Ambrotype – two day workshop

Discover the magic of the ambrotype together with the author of The Ambrotype – A Practical Guide – the first Polish textbook devoted to this fascinating process. Join our workshop and learn to make your photographs on glass using the methods of the masters of 1860’s and 1870’s, the methods used till this day by numerous photographers all over the world – to name just Sally Mann or Ian Ruhter. Learn all the necessary secrets of the process along with recipes and procedures enabling you to create unique works of art while discovering the charm of old photography.

The magic of wetplate photography or, to be more specific, of ambrotypes, hasn’t passed for over 150 years which have passed since the invention of the technique. The image made of silver on glass, magical, glittering with subtle hues fascinates in the 21st century just as much as it did in the 19th. And just as it was in the times when it was invented, for most of us the technique still is a mystery, something almost mystical. It seems that it is even more of a mystery now than in the past.

Ambrotype - two day workshop

Ambrotype on glass. © Radosław Brzozowski

Our two-day workshop in making wetplate ambrotypes will not only allow participants to learn/revise the rules governing wetplate photography but will also offer practical opportunities to use these skills under the tutor’s guidance and with the help of professional models taking part in the workshop.

The programme of the workshop covers:

  • a quick revision of using large format cameras,
  • a presentation of the wetplate ambrotype process including chemical recipes,
  • preparing glass for ambrotype photography,
  • coating glass with collodion,
  • sensitizing, exposing  and processing wetplate,
  • two photographic shoots  with professional models,
  • varnishing the ambrotype,
  • analysis of photographs taken during the workshop.
Ambrotype - two day workshop

Ambrotype. © Radosław Brzozowski

All participants will be provided with:

  • glass plates,
  • chemicals necessary for wetplate including salted collodion, iron developer, fixer, sensitizer and varnish,
  • a darkroom  for preparing and processing wetplates,,
  • two professional models for the shoot assisted by a MUA/stylist,
  • free use of a large format camera,
  • a detailed handout.
  • hot drinks (tea and coffee)
  • home made dinners

Participants are welcome to bring their own 13×18 or 18x24cm cameras.

Ambrotype - two day workshop

Hand coloured ambrotype. © Radosław Brzozowski

Instructor: Radosław Brzozowski, the author of the first Polish ambrotype textbook; Ambrotypia – Przewodnik praktyczny (Ambrotype – a practical handbook)

Duration: Saturday to Sunday, 16 hrs

Language: English and Polish

Maximum number of participants: 6

Price: 990 PLN (approx 220 euros). 

Date: 2-3 July, 2022

Location: Trąbki Wielkie, Poland

Nearest airport: Lech Wałęsa Airport, Gdańsk Rębiechowo

Link to buy: https://www.alternativephotographicsupplies.com/Ambrotypia-warsztat-p295

We don’t offer accommodation but will be happy to advise where it can be booked.

Ambrotype - two day workshop

Ambrotype. © Radosław Brzozowski

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4 Comments

  1. I am English-speaking only. Would I be able to communicate in English at the 2-day Ambrotype wksp in May if I attend?

    Reply
    • Absolutely yes:) We had an Irish guy in the last albumen workshop and he did fine:)

      Reply
      • yes he did…and he learnt a lot. Radik is an excellent tutor

        Reply
      • Thanks:)

        Reply

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