This one-day program introduces you to the complete wet plate collodion workflow for creating positive images on glass (ambrotypes) and metal (tintypes).
You will follow every step of the process — from preparing the plates to varnishing — using reliable and repeatable techniques designed to produce stable, archival-quality images.
The workshop is ideal for absolute beginners as well as photographers transitioning from digital or film to historical photographic methods.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Origins and evolution of the collodion process
Safety protocols, chemistry handling and darkroom setup
Preparing and cleaning glass and metal plates
Collodion pouring and silver sensitisation
Exposure techniques using controlled studio lighting
Development, fixing and varnishing
Troubleshooting common issues and plate defects
Understanding positives, negatives and the dry-plate variant
OUTCOME
You will create your own ambrotypes and tintypes from start to finish — pouring the collodion, sensitising the plate, exposing, developing and varnishing it with your own hands.
Each participant will leave with a set of unique, handmade plates: one-of-a-kind objects born from simple raw materials and transformed into images through your direct craftsmanship.
Alongside these physical pieces, you will acquire the technical foundations needed to progress confidently toward collodion negatives and salt printing.
LOCATION
The workshop takes place in my studio and darkroom in Castelbuono, in the Madonie mountains, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Palermo.
HOW TO GET HERE
Nearest Airport: Palermo (PMO)
By car: Palermo Airport → A20 motorway → Castelbuono exit → SP9
By bus: Direct routes from Palermo and Cefalù
Train + Bus: Train to Cefalù → Bus to Castelbuono
Private pick-up may be arranged depending on availability
ACCOMMODATION
Two accommodation options are available (contact me for rates):
Option 1 — Private rooms on site
Independent rooms
Private bathroom
Air conditioning
Quiet countryside location (where I live)
Option 2 — Agriturismo Bergi — www.agriturismobergi.com/en
(Partner accommodation)
Countryside farmhouse near Castelbuono
Discounted workshop rate available
WHO IS THIS FOR
Beginners interested in learning the fundamentals of wet plate collodion
Photographers transitioning to historical processes
Artists preparing to move toward negatives and printing
No experience required.
LIMITED SEATS
Maximum 4 participants.
PRICE & BOOKING
€300 — all materials included
Reservation: €150 deposit required
Balance: due at the beginning of the workshop
CANCELLATION POLICY
Deposits are 50% refundable up to 5 weeks before the workshop
After that period, deposits are non-refundable
Deposits may be transferred to another workshop only if your spot is filled by another participant
Do you have questions about the program or logistics?
Contact me