Weather permitting, I have set a goal to create at least one tintype, or ambrotype a day for as long as possible. With practice I hope to work through the Winter months, and am curious how the cold will affect the process.
I had all my gear spread out in my work space, and decided to see just how long it would take to gather things up, place them in the “Pod”, and be on my way. I managed to pack up, and get underway in just under 20 minutes. Less time than I expected.
I have mentioned set up times before, and the reason I am a little fixated on this is that I need to remind myself that I can have a completed tintype, not including washing, drying, and varnishing, done in under and hour. Knowing this helps me when I spot something that I feel would make a worthwhile image, but am also enjoying the cycling, and don’t want to stop.
So, I need to enjoy the cycling, but to also pause it when I need to set up my gear to make a tintype. Then pack it all up, and be on my way until I spy another potential tintype image.
I went to my usual spot this morning with full intentions of capturing another image of The Bridge, but this little branch caught my eye. I like the texture of the cut end with the growth rings exposed.
The wet plate process creates a grain free image, so one can take a magnifying glass to this and see amazing detail.
Time to clean up now, and get things ready for tomorrow.
Webster’s Wet Plate 