Webster’s Wet Plate

A beautiful sunny day without a cloud in the sky. A good time to do some metering work, and work on exposure times. I set up the big Kodak, found a suitable subject, and began my test.

Unlike conventional film which is sensitive to a broad spectrum of light, and can be metered rather easily, the wet plate process falls into the IV spectrum, and a rather narrow portion of or too. A standard light meter is of little use, but I managed to get ahold of a UV meter that is showing promising results.

Decades ago, when I first start shooting film, I learned about the sunny f16 rule. It is a rather brilliant method of figuring out your exposure without a meter. let us say it is a bright sunny day. You have loaded your camera with 400 iso film, but the battery in your meter is dead. No worries if you know the sunny f16 rule. Set your shutter speed to match your film speed, and set your f stop to 16. Now fire away. Clouds roll in, but still sunny? Open up to f11. More clouds no shadows? f 8.

This is all possible because you can see the light that your film is sensitive to. Not the case with the wet plate colloidian process. You can not see UV light.

So, I have a meter that does, but exposure times can be long, and what if clouds roll in during an exposure? Well, this meter gives you dosage. So, if your plate needs x amount of UV light to be properly exposed then all you need to do is keep an eye on the dose of UV the meter is registering, and presto you should have a perfect exposure.

Variables though. That’s the hitch. As colloidian ages it’s sensitivity is altered. Brands differ some too. So, one needs to go through a calibration process.

The images below show the results of today’s test. Starting in the upper left the exposure time was 5 seconds, and a dose of 10. Upper right was a few seconds longer, and a dose of 15. Lower left was a dose of 20, and lower right was 30.

The development time was kept the same at 20 seconds. Though all of the tintypes are decent, I like the looks of the third one. Tomorrow I shall set the camera up again run some more tests and see how it goes.

I have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather that we have been having here in the City. Sunny, and warm, but without the horrid humidity that will be here soon enough.

As you may know from previous dispatches the wet plate process requires UV light, and Winter images are certainly possible, but the high amount of UV rays in late Spring, through Summer make for faster exposure times.

The early morning light is my favorite, and it allows me to get in a few shots before my regular work schedule. I have turned a small space at home into a darkroom, and this enables me to set up my camera in my “yard” as it were. Freed from the cart, it allows me to work standing upright.

I am fortunate to have photo worthy subjects close at hand, and find it much easier to do a series of test plates to help calibrate my UV meter. The meter only registers the spectrum of light needed for the collodion process. The task at hand is to establish a base reference point. With the aperture of the camera set at f16 I will do a run of plates, and see what dosage of UV light gives me the best results. Then it should just be a matter of adjusting the dosage to the other f-stop settings

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One tintype of braided dockline, and two platinum/palladium prints. These, by the way, can be found in my store too.

I will apologize in advance for not having taken any photos during this last ride.  I got so caught up in what I was doing,  and was having such a beautiful ride, that I did not get around to it.

ast Sunday promised to be a beautiful one,  and I had the great fortune to have nothing on my schedule.  I awoke at my usual ungodly time,  but had the luxury of staying in bed enjoying a cup of coffee. What a treat.

With my second cup of coffee drained,  and the Sun not showing even a hint of light in the East, I dressed,  walked over to the market,  and made myself a Sunday breakfast of bacon,  and eggs.  The bacon, by the way,  was made by yours truly.  A beautiful slab of pork belly that has been seasoned,  and curing for just under two weeks. The next step will be to smoke it.  With breakfast cleared I loaded up Sweetpea to set out for a ride up the West side.

This would be a test of the prototype darkroom box.  I already had a few design changes in mind,  but I still needed to take the kit into the field to give it a fair, and proper try.  So, off we go.  Sweetpea felt a bit sluggish at first,  but soon it felt like old times as we made are way around the battery,  and up the bike path.  The early morning start was gave me a near empty path till about 79th street,  and then the serious cyclist began to make an appearence.  Both the Bicycles, and the riders looked so sleek.  Carbon fiber,  and lycra.  Me, steel, and wool.  Like distant cousins who meet for the first time.  The resemblance was there, a common ancestry,  but the life experiances were miles apart.  What I ask of Sweetpea could not be managed by these beautiful bicycles,  and the riders of those rigs would find little joy in riding Sweetpea.  We shared a common path that beautiful Sunday morning.  All of us happy not to be on the others ride.

A light headwind most of they way,  but it would not build up till later, and it would be a welcome tailwind for the journey home.  Arrived at my destination in a little over an hour.  The little red lighthouse under the George Washinton bridge would be my willing subject for today.  I found a nice spot for Sweetpea,  and began unloading my gear.

The tripod, and camera get set up first.  This allows me to compose the shot,  and if neccesary move the whole operation to a better location with haveing to repack, and load everthing.  Once that was done I began setting up the darkbox.  A rather simple procedure,  and in time will become more fluid.  The box gets emptied,  turned over to screw in the legs,  and then set upright.  I need to get into the habit of timing myself for this whole operation.  from setting up,  making a tintype,  and getting back on the road.  This helps when I am on the road,  and see a subject that looks promising,  but worry that it takes too long.  It feels as though it takes forever,  but with practice should only take about fifteen minutes.

A small crowd of masked people gathered to watch.  For many it is probably the first time seeing a large format camera in use,  and most certainly seeing the set up with bucycle, and trailer.  We chatted a bit,  and I explained both the wet plate process,  and my plans for the future.  I reminded myself that I need to carry my business cards with me to help build up a following.  Once I had answered enough questions I began the steps of creating a tintype,  and explained that it is somewhat time sensative,  but would be more than happy to answer more questions when I could.

The first thing I noticed was how confined I felt working with the new darkbox.  A 4×5 tintype was doable,  and with practice a 5×7,  but an 8×10 would be extremly difficult.  Light leaks were also an issue.  I need to find a way to secure the dark cloth in a way that still allows me easy access,  but will prevent the wind from getting underneath,  and blowing it around.  The legs on the box could be a bit longer too.

Whilst my very noticeably fogged tintype was being washed I sat with my notebook,  and made some crude sketches of box modifications.  If the sides of the hindged lid were cut a little longer, and hinged to swing up, and to the side, then it would give me ample space for larger tintypes.  The dark cloth needs to be a little larger too,  and snaps,  or ties for securing it to the box.  Rather than a developing tray inside the box I think the improved model will have a built in tray with a drain.  All rather simple.

I had a beautiful ride home,  and as expected the wind had increased giving me a much welcome tailwind.

Compared to most people I own very little.  This is mostly do to not owning a house, which by its very existence creates a vacuum that needs to be filled.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not a minimalist by nature, but out of necessity.  Years working, and living aboard ships, and years bicycle touring have been a contributing factor.

Of all the things I do own though, this bicycle is my prized possession.  Not so much because of the parts, and upgrades over the years, but more the feeling of freedom that I get just looking at it, and riding her is my favorite form of therapy.

The Surly Ogre right off the shelf ia a fantastic touring bicycle,  and much though went into its design.  Lugs galore for mounting just about anything you want, and for me the geometry makes for a comfortable ride when spending months in the saddle.

On the subject of saddles one could go on for ever.  each person should consider all the options, as a poor choice will turn what should be a glorious experience into a nightmare.  My first tours where on stock saddles.  OK for a short ride, but after several hours the need for something better became obvious.  I was certainly aware of the Brooks saddles.  They have a great reputation, and for good reason.  They are not cheap, but for me the difference in how my ride was improved was well worth it.

I purchased my first Brooks saddle, the classic B17, just days before heading out on a six month cross country adventure.  I had heard that the break in period could be long, and brutal, but I was fortunate that from day one it was the most comfortable saddle I had owned, and it only improved as the miles added up.  When the bicycle that I used on that trip was stolen it was the saddle that I missed the most.

The next upgrade was to tubeless tires, and the new rims that were required.  Dealing with flats, especially in goat thorn country, can put a damper on an otherwise perfect day.  I had heard about the various tubeless set ups, all pretty much the same idea, and decided to give it a go.  Have been running with them for the past four years, and only now do I need to pump up mt front tire each morning.  Time to top off the sealant.

The two biggest upgrades came this year.  I hemmed, and hawed for years, but finally broke down and purchased a Rohloff speed hub.  Of German design, it is a marvelous bit of engineering. Worth its weight in gold. and about the same price.  A necessity? No, but I wanted one, and that’s all there is to that.  Big upgrade #2 was going with a carbon belt drive system.  For this I went with Veer cycles design.  It is a split belt that allowed me to install it with out cutting into my frame.  It has been on the bike for a few weeks now.  Too soon for a full review, but so far, so good.

My next big project, and one that is rather daunting, is to sell, give away, donate, or just toss everything else.  If it is not going on the road with me, it goes.

I also have another bicycle project soon.  I need another ride for the City, as Sweetpea is like parking a beautiful spots car.  I would be in a shop, or restaurant and be worried about it the whole time.

Its a beautiful day out.  Hope you can get out for a ride,

 

 

As I write this my brother Greg is on his way down from Maine for a visit.  Crazy time to come to the City, but we will plan accordingly, and stay safe.  one of the things we will do is to ride our bicycles down Broadway.  Not normally something that I would set out to do, but things being as they are it should be rather fun.  So little traffic in the Metropolis thesis past weeks.  Also on the list perhaps is to cycle out to Coney Island, and work our way along the shore towards Carnasie, and find a spot to camp overnight.  Calling for summer like weather for the next few days.

These are the plans for the next few days,  but the big plan change is in regards to my big bicycle adventure.  Work at the market has slowed, and my income from baking, and preparing meals has shrunk accordingly.  I have given it much thought, and have come to the decision that I will postpone my trip till 2023.

This is a good thing.  I can make use of my time in this amazing city. get out more with my new camera setup, and build up a body of work.  My living situation here is ideal.  One that any aspiring, or struggling artist here would be very envious of.

Work on the new trailer box is coming along.  The prototype model is just about ready to take out for a test ride.  will spend the next few months becoming familiar with it, work out any problems, and then make improvements.  Bought some beautiful quarter sawn cedar for the next darkroom/ trailer box.  A small fortune, but it will be beautiful, and considerably lighter than what I have now.  Pictures coming soon.

Yesterday was  spectacularly beautiful.  Warm, and sunny.  A welcome change after days of cold, and damp.  Friends and I took advantage of the weather, and went for a little bicycle ride across the Brooklyn Bridge, and down to the waterfront park for a late lunch picnic.  We spread out our blankets, maintained our distance, and enjoyed a meal of wine, various cheeses, salamis, olives, and a nice curried egg salad.

We were not alone in the park.  Other city dwellers were also out, though not nearly as many as one would normally see on such a beautiful day.  For the most part everyone was sporting a face covering, or mask.  So much of it seemed very normal, and yet it also felt very strange.  Any other day like this, and I would have marveled at how easy it was to ride across the Brooklyn bridge.  It would normally be so crowded that rather than face the frustration of trying to navigate crowds of people strolling in the bicycle path I would ride the extra distance to the Manhattan bridge, and cross the river there.  The odd thing was though, as easy as it was on the bridge, it still felt crowded.  The weeks of social distancing has changed the amount of personal space that feels comfortable.

I wonder if this will have a lasting affect, or will the city get back to normal once this has past.  What of the rest of the country?  How will this change the way people respond to me as I tour on my bicycle.  Would saying that I lived in NYC make a difference?  would being from ground zero of the covid-19 outbreak make people hesitant about letting me into their homes?   Will enough time have past before my trip to matter?  What of another outbreak in 2021?  Will I stay, or go?

I will go of course.  One can not ask for a better environment to maintain distance than being on a bicycle trip.  As for my photographic work in regards to portraits I do not see that as a problem.  I shoot outdoors, and do not need to get too close to the subjects.

How will others feel though?

The work on my little bicycle trailer box has begun!  I will say right off the bat that I am by no means a skilled wood worker, but I do enjoy it, and with most projects like this I have a general idea as to what I want, but am flexible.

The box that I used last weekend was a Pelican case that I made some modifications to.  It works like a charm,  but is some wicked heavy.  Not something that I would wish to haul around behind a bicycle for any length of time.

The new box will be constructed of 1/4″ bead, and cove cedar.  not unlike what is used to build a canoe.  Glued together, and then fiberglassed, it should be both beautiful, and functional.

This is what I have managed to do so far.  The bottom of the box has been glued up, and a channel routed along the inside edge.  Cedar strips have been milled, and rough fitted.

I’ll keep you all posted as I progress.  Wish you could be here to smell this cedar as it is being cut.

Calling for sunny weather on Sunday.  Hope to get out and do some more work with the camera.

Up earlier than usual yesterday morning. The forecast was calling for it to be a sunny, and warm day, and after the bought of cold rainy weather that we have been having I wanted to load up my camera gear,  and go for a ride.  So, at midnight I fired up the ovens at Fulton Stall Market, selected my music play list, and began mixing dough.

Six hours later I had a baked goods display of pain au chocolate, schnecken, bagels, and various loaves of bread.  pots, and pans washed, floor swept, and mopped, and I was out the door.

Whilst my B.O.B. trailer is being retrofitted I borrowed a two wheeled model, and loaded it up.  A large Pelican case that has been converted into a portable darkroom also held my Kodak 8×10 camera.  The remainder of my gear was distributed throughout my panniers.  In the front panniers were two gallons of water, a bottle of colloidian, developer, and silver nitrate.  The rear panniers held developing trays, film backs, film holder, and tintype plates.  Heavy does not begin to describe how this all felt as I made my way up the West side.

I must have missed the memo that said it was National pedestrians walking four abreast in the bicycle lane day.  A sea of people adrift in front of me.  All accupied with their phones.  Maddening.  I rounded Battery Park, and set a course for the George Washington Bridge, and the little red lighthouse.  Slow bell.

In sight of my destination.  The number of people out walking, and on bicycles was impressive considering the stay at home orders.  most everyone was wearing a mask, and though you could not see most of the faces you could tell they were happy.  Just glad to be out on a warm, sunny day.  My cargo had shifted, and I pulled over to make some adjustments.  When I got back on the path I noticed that my iPhone was missing from the holder.  At some point during my ride it had fallen out.  my mood darkened a bit, but I pressed on.

It was not long before I had reached my destination.  I dismounted Sweetpea, and surveyed the area, but was a little dismayed at the number of people swarming about.  I was so used to being here in the early morning hours ,when few people were about, that this crowd was made me reconsider my plans.  The clouds rolled in, and that seemed like a sign.  I had a quick lunch of sardines, and gouda cheese, double checked the trailer, and headed back to lower Manhattan.

About the halfway point on my return I stopped to admire one of the old railcar ferry terminals.  Long before bridges, and tunnels the Hudson, and East rivers were a serious impediment to rail transport.  The solution was simple.  When the tracks reached the shore the rail cars were rolled onto massive barges, towed across the river, and reconnected on the other side.  The shores of Manhattan were once lined with piers, ferry terminals, and these railcar terminals.  This one stands alone.  The once bustling waterfront is now a park.  where longshoreman, and various waterfront riff raff once held domain, is now occupied by kids on bicycles, couples holding hands, and nannies pushing strollers.

The clouds parted, and the sun was out again.  I looked at the rusting structure again, and began to set up my camera gear.  Tripod out, and camera mounted.  I positioned it out of the way of passersby, and then set up my dark box.  Halfhearted at first, and still a little upset about the loss of my phone, I went through the motions of pouring a plate.  Loaded, exposed, and developed.  A little underexposed.  back to the box to pour another plate.  The second one was better, but still dark.  I had forgotten about my phone, the crowds of people, and any other concerns other than exposure times.  Just me, my bicycle, and my camera.

A few people stopped to ask questions, which I gladly answered. several wanted to know if the could photograph my tintypes, and did I have a business card, or social media presence.  One young woman was so curios about the process, and also asked if she could take a photo of my work.  “yes you may” I said, “and you may have one of the tintypes too”

The third tintype was the best.  Perhaps the next one would be a little better, but I had run out of water, and it was time to pack up and make the journey home.  The ride back was just as crowded with pedestrians. I was still missing my camera, and the pandemic was still of concern, but I was happy with my life just because I could spend a few hours with Sweetpea, and my camera.

 

Well, that is a good question.  To some degree every day in NYC is a bit of an adventure,  but it is my next bicycle trip that I am referring to.

My last big ride, the “PEDAL PORTRAIT PROJECT’ was a great experience,  and ever since finishing that double cross country ride I have been dreaming of what my next tour will be.   When Clint, and I completed our transcontinental trip in 2010 we began talking about doing the route from Prudoe Bay, AK to Tierra del Fuego, the very tip of South America.  That trip is still on my bucket list, but after six years off the bicycle it would be a rather ambitious reintroduction to touring.  it is not the riding so much, but rather the type of photography, and camera gear that I plan on taking.  I have been doing wet plate collodian photography for the past two years, a fascinating technique that basically involves making ones own film.  The substrate, is Glass (Ambrotype), or metal (Tintype).

The wet plate method is aptly named, as the process requires the salted colloidian to be sensitized in a silver nitrate bath, exposed for anywhere from 2 seconds, to several minutes, and then immediately developed.  From start, to finish the “Film” must remain wet.  The plates can not be coated in advance, and must be developed on site.  This requires a portable darkroom, along with all the chemicals, and equipment needed.

So, that will be my next project.  Converting my B.O.B. trailer into a little dark box. I have purchased some cedar planks, and will mill them down into strips with cove, and bead edges.  Much like a strip built canoe, it will be glued together, then glassed. I will take photos of the process, and post them.

This gets us back to the trip, and why I have altered my plans.  Before heading off on a rather wild adventure I will do a test run with all my photographic, and camping gear.  NYC to The West Coast, and back sounds like a plan.  No set schedule. Though a year sounds good, and for the most part the weather will dictate my route.

I hope to be on the road March 10, 2021. My Sixtieth birthday.  Sweetpea, my bicycle, loaded up with camping, and camera gear.  Ready for the next adventure.

 

A grey, and cold Spring day here in NYC, and a week of rain in the forecast.  A good time  to pull out the road maps, and dream about future bicycle trips.

Seven years since my last, long bicycle journey.  I had hoped to go on more over the past years, but work, and life had other ideas.  Time now to take corrective action, and gear up to getting back on my bicycle.

Whilst on the subject of my bicycle let me update you on some changes that I have made since my last cross country adventure.  before moving to New York City had made the switch to tubeless tires.  So far they have lived up to my expectations, but as anyone who has toured the SouthWest, the true test will be in goat thorn country.  For those of you who have not had the pleasure of encountering these little devils, especially when out for a nice bicycle ride, they are horrible little things.

An invasive species, the Tribulus terresttris is well established across the globe, growing in dry climates where few other plants can survive.  Like many plants it goes by various names.  Cat’s head, devil’s eyelashes, and my favorite, Puncture vine.  The plant itself is not the problem, but rather the fruit, which when dry fall apart into burs that have very sharp woody thorns.  I remember one particular day, somewhere just a few hours West of Van Horn, TX,  where I managed to get a total of ten flats over a few hours. My tubes looked more like rubber quilts by the time I made camp for the night.  I went to sleep that night under the stars, exhausted both physically,  and emotionally.  Were the next few weeks going to be a nightmare of flats?  I would need to buy new tubes, and stock up on patches.  I closed my eyes, and listened to the sounds of the night.  Owls, dogs barking in the distance, the mournful whistle of a freight train, and the low hissing noise of air escaping from my mattress.