Hello, I stumbled across your video and I was wondering if the bipole on the shutter is 3.5mm (like the modern headphone jacks). Thanks!
@JamesPearson2 ай бұрын
I don't have easy access to it at the moment to be able to check, but from memory I would say that it's a lot smaller than a headphone jack. The crimps I used are relatively small.
@juanmanuelromero44334 ай бұрын
Amazing!!!
@ACOGJESUSSCOPES5 ай бұрын
Wow!😮❤
@thevalleyofdisappointment5 ай бұрын
would you paint the back of the glass or apply some kind of dark layer?
@JamesPearson4 ай бұрын
That’s certainly an option - some people do paint the back. Some even varnish the front and then apply black to the front so you view from the rear (reversing the mirror image). Another way is to mount it in a frame with a dark background; that can be effective too.
@oliviercampagne17268 ай бұрын
Thank you for this vidéo ! Amazing. When you fixed the image, when it becomes positive what are you pouring into ? It is not water, right ? How can you then transfer it to paper ? How can you avoid all the marks arround the image ? It looks like you spend quite some time in preparing a very clean plate, but still, marks appears. How is that ? Thank you!
@JamesPearson4 ай бұрын
Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you enjoyed the video! It was fixer that I poured on the plate to change it from the developed state to the positive. Transferring it to paper can be done by various printing processes but typically you’d want to create a negative, which has more density. Regarding the artefacts; there are many sources for these. Some are from excess silver (that can come from the plate holder for example) and other artefacts can happen from bad developing technique too :)
@FourPunk9 ай бұрын
Very interesting video thanks
@JamesPearson9 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it :)
@xander1052 Жыл бұрын
the speed and precision of this process makes even dry plates in large format feel like a speedy and accesable process
@andiarrohnds5163 Жыл бұрын
the problem with modern film photography in my opinion is too much is being focused on such a small area of film. wet plate cameras on the otherhand seem to employ a much more natural use of light and exposure, on a much larger area. im not exactly sure if this has any noticeable effect, as the image is almost entirely dependent on the chemical process, but just the use of the light alone seems to be much more natural. it seems as if this is at least a more meaningful way of capturing a moment
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
For sure the larger the negative size the more detail and resolution is being captured. The smaller negative sizes are good for convenience but they come with compromise. The other interesting aspect of the wet plate collodion process is that the molecular size is so small that there is no perceptible grain to be seen.
@andiarrohnds5163 Жыл бұрын
what is all the gunk surrounding the finished image?
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
Hi Andiar, this process is very prone to chemical contamination and also flaws caused by poor technique. The markings around the edge are caused by a combination of these factors. They are flaws, but some see them as features of this process.
@andiarrohnds5163 Жыл бұрын
@@JamesPearson I appreciate the response but your explanation is not necessarily precise. I was looking for a more detailed answer. No worries though. And I agree with the flaws having their own aesthetic, though personally I wouldn't apply them for each and every plate. Anyway, I was able to better research my concerns. This is all completely fresh to me!
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
@@andiarrohnds5163 If you don't clean the plate thoroughly then organic matter can interact with the chemical process causing marks. If you don't dry the plate holder of excess silver nitrate then this can cause excess silver to mark the edges of the plate. If you don't develop evenly then this can lead to marks due to an uneven development time and concentration of developer. So many different factors can lead to imperfections. This is the beauty and/or curse of the process, which makes it so interesting to some and frustrating to others (or a combination of both) 🙂
@andiarrohnds5163 Жыл бұрын
@@JamesPearson i dont see this as something too complicated though. you can scrutinize pretty much any other thing to similar effect. for example, driving requires a fair amount of precise control and constant decision making
@russellsprout2223 Жыл бұрын
This is an absolutely fascinating and totally absorbing video. I struggle to recall ever seeing a more stunning and captivating image. Thank you for uploading this masterpiece.
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it :)
@russellsprout2223 Жыл бұрын
@@JamesPearson I've watched this over and over. Truly mesmerising and hauntingly beautiful image - please make another. Thank you.
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
@@russellsprout2223 that’s great you’ve got so much enjoyment from it - it’s nice to hear. My heart wants me to make more videos - just need to find the time and energy!!
@russellsprout2223 Жыл бұрын
James, pleeeeeze make another wet plate video - or better still, organise a workshop... Thank you.
@archie76100 Жыл бұрын
could you please tell me what is the name of the solution used as the fixer to get the positive image...??🙏🙏
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
It’s Sodium Thiosulphate used as the fixer.
@archie76100 Жыл бұрын
@@JamesPearson Thank You so much for replying❤
@sarahraimondi9481 Жыл бұрын
Thank you James, great video!
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks Sarah!
@fabianrose3688 Жыл бұрын
A very well made video of an astonishingly precise and thoroughly executed process, thanks a million!
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
Thank you, you’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
@rmphoto76 Жыл бұрын
Your talent for making compelling photographs is clear, as is your ability to calmly describe the process in concise yet comprehensive terms. Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to produce this video.
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed it ☺️
@peterrenn6341 Жыл бұрын
Another photography lecturer here: - Thank you for such a clear, beautiful video! I do workshops with wetplate for students and my workflow is almost identical, even down to the super-sturdy frame around the silver bath to prevent it being knocked over and the copper urn for water (although mine is smaller). Good tip to use the isopropyl alcohol after the whiting cleaner- I must give it a try!
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Great to hear that my workflow is up to a photography lecturer’s :) I’ve upgraded my water supply now to a tap, but I did really enjoy using the copper urn. Glad you picked up a tip on the isopropyl - I’d feel lost without it.
@edzoedzo369 Жыл бұрын
Just wow
@theverbind Жыл бұрын
What a beautiful presentation!
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
Thank you, I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
@jacksonmontgomery7450 Жыл бұрын
Where do you get collodion?
@JamesPearson Жыл бұрын
It’s been a few years since I have sourced plain collodion and unfortunately the two places I have bought it from have stopped trading. I haven’t looked for a new source yet. Sorry I can’t help.
@whitneyg10792 жыл бұрын
Hi what tripod are you using to hold the camera?
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Hi there, it's a Manfrotto 055MF3 tripod with a Manfrotto 405 geared head. Seems to cope with this fairly heavy camera sufficiently.
@user-ss1gh8yl4k2 жыл бұрын
So Beautiful !!!
@Tom-mq6ie2 жыл бұрын
6:22 what is this instrument called sir? I can't seem to find it online
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
The thing I used to check the fine focus on the ground glass? It’s called a loupe.
@Tom-mq6ie2 жыл бұрын
@@JamesPearson thank you
@Tom-mq6ie2 жыл бұрын
I want to do portraits with Collodion photography. I found a nice camera similar to yours. Then, looking on reddit, i learned how much you need to invest in strobe lights. Your process uses only natural light, and i love the result. Very nice
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I would definitely recommend working with natural light rather than strobes. It does have its own challenges, but as you’ve discovered the strobe power required is fairly large. It definitely easier to get a nice result using the sun (indirectly). I hope it goes well.
@kopachke2 жыл бұрын
Just wow. I see quite some potential in case channel being developed further
@domieev2 жыл бұрын
amazing wow
@NickVenture12 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this upload. I know how it feels when beside the very precise requirements of such a process you still have to care about the video camera and its particular perspective plus keeping in mind the scenario. All the editing and the music.. so much work and a very inspiring result. All free here to get the class. I noticed how many times you cleaned the glass. Wondering if in 19th century outdoor photography they would have done it that perfectly. Maybe not. I observed your final tune for focusing using a hand held magnifying glass. Good idea. But also I noticed that later when you returned with your prepared glass plate in the wooden plate holder the entire camera seemed to be moved slightly by the mounting operation. I suggest that this was also happening because your modern camera stand may be too lightweight for such an older box type of cameras. Just a thought as a novice here. I am these times exploring the subject with the intend to just reenact such outdoor photographic picture taking sessions in the nature. Including a hint to the darkroom which should be a small portable tent type of equipment in this case. Just to play all this without even taking a genuine wet collodium photograph, I built a very sturdy camera tripod from wood. Not shaking at all. For your fine tuning this can be an advantage. Message edited: still added: (Liked and Subscribed!)
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Hi Nick, thank you for watching and for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed it and appreciated the details of the work involved. Cleaning the glass - indeed it would be interesting to know how fastidious the 19th C practitioners would have been about cleaning. Although from experience I know that even the slightest amount of dirt can lead to the collodion not adhering to the plate sufficiently. This can lead to the emulsion lifting from the plate in the wash - not good! I believe we are therefore following in their footsteps and cleaning as much as they did. Interesting that you noticed the fine focus adjustment and then the movement of the camera; I've had the same concerns about this but it hasn't resulted in any focus issues. In the past I have worried about the focus being moved when inserting the plate and I have removed the plate to re-check the focus. But I found that the focus was still good. There is quite a bit of movement from the camera itself (rather than the tripod) but I believe the movement is made and then reset back to the focussed position again. So I have become relaxed about this. Great to hear you're exploring this subject too - I wish you well in your endeavours! I have tried an outdoor darkbox a few times and it can be a great albeit exhausting experience! I have had a darkbox set up on a folding table (transported to location via a trolley) and I have also had one located in the back of a car. It's the large amount of equipment and supplies that makes it quite the chore. Working from a fixed darkroom is certainly a luxury, although limits the subjects of course! Thanks for the like and sub :)
@MathieuBeaulieuAsperger2 жыл бұрын
Hi from France. Amazing video and great job! Thank you very much 👍🙏🙏🙏
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Hi Mathieu, thank you for taking the time to comment, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
@samuelrothenberg22252 жыл бұрын
That was SOO COOL and beautiful. Thank you b
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Samuel, I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)
@medwynroberts2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic work, thanks for sharing.
@eltinjones45422 жыл бұрын
The first time that I've seen this process explained 📷👍
@hamy50502 жыл бұрын
Fantastic demonstration video, my friend does wet plate photography and see his work before ,but your demonstration is it's an absolutely beautiful !
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it. :)
@darrelltheriault57932 жыл бұрын
Absolutely beautiful, a true work of art! Thank you so much for sharing the process.
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind comment, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
@wardellcastles2 жыл бұрын
An amazing video! How fortunate we are we can set our cameras on Automatic and post the picture to the internet within minutes.
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yes this process definitely highlights the convenience of modern technology!!
@kellanmarvin67872 жыл бұрын
wow this is absolutely beautiful. your estimate on the exposure time was dead-on. this is a stunning melding of science and art.
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind comment... it's always a pleasant surprise when the exposure time estimate works out! :)
@KlondikeKeeper2 жыл бұрын
Che bellezza. What a beauty the wet collodium process. And this is one of the best video out there explaining. Thank you so much
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind comments, I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)
@enigmatic_lee2 жыл бұрын
So beautiful! Would definitely like to see more!
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, I hope to do more some time :)
@jasonsellers64302 жыл бұрын
I've been teaching photography to high school students for over 25 years, and this is one of the best demonstrations of this process I've ever seen. Thank you for taking the time to create this video and sharing your craft... an inspiration!
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
The ultimate praise coming from an experienced teacher, thank you very much! I'm glad it was useful to you, thanks for your kind comment :)
@yoyopepe54662 жыл бұрын
marvelous
@Cjeffersonjensen2 жыл бұрын
So the ground glass is only used to frame and grab focus? Interesting. Ive been looking at tutorials and guides all day and that point hasnt been made clear till your video
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Yes, that’s it’s only purpose - composition and focus. It is positioned at the exact same plane as the light sensitive material so that you can see the light that will hit it. Glad it was helpful :)
@alfredspecht9302 жыл бұрын
Should the red jersey not come out black?
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
One of the reasons I asked her to wear it was because I thought it would come out dark. A fascinating thing about the process is that it sees things differently from our own eyes and there are often surprises. It seems that with this jumper it contains enough reflective properties to not be black. Perhaps there are threads in there that reflect the UV well or something. But you're right that in principle things that are red will be dark/black as the process is not sensitive to that end of the spectrum.
@jo.b58292 жыл бұрын
Lovely :)
@ShootOnFilm2 жыл бұрын
An excellent video! I'm so captivated by the process and the final portrait is amazing!!!
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much Ari, and I’m glad you enjoyed it! :)
@andyvan56922 жыл бұрын
great soundtrack, esp. the colloiden pour and the shoot, realy apt for the scene; one other thing, the 'barrel' lens has a slit on the top to fit a "waterman stop"- an iris plate to give apature control, it is NOT present, so there is a "light leak" in the lens!!, so does this give any trouble ( aka over-exposure)?
@JamesPearson2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Andy, I'm glad you appreciated the soundtrack; I agonised over that quite a bit. It's hard to find good royalty free music that's suitable. You're right about the Waterhouse stop - well spotted. I have just one Waterhouse stop for that lens, which is fine because it does all I need really. I didn't mention this in the video, but I typically focus without it (shallowest DOF) to get the focus as good as possible, but I always insert the Waterhouse stop for the exposure. Otherwise the DOF is just too shallow. I don't think I've ever tried an exposure without it, but I would imagine the light leak would have a negative effect; perhaps knocking the contrast down a bit as the light is probably evenly scattered. Thanks for your comment.
@studio81photography2 жыл бұрын
Great tutorial 💯
@jpcgordon3 жыл бұрын
I'm wanting to get into wet plate photography and this video was fantastic. Also, you have a very soothing voice. I'm sure you could get work doing voiceovers for audiobooks. :) All fun aside though, I really enjoyed this video.
@JamesPearson3 жыл бұрын
Hey that's great you're looking to get into wet plate, I'm glad you enjoyed my video... thank you for the kind words. Not sure about the voice overs though... lol Good luck with getting into wet plate!!
@andyvan56923 жыл бұрын
nice video, and good subject, their patients is simple, just offer an ice-cream afterwards!!!, then you will have their attention all day!!
@JamesPearson3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Yes indeed, a child's patience can be easily bought :)
@andyvan56923 жыл бұрын
@@JamesPearson yes, and soo required, for such an involved method of photography, but what an image for her show & tell at school the next time; and to get such a contrasty image, wow, wish it was easy, you could do magasine shoots with this, vouge even!! it is that good.
@LScott973 жыл бұрын
Absolutely brilliant video! Well done.👍👍👍
@JamesPearson3 жыл бұрын
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it! :)
@black-and-light3 жыл бұрын
Simply gorgeous. Really awesome video. I am deeply moved...
@JamesPearson3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind comment, I’m glad you enjoyed it :)
@reynaldocastaneda47123 жыл бұрын
Great work James!
@JamesPearson3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! :)
@amybennett41513 жыл бұрын
Really interesting and informative video - thanks for making and uploading this. It was great to see the process as I've seen one of these cameras before but didn't know how they worked. The photo you got at from this video was surprisingly detailed! I hope to have as good results if I ever get to try this.
@JamesPearson3 жыл бұрын
Many thanks for your comment, Amy, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hope you get to try wet plate one day!