Tis the Season

Well, I wouldn’t normally post twice in one morning, but I had such a fun time making a tintype of the Christmas tree down at the Seaport that I figured it was permissible.

Setting up my gear was watched closely by security, but once the recognized it was me they waved and walked away. Fairly small crowd though I figured it would pick up around lunchtime.

The Box

The camera always brings onlookers. For many it may be the first time seeing an 8×10, and one being used to boot. I had a handful of people who stuck around long enough to see the whole process along with a brief explanation. I truly do enjoy showing folks the wet plate process. It is so magical.

My first plate was over exposed, and I only had enough collodion for one more plate. I took a few seconds off, and was pleased with how it turned out. Now back to the ship to clean up, restock, and do some varnishing.

Published by Paul W. Dorr

A New York based photographer who still shoots film. Born, and raised in New England, and living the last thirty years in midcoast Maine, I took a job as Shipkeeper aboard the Wavertree at South Street Seaport Museum in the Winter of 2016/17. On my off days I find myself exploring the City with a camera at hand. At the moment I am shooting with a Mamiya RB67, but recently acquired an 8x10 Kodak Master View, with the hopes of doing some wet plate portrait work.