Second attempt

A beautiful spring day, so I gathered up my gear, and headed to my usual spot for some tintype work.

All them chemicals were months old, and I was curious as to whether I would even get an image.

Set up was a little slower. Out of practice. I had to talk myself through each step. I had made an alteration to the dark cloth that covers the box. Added a yard more of fabric to eliminate light leaks. Very happy with the result.

Camera set up, focused, and composed, then the pouring of the plate. A walker by stopped to see what I was doing, and I invited him to stay to see the whole process if he had the time. I explained the mechanics of what I was attempting, and that I was using questionable chemistry.

I so very much enjoy showing people this process. I find it so magical. I was a little nervous that no image would appear, and made a preemptive apology to my spectator.

Plate poured, into the silver bath, and then exposed in camera. I then popped under the dark cloth having explained what the next steps were transpiring. Then the moment of truth when I came out from the dark box, and placed the plate in the fixer.

This is always a rather amazing thing to witness. The image on the plate is a milky blue looking negative after it has been developed, but almost instantly after being put in the fixer it transforms into a brilliant positive.

Though not perfect, a little under exposed, I was still pleased with the results, and the person watching was blown away.

I’ve ordered some fresh chemicals $$$! The shipping costs are staggering. Need to track down a local source that I can pick up from. A 500ml bottle of salted collodion is about $61, but with shipping it comes to $121! Need to turn this hobby into a business soon.

Looking forward to getting out again soon.