Wet Plate Collodion Photography

Description

Learn Wet Plate Collodion, one of the most popular alternative photographic processes, with expert tuition from award winning photographic artist, Tim Pearse. Workshop participants will have the unique opportunity to learn the Wet Plate Collodion Ambrotype (on glass) and Tintype (on metal) photographic processes, in the studio and on location, using a variety of different large format cameras. The workshops will cover instruction with regards to the equipment and materials needed for the process and their preparation, the sensitisation of glass and aluminium plates using silver nitrate, and the exposure and development of the subsequent photographs. Participants will learn methods for creating portraits, still life, and landscape photographs using the process, and will leave with their own examples of each approach, having prepared, sensitised, exposed, developed, and varnished their own plates over the course of the workshops. We will also discuss the history of the process and its creator Frederick Scott Archer, along with contemporary artists using the medium. Participants will also have the opportunity to handle original nineteenth century Wet Plate Collodion photographs. This is a rare opportunity to learn one of the most beautiful and unique photographic processes of all time. Participants do not need to bring any personal photographic equipment, but are welcome to bring their own props or costumes for the still life and portraiture aspects of the workshop. Digital cameras are welcome too! No previous experience with large format cameras or studio equipment is required, as all will be covered during the workshops, which are suitable for intermediate or advanced photographers aged 18 plus.

Materials List

Participants do not need to bring any personal photographic equipment, but are welcome to bring their own props or costumes for the still life and portraiture aspects of the workshop. Digital cameras are welcome too! No previous experience with large format cameras or studio equipment is required, as all will be covered during the workshops, which are suitable for intermediate or advanced photographers aged 18 plus.

Fees & Further Information

Please note: All 10, 8 and 12 week courses have a half term break in the middle. For term dates please visit our ‘Contact us’ page. We are not open on bank holiday Monday’s and any class that falls on these days will be made up at the end of term.

Fees

• You will need to have paid in full for your course or workshop to guarantee your place. We do not accept deposit or part payments. Course and workshops are becoming increasingly popular, so please book early in order to guarantee your place.
• We do offer concession rates for anyone over 65 or claiming the benefits listed below. As we are a self-funded organisation we receive no financial support, in order to offer these rates.
• The concessionary rate is for those whose sole source of income is from a state benefit. We accept Universal Credit, Income Support, Job Seeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. Please show a recent letter or statement stating your benefit when enrolling.

Refunds

• In the event that we have to cancel a course, we aim to inform you 2 working days before the start date, or at least 24 hours before a day workshop. If we have to cancel a course, then you will receive a full refund.
• If you wish to cancel your place you must inform us up to 7 days before the start date of your course or workshop. In this case you will receive a refund minus a 10% admin fee. (10% of the course fees or £5, whichever is greater).
• If you give us less than 7 days’ notice, or your course or workshop has already started a refund will be not given.

Please see full terms and conditions for more information. 

Latecomer

If a course has already started please call the office as it may be possible to join after the start date. This may only be possible if the course is not already full, if it is not disruptive for the other students and you are aware that you have missed a percentage of the course and the tutor will not have time to catch you up. This will be at discretion of the Folk House. We run our courses termly, so it might be best to start at the beginning of the course.  

Levels

• You must be over 18 years old to attend a course or workshop at the Bristol Folk House.
• All our courses and workshops are non-accredited and will not receive a certificate for attending.
• We offer a range of courses at all levels and our tutors make every effort to accommodate your individual needs. Before choosing you may want to speak to the tutor to make sure the course is right for you. Please contact the office.
• To join all of our courses you must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and you may be invited to take part in group discussions. Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from any additional support to help you to take part in this class. Please contact the office if you require any further information.
• If you have a disability, learning difficulty or mental health issue which may affect your participation in your chosen course please contact the office prior to enrolling. If you will need to bring a career or support worker with you to the class, please inform the office when enrolling so we can make arrangements.

Access/ Parking

• Much as we would like to provide access for all, the Folk House has no disabled access or facilities.
• We have no onsite car parking at the Bristol Folk House but there are many paid parking spots in the area. Please ask us for details on parking or see our website for more detail.
• We are on a busy bus route and have plenty of bike racks in our courtyard garden.