Mastering Dry Plate Collodion

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of mastering dry plate collodion photography, based on the insights shared in Borut Peterlin's video. Dry plate collodion is a fascinating technique that combines artistry with chemistry, allowing photographers to create unique images on glass plates. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide will provide you with the essential steps and tips to get started.

Step 1: Prepare Your Subbing Solution

Before you begin working with collodion, you need to create a subbing solution to prepare your plates.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 egg white
  • 1000 ml distilled water

• Instructions:

  1. In a clean container, mix the egg white with distilled water.
  2. Whisk the mixture until it's well combined.
  3. Allow the solution to rest for a few minutes before using it to coat your plates.

Step 2: Create Your Collodion

Now you will prepare the collodion which is essential for coating the glass plates.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 g Cadmium Bromide (CdBr2)
  • 5 g Iodine Potassium (IK)
  • 140 ml alcohol
  • 140 ml ether
  • 220 ml collodion
  • 9% Silver Nitrate

• Instructions:

  1. In a well-ventilated area, combine the alcohol and ether in a glass container.
  2. Add the collodion and gently mix.
  3. Slowly incorporate the Cadmium Bromide and Iodine Potassium, stirring until fully dissolved.
  4. Finally, add the Silver Nitrate to achieve a 9% concentration and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Develop Your Plates

The development process is crucial for bringing your images to life.

• Ingredients for Developer:

  • 1 g Pyro
  • 6 g Citric Acid
  • 350 ml distilled water

• Instructions:

  1. Dissolve the Pyro and Citric Acid in the distilled water in a suitable mixing container.
  2. Use this developer immediately after exposing your collodion-coated plates.

Step 4: Fix Your Images

After development, you need to fix your images to ensure they are stable and permanent.

• Fixing Solution:

  • 20% Sodium Thiosulfate

• Instructions:

  1. Prepare your fixing bath with the Sodium Thiosulfate.
  2. Immerse the developed plates in the fixing solution for a sufficient time to remove any unexposed silver halides.
  3. Rinse the plates thoroughly in water after fixing to stop the fixing process.

Practical Tips

• Always work in a well-ventilated area when handling chemicals.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself.
• Test your solutions on a small area before applying them to your plates to ensure desired results.
• Keep detailed notes on your processes to refine your technique over time.

Conclusion

Mastering dry plate collodion photography involves careful preparation and execution of several chemical processes. By following these steps, you'll be able to create beautiful images on glass plates. Remember to practice consistently, and consider attending workshops for hands-on experience. Happy photographing!