The Wet Plate Collodion Process

Quinn Jacobson demonstrates the 19th Century Wet Plate Collodion process. He also gives a brief history of the process. To see more, please visit www.studioQ.com

• Category

  Film & Animation

[Alexander Andreassen]

I'll never understand people who stick with this instead of going modern.

[Quinn Jacobson]

Why do you still use a guitar? I don't understand that! There is Garage Band!

[Alexander Andreassen]

Because a stringed instrument is almost like singing, which is difficult to on a computer, plus, it's much faster and easier to play stuff on your own, just like digital photography is. I do love photography also, but I can't imagine going to the studio, dragging that thing along with me, standing in chemicals to do something I could do in photoshop easily. Even though that's not "real" whatever that means.

[Quinn Jacobson]

You just answered your own question. I play music, and I don't use a computer for the reasons you pointed out. I make photographs, I don't use a computer for the reasons you pointed out. It's not a stretch to understand the reason people still spin vinyl or make wet collodion images.

[Francesco Taurisano]

You have all my respect! Collodion might represent the future of photography in the next 30 years or so, since the production of negatives is becoming increasingly discontinuous.

[Quinn Jacobson]

Thank you, Francesco - one of the reasons I started working in it over a decade ago. I was sure that the demise of film was close. I'm surprised it taking this long.

[Saori Hernandez]

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!

[gakinimechoka]

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~!!

[Vassilis S]

What chemicals do you use when making the plate for exposure?

[Daniel Rochat Photo]

You have to see one of these images in person to truly appreciate it as this video and even scanned copies do them no justice. It's a look that can not be replicated with digital. 

[jmez927]

HIGHLY impressed...but I'll stick with photoshop. My dumb ass would probably lick the plate after I'm done.

[XxminixhamuxX]

My highest respects to you!

[David Goliath]

I purchase all my wet plate photography chemicals from ArtCraft Chemicals. For Diethyl Ether Anhydrous and Potassium Cyanide, I purchase from Chemsavers, Inc. both are great companies I have used for years. Just wanted to let any fellow photographers in on wonderful companies to use if you specialize in wet plate. Awesome video!

[Patrick Thomas]

This is simply fantastic, i will do this someday.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Keep shooting

[John Lyons]

Great video, music, photographs!