now, THIS is impressive.
lelyaloo 1 year ago 2
@lelyaloo Thank you!
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
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RoseanYoksi 1 year ago
I am trying this for the first time tomorrow! I have shot almost entirely digital, and I want to slow down. Any suggestions?
bsv628 1 year ago
@bsv628 I think you've selected a good process if you want to slow down. This demands that you contemplate before making an image, rather than after.
I'm not sure what you mean by suggestions. If you're making plates now, you have resources and equipment, yes?
If that's the case, I would offer some philosophical advice and encourage you to be present through the process. I think that's where the art is made - the image is only the residue.
Good luck!
Q
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
@tupelosurfer I appreciate the kind words. Practice and experience will get you there. After a thousand pours, or more, you get the hang of it. Thanks.
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
Wow that is amazing! You do a great job!
OspreyWife 1 year ago 2
@OspreyWife Thank you.
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
Good grief, man. These are stunning images. Every collodion shooter in the world should try to emulate you're painstaking appraoch.
PatMo1888 1 year ago
Comment removed
PatMo1888 1 year ago
@PatMo1888 Thank you very much.
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
Beautiful... I second SaoriRocks Comments ! You are a true craftsman.
alexsouzaphotography 1 year ago
You, sir, are a genius. Thanks so much for keeping this process alive. I think your work may have made Mathew Brady's chin drop, were he to have ever seen it. I saw some of your work on your website, and I love it!
SaoriRocks 1 year ago 10
@SaoriRocks Thank you very much!
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
That´s dedication!
Glurgi 1 year ago
The tones and contrast you get with wet plates are just incredible.
Duffy01 1 year ago
@Duffy01 Thank you - it's a beautiful process, indeed.
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
Thank you very much!! Love this...
musiczap 1 year ago
Quinn, how do you store your ether?
What temp is ether most stable?
rubbers99 1 year ago
I dont store ether. I stabilize by mixing it with alcohol, and salts, to create the iodizer. Ether, over time, can form peroxides. They are very dangerous (explosive). Its not recommended to store (opened) ether for longer than 3 months. And thats in a cool (68F or lower) dark place, away from any ignition source.
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
Thanks for the info.
Do you use 190 proof to stabilize it?
Also, wanted to say how much I love you work.
Keep it coming.
rubbers99 1 year ago
Yes, "grain alcohol" or denatured alcohol stabilizes ether very well. There are also BHT additives (chemical) stabilizers that they put in the ether, too.
Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them.
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
@rubbers99 ether vapors are wunnerful. This was an informative video. It's great how there is a digital counter-revolution going on in the arts, from photography to music.
dwemmy 1 year ago
Wow! I'm not a photographer, but had to comment on how gorgeous both the finished product is, and the process itself! I'm so happy you are keeping this technique alive!
biggestpretend 2 years ago 2
Thank you!
quinnjacobson 1 year ago
Wow... The end result was fantastic. I'm doing research on this for my Modern Art History class, and I had never scene this process done before. It was really informative. Thank you.
EbonyNightingale 2 years ago
Thank you for the kind words.
quinnjacobson 2 years ago
Thanks Quinn for posting the collodion technique; I'm study photography art history. This has helped me more. Beautiful work.
Thank you once again
Wayne L
Vancouver BC
Dreamchaserhohar 2 years ago
I appreciate the kind words, Wayne. Thanks.
quinnjacobson 2 years ago
Thanks for this video! I am a student paper/photograph conservator and you really helped me understand the technique used. I am working on a 1850s broken ambrotype and actually seeing someone making one somehow makes my work more ''real''. Thanks again!
codaa450 2 years ago
Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad to hear that it helped you understand the process. Good luck with your studies, great career choice.
quinnjacobson 2 years ago
I see you have a DVD workshop, What's it called and where can I get it. I live in Ireland so a website rather than a store would help, Thanks !
TheMoc76 2 years ago
Hi, I really love your videos,I watch them alot. I am dying to give it a go. Could you help with something.I have come across the TINTYPE PARLOR available from Rockland Colloid. It seems to be the same thing but the kit is really cheap and it seems simple to use. Do you know of this kit and what the main difference between a finished ambrotype or a finished glass plate using this kit would be. In other words is it worth getting all those chemicals. If you could help I would greatly appreciate it
TheMoc76 2 years ago
Hi,
Awesome video! I have been wanting to do this for a long time, but just don't know where to begin. What type of camera would you recommend? Can these cameras be used for wet collodion as well as film? Where do I buy the necessary chemicals? Thanks!
kcmac15jr 2 years ago
an 8x10 camera is a good base for a project like this. I recommend starting with 4x5 (using standard film), then moving to film with an 8x10, and if you still enjoy the process consider trying wet-plate. It is extremely expensive and time consuming, though so be prepared.
robshookphoto 2 years ago
This is so inspiring ! I have to build/buy my own LF and try to do this :) This is photography !
zlykurwalogin 2 years ago
Excellent! You'll love it!
quinnjacobson 2 years ago
I am inspired even more to do this. Since I saw Sally Mann's "What Remains" I have wanted to try this! And even before. I have worked with 4x5 film and that is the largest format I have done. I am planning on building a large Pin Hole camera and trying this glass plate negative thing! Thanks for the inspiration!
YunieChan 2 years ago
Labor of love. This is really cool. .each time I see a new digital camera that tracks faces, composes 3 exposures into one HDR, or takes 5 shots and stitches them into a panorama all inside the camera I think "At least it allows people to focus on composition, but damn that's lazy."
TerrorOfWisborg 2 years ago
Well said, I would have to agree - thanks.
quinnjacobson 2 years ago
Where did you get the Delta Blues music? It sounds like Son House.
donSatalic 2 years ago
It's R.L. Burnside, "Walking Blues"
quinnjacobson 2 years ago
I'm soooo happy to find this!!! This is just what I need for my presentation on ambrotype. ^__^ THANK YOU for such a wonderful video!!
serenitysan 2 years ago 2
Thanks!
quinnjacobson 2 years ago
Cool, thanks!
quinnjacobson 2 years ago
Instat fav. Instant subscriber.
When I´m big I´m going to do this.
mrfoxtalbot 2 years ago
That is absolutely fantastic. I'm writing a conference paper on John Thompson's photographs of Victorian London Street Life and your video just brought it all together for me, in terms of what Thompson was actually doing. You are extremely talented, and this video was very helpful (and brief enough for busy students). Thank you, 5/5!!
LouisLambert 3 years ago
Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
awesome!
Sanctum85 3 years ago
Thank you.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
Good work man. I just figured out how to get an almost exact daguerreotype "look" using multiple programs on my digital files. They're pretty sweet. I'm getting images that look like that book Bob Holman and Chuck Close collaborated on.
martinaee 3 years ago
Thank you.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
wow, that's hard core photography. Those plates seem a lot better than most film does, props!
guy1193 3 years ago 2
Thanks. It's all subjective, but yes, I like it better than film.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
So you mount the ambrotype on front of black velvet?? Or did get wrong? I've been reading a little on this technique
YoMecanica 3 years ago
ANy black material (velvet is what they mostly used in the 19th C.) works well for AMbrotypes. They are just very thin negatives, the black allows the shadow areas to be black and the highlights are reflected back from the silver.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
Thank you very much!
YoMecanica 3 years ago 2
beautiful images!
supercharger5150 3 years ago 2
Thank you. You're very kind.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
Oh wow, I didn't even notice the stand the first time I watched this. Very authentic! I love reading the descriptions of people being photographed for the first time describing it like an uncomfortable rigid jaw clamp holding their head in place.
Great video Quinn, you make the wet plate process look easy, and from what I've read, it's not.
AntiqueTintypes 3 years ago 2
Thank you. The headbrace/clamp is almost a must for portraiture work. The exposures can be very long. It's not painful for the sitter, but can be uncomfortable and "stiff" while sitting for a long exposure.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
Oh wow that is like sooo kick ass! Like I really want to try it sometime now... so beautiful. :D
brightpinkstatic 3 years ago
Thank you. You are very kind. It's easier to do than most will admit.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
Good tune
BenPSchmoe 3 years ago
I like it too.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
Thanks for your video. I would love to see your work in person. Do you have any displayed nationally? I have seen some originals from the late 1800's and they are faded but your work is rich and full of detail.
slayerdarren787 3 years ago 2
Thank you. Check my site now and then for my exhibitions/shows. I'm in Europe now (for a few years), I hope to have some shows when I return to the states. We'll see. Thanks again for your interest.
quinnjacobson 3 years ago
ZoneIII, I believe this is a VERY viable option for anyone looking to free themselves from the anxiety of the future of film (wet darkrooms in general) or the ever-changing, and very expensive, world of digital image making. Don't misunderstand me, I enjoy both of those crafts, I just prefer to be independent from commerce and technology when it comes to my personal work, not to mention the intention and context of my work as it relates to this process.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
quinnjacobson 4 years ago
Excellent video. Since I am already a large format photographer, I have the equipment I would need to give this a try. It's nice to know that if the day comes when film is no longer available, I can do this.
ZoneIII 4 years ago 2
I like the use of the stand to register/hold the subjects head in focus ;) much simpler than my ideas for a rotating laser !
NickMulder 4 years ago 2
this is fantastic! I'm working on an essay about the collodion technique, and this has been VERY helpful in my understanding of the process!
tensecondstolove 4 years ago 2
awesome!!! i soo wanna do that!!
kenjiari 4 years ago 2
Thank you so much for this! it's very useful!!
sup3ryummy 4 years ago 2
You Rock, Screams Qualitty!!!
!!!AMAZING!!!
Thanks
phmedia 4 years ago 4
Thanks, now I know what is Wet Plate process, tahnks for such an amazing viodeo.
ankushmaria 4 years ago 2
Thank you for the comments. I've been working on a complete (detailed) collection of video tutorials for almost two years now. I hope to put those out soon.
I work with both positives and negatives (Albumen prints and Salt prints). I agree with you, Son House would have made an intense and incredible image!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks again.
Quinn
quinnjacobson 4 years ago
this is just damn wonderful --- thanks for sharing...
notraces 4 years ago 2
Great video, I really like the look of wet plate prints. do you use albumen POP for the paper positives or just strictly ambrotypes?
too bad Son House is not with us anymore, as his portrait in wet plate would look very fitting.
good slide work by the way.
thank you for posting this.
boerborn 4 years ago 2
I consider it orginal music and something that has influenced all music today. Wet plate is in the same leaugue; original and influential. Also, I play resonator guitar and make wet plate images, they go together well for me.
Thanks for your comments, I'm glas you liked the video portion.
Quinn
quinnjacobson 4 years ago
This is a very instructive video. I have wanted to try wet plate for a while and this has really got me stoked up.
But man, what an annoying and distracting sound track! What does electric bottleneck blues have to do with wet plate?
flitcraft 4 years ago 2
fascinating!
I have some old glass slides that perhaps were made with similar process.
from what I understand they were used with a projector to be shown on a wall or early screen.
DougYorkNo1 5 years ago 3
This is great! You are the most talented guy I know!!!
Love your stuff!!!
jeanchj 5 years ago 3