About the session:

This technique (Wet Collodion) dates from 1850. The films (plates) were not as sensitive as digital cameras nowadays. Shooting at 400 ISO is normal and even low nowadays; a plate’s sensitivity is 1-3 ISO. More light is needed; slow-speed shooting, depending on the situation, with exposure times of 2-10 seconds.

Nevertheless, in the studio, I will use a 4000-joule flash to speed up the process and gain greater control.

As the name says “Wet”, the plate needs to be actually wet during the process. It means I need to prepare the plate just before the shoot and develop it immediately after. The normal time per photo is around 20 minutes (including preparation, shoot and developing)

It also means that in a 1-hour session, we can take only 3 photos. Each photo is unique, and if something goes wrong, we cannot repeat it; we need to start the process again.

I aim to obtain 4-6 photos/plates. I will give you 2. I will scan all the images, keep the scans of the plates you will take home, and send you the scans of the others.

I am hoping to work for at least 2 hours. If you need to prepare yourself before the shoot, please add that time to the session.

As payment/exchange, you will get 2 4×7 inches tintypes or ambrotypes (Tintypes: Photography made on a metal plate/aluminium, and varnished, they are made to last for a long time, as you can see them in museums – Ambrotype: similar made on a glass plate, the glass needs a black coat after varnishing. Also ready to last a long time, but are more fragile because of the glass.) No travel expenses will be covered.

After developing, the plates must be washed for at least 20 minutes, then dried and varnished. I will post the plates to you no later than a week after the session, but you will see the results the same day, during the session.

Be prepared to work with strong lights and keep your pose longer than normal.

At this moment, I work in a very small studio at home (Risca, Newport). Facilities are limited, but I will do my best to make you feel comfortable.

I work from home. I prefer to work only on weekdays, but I can be flexible sometimes.

On this project, I am looking for expressions and textures. I am looking to disconnect from all effects, Photoshop, AI, etc., and enjoy photography as in the early days.

If you are looking for a normal, flattering “model” result, Wet Plate photography is not for you. This is more about attitude, personality, and expressions.

As I participate in international exhibitions and publish my work in magazines and books in many countries, I may ask you to sign a Standard Model Release form. I will need you to bring some form of photo ID (Passport or Driver’s Licence).

I may use the images for my website, social media, exhibitions/auctions.

The Model release will give you the option to be credited and to use your real name or a “stage name”. The release form will be storage safetly following the UK GDPR guidance.

If you can, please complete the following form. That would help me a lot, thank you.

Martin