Hello from Bristol

[TheSleepingPhotographer]

Hello all, I am new to this forum and looking forward to reading and contributing in the various threads.

I am a photography teacher based in Bristol who is passionate about 19th century photographic history and experimenting with optics from that era to create new work. Alternative processes are something are gradually being added to my repertoire when an opportunity presents itself!

A large format set-up is currently being assembled based on the Sinar Norma with a copal shutter and universal iris so that numerous barrel lenses can be used effectively.

 

[David M]

Welcome. It sounds as though you have some very interesting interests.

 

[TheSleepingPhotographer]

Thank you David, I have recently completed a commission for GRAIN Projects that utilised a hybrid set up of a Dallmeyer 2B Patent Portrait lens and modern silver gelatin film. Workshops are an area of interest to introduce more people to using older lenses for creative work.

 

[moggi1964]

Sounds intriguing.

Oh, and welcome

 

[karlt]

Welcome, I'm not too far from Bristol, J17 of the M4, and still Trying to get to grips with wet plate, happy to work on it with somebody else.

 

[Nas]

Welcome, I'm not too far from Bristol, J17 of the M4, and still Trying to get to grips with wet plate, happy to work on it with somebody else.

There’s a UK wet plate weekend coming up in August. The location is near Warwick. I went last year for the first time and although I only used film I enjoyed meeting the others there making wet plates. A very friendly bunch and a great place to learn.

 

[karlt]

There’s a UK wet plate weekend coming up in August. The location is near Warwick. I went last year for the first time and although I only used film I enjoyed meeting the others there making wet plates. A very friendly bunch and a great place to learn.

Unfortunately I'm on call and one other engineer is on holiday so nothing I can do about swapping or I would have gone

 

[TheSleepingPhotographer]

Welcome, I'm not too far from Bristol, J17 of the M4, and still Trying to get to grips with wet plate, happy to work on it with somebody else.

I have everything to do wet plate, although lack of confidence with the process has prevented me from trying it myself. Are you often in or around Bristol?

 

[Nas]

I have everything to do wet plate, although lack of confidence with the process has prevented me from trying it myself. Are you often in or around Bristol?

I don't often go to Bristol – the last time I was there was when the Martin Parr Foundation first opened – but I'm happy to help you get started with Wet plate especially if you have everything you need. I won't be free until the end of August but after that we could arrange something if you want. Drop me a message and we can discuss things further. Thanks.

 

[karlt]

I don't often go to Bristol – the last time I was there was when the Martin Parr Foundation first opened – but I'm happy to help you get started with Wet plate especially if you have everything you need. I won't be free until the end of August but after that we could arrange something if you want. Drop me a message and we can discuss things further. Thanks.

Count me in

 

[karlt]

I have everything to do wet plate, although lack of confidence with the process has prevented me from trying it myself. Are you often in or around Bristol?

Apart from a few bits and pieces to make the process mobile and ordering fresh consumables I am ready to go. If I can start turning out reasonable plates at home then I would be happy for a day out round Bristol

 

[Nas]

Apart from a few bits and pieces to make the process mobile and ordering fresh consumables I am ready to go. If I can start turning out reasonable plates at home then I would be happy for a day out round Bristol

I've never made plates "in the field" but I've always admired people that do. It's always been somewhere with running water.

 

[karlt]

I've never made plates "in the field" but I've always admired people that do. It's always been somewhere with running water.

The final wash can wait until you get home so long as you keep the plates wet.
I have a dark tent, intend to get a camping table and a 8 litre weed sprayer, that should do for for the post developing wash off of a fair few plates.
But at the moment my plates are all coming out a bit cloudy, I am starting to think I may be under exposing and over developing. Will get some more aluminium on order and try again