Time(s) - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location
The Lovett School
Tintype Weekend: An Introduction to the Collodion Process
Join us for an immersive Tintype Weekend Intensive workshop where you’ll explore the magical world of wet plate collodion photography with wet plate photographer Robert Cooper.
The tintype process, originating in the mid-19th century, has stood the test of time and continues to inspire photographers today.
During this workshop, you’ll discover how the traditional tintype process has evolved with modern materials, making it more accessible than ever before. Unlike the original glass or metal plates, we’ll be using aluminum sheets for creating your tintype images. All the necessary chemistry, components, and equipment will be provided, allowing you to focus on the artistic journey.
This 3-day in-person workshop will take place at the Lovett School in Atlanta, GA. and include access to an on location wet plate shooting experience on day 3 of the intensive. Immerse yourself in the magical historic process of tintype photography and explore its adaptation to modern materials.
All necessary chemistry and camera equipment will be provided as part of the workshop fee. Whether you’re a beginner or have always been fascinated by wet plate collodion photography, this hands-on experience is perfect for you. Our goal is for each participant to create at least one successful 4×5 plate.
Day 1: Process Overview and Materials
- Dive into the origins of the tintype process and its impact on photography.
- Get acquainted with the materials and basic principles.
Day 2: Plate Creation and Exposure
- Practice pouring collodion and sensitizing plates.
- Learn how to determine proper exposure and development times.
- Follow step-by-step instructions for pouring, sensitizing, exposing, developing, fixing, and rinsing the image.
- Explore various finishing options for your plates.
Day 3: Open Location Shoot on the Chattahoochee River
- Learn to use a portable darkroom for location shooting.
- Work on refining techniques for lighting and composition
Each student will receive one-on-one guidance during plate pouring and the initial shoot. As you become more familiar with the process, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow participants and create your own compositions. The workshop will be limited to 6 participants, so be sure to register early to secure your spot.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to delve into the captivating world of tintype photography. We look forward to seeing you there!
PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is limited to 6 participants, so register early to reserve your spot.
Instructor’s Bio
It never really occurred to me that the fact that I grew up in a house built in 1872 in the historic district of Savannah had influenced my love for old things generally, and specifically, photography.
It might have seemed obvious. My earliest inspirations were pioneer photographers like Julia Margaret Cameron, Frederick Evans, Henry Peach Robinson the folks who were really making it up as they went. Part of the attraction was the painterly disposition of the artist making the photograph and part of it was the inherent character of the medium. Everything seemed to slow down and early in my training I began to attempt to catch that pioneer spirit.
I have been a professional photographer for most of my adult life. I became a newspaper photographer while attending Georgia Southern University where I studied photography with Jessica Hines. I worked at the newspaper in Statesboro for several years back when we developed our own film. I was involved with Georgia Press Association and won a number of awards for my photography.
Just prior to Y2K, I moved to Florida to be photo editor at the The Panama City News Herald where I continued to be involved in photojournalism at a state and national level. I was fortunate to shoot freelance assignments for a number of large media outlets.
I moved back to my hometown in 2012 and have been a freelancer here specializing in professional headshots, real estate and aerial drone photography. My good friend Pete Christman who was one of the charter members of the photography faculty at Savannah College of Art and Design taught me platinum printing, But it was when I attended a wet plate collodion workshop hosted by Chris Morgan that I felt like I found the medium that conveyed what I love about the work of those early masters.
I have been working in wet plate for about four years and teaching for two. I have several cameras and a portable darkroom and I love it. I really enjoy sharing this process with new people. That amazed, “WOW,” never gets old.
Instructor’s Website – www.rscphoto.net
Tintype Weekend: An Introduction to the Collodion Process
Instructor’s Name – Robert Cooper
Date(s) – October 6-8, 2023
Time(s) – Friday, October 6 – 7:00-8:30pm
Saturday, October 7 – 10:am-5:00pm
Sunday, October 8 – 10:am-5:00pm
Location – Lovett School
Workshop Fee – $525 Members/ $500 Senior Members* / $655 non-members
Minimum Enrollment – 4
Maximum Enrollment – 6
*65 and older
