Yesterday’s wet plate adventure was just about the most frustrating in a long time. Nothing was working as expected. I made the decision to get up early again the following day, and try again. I suspected that part of the problem was the cold weather, and the effect it had on the developing. I kept my chemicals in a warm room for the night, and in the morning I filled my bottles with warm water before heading out.
I was not planning on going far, as all I hoped to accomplish was getting a decent plate. So, off to my testing area by The Bridge.
Whilst setting up I had a nice chat with two delightful women who were on their way to an art show. I answered questions about the process, and showed them a plate I had varnished a few days before. I really do enjoy talking with people about this fascinating process. I remembered to bring business cards too!
A bit warmer than the day before, felt nice in the Sun. Once I was set up I poured a test plate, put it in the silver bath, and set my timer for four minutes.
Out from the bath, into the holder, and then over to the camera. I estimated an exposure of about two seconds at f16. One one thousand, two one thousand.
Back to the dark box for development. If the exposure is correct I should start seeing an image around the ten second mark, and was tickled pink when it happened. A few more seconds, and the water is poured over to stop development before going into the fixer. When washing at this stage you are looking for the water to run off smoothly. If it looks greasy then it gets a another rinse. This is not only important for stopping the development, but also to remove any remaining developer, which is acidic, before putting it in to the fixer, which is potassium cyanide. Keep acid away from KCN!
Once the plate is clear of developer it can be brought out into daylight, and placed in the fixer. The cyanide works much faster the other fixers, only a few seconds, and I feel it creates a nicer image.
The fixing step is so magical. Never tire of seeing an image appear. Even better when it turns out nicely.
I was so happy to see this plate. It more than made up for all the frustration of yesterday. I played around a little more. Shot a few 8x10s then called it a day. Forecast is calling for a few days of rain. Will take advantage of that, and get some plates prepared for some ambrotype work. Be well.
Webster’s Wet Plate 