Lessons learned

I awoke this morning a few hours before the Sun. Looked at the thermometer, and decided to brew a large pot of coffee. Temps below freezing, and it did not look as though it would warm any time soon.

I had loaded up my trailer the night before with hopes of getting an early start, but I’m in no rush to get out till the Sun is up. More coffee.

Still on the cool side at 0900, but times a wasteing, as they say. I stopped for a moment where I usually set up near the Brooklyn Bridge, but decided to push on, and find another spot.

I made my way to the Manhattan bridge. Walked my bicycle up the pedestrian path to find a spot overlooking Chinatown. Still chilly, but the Sun was bright.

My first plate, a 4×5 used as a test, was slow to develop. I adjusted my exposure time, but was still not happy. It also looked a little blurry, so I popped my head under the cloth to have a look. Seems fine.

My next two plates had the same problem, and the I realized that it was the vibration of the bridge whilst the train was passing over!. Lesson # 1

I crossed over to Brooklyn to set up on terra firma with hope of getting a decent tintype. It was warming up, but not by much

Set up off to the side along a busy sidewalk. Had a nice chat with a few of the park rangers who were curious as to what I was doing. Once they realized I was not a homeless individual, or running a mobile meth lab, they smiled, and went about their business.

More test plates, one after the other, and still not pleased with the results. Adjusted my exposure time, but still the development time was off. I scratched my head for a bit, caught my reflection in a small puddle of water, and noticed a little rim of ice around the edge. Temperature! That’s the problem. I had loaded my bicycle the night before, and the jugs of water, and the bottles of developer were chilled below recommended temperatures. What I assumed was exposure time’s causing slow development was in fact just very cold chemicals. Lesson # 2

During the whole morning of shooting I was pleased to chat with several individuals who were interested in what I was doing. Even the less than perfect plates still seem to amaze people. I always enjoy explaining the process, and if someone has the time then I am more than willing to walk them through the whole process. I was ask several times if I had a website, or a card. A few days before I was cleaning out my handlebar bag, but neglected to put my business cards back. Lesson # 3, keep a supply of cards with you.

Not as productive a day as I hoped if I judge it by the tintypes, but very productive if I remember the lessons I learned.

Looking forward to warmer days.