Free Wet Plate Collodion Assistant-Wet Plate Photography Guide

Example

Correcting the misconception that issues with wet plate photography are usually due to the silver bath's fault, when in fact, it is often due to other factors such as exposure times, light leaks, or the balance between the salts in the collodion and the silver nitrate concentration.

Scenario

A beginner photographer struggles with image quality and suspects the silver bath; the Assistant provides insight into other possible causes and suggests troubleshooting steps.

Example

Advising photographers to dissolve all salts in a small amount of water before use, as not all salts dissolve well in alcohol, which is crucial for preparing the chemicals correctly.

Scenario

A photographer preparing their own chemicals for the first time receives step-by-step guidance on dissolving and mixing chemicals to ensure a successful outcome.

Example

Promoting the use of Ammonium Thiosulfate as a safer alternative to Potassium Cyanide for fixing images, while also discussing the aesthetic differences between the fixers.

Scenario

An experienced photographer looking to experiment with different fixers explores the effects of using Ammonium Thiosulfate, guided by the Assistant's advice on safety and image tones.