The Wet Plate Collodion Workshop with Allan Barnes (In-Person – Two sessions)
- Saturday
December 9, 2023
10:00 am - 4:00 pm - Sunday
December 10, 2023
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Participants will use large format period-correct cameras to explore the craftsmanship of tintypes and ambrotypes.
Two Sessions
Tuition: $475 + $150 media, darkroom usage and on-site technician fee at Santa Monica College. (Become a Member today and received up to 20% off!)
This course is strictly limited to 12 students.

© Photo by Allan Barnes
About
In-Person Learning
In efforts to advance photography in the mid-19th century, Fredrick Scott Archer, an English sculptor and photographer, experimented with collodion in the hope of producing a photographic negative on ordinary glass plates. The process was perfected in 1851. This two-day workshop serves as a hands-on introduction to this demanding but beautiful photographic process.
Participants will use large format period-correct cameras to explore the craftsmanship of tintypes and ambrotypes. After a brief historical discussion of the process, students will be trained in the coating, exposure, development and preservation of the photographic plate. The goal is to provide a taste of how the process works, with each participant walking away with 3-4 plates. We will be making photographs at/around the location of the workshop. Participants are invited to bring their own props, old costumes, etc.
All chemistry, media and cameras will be provided, in addition to information on purchasing one’s own WPC equipment. Please bring disposable latex or nitrile gloves, aprons and work clothing (materials used can easily stain skin and clothing).
Allan Barnes is an editorial and fine art photographer from Detroit, Michigan. After 25 years as an editorial photographer, he began working in the Wet Plate Collodion Process and currently specializes in portraiture and fashion. His studio is in the North San Francisco Bay Area, where he also teaches photography classes at Petaluma High School. Previously, he taught photo classes at Citrus College in Glendora, CA and Santa Monica College in Santa Monica CA.
Details
- Two Sessions
- Dates: Saturday and Sunday, December 9-10, 10 am – 4 pm, PST
- Enrollment Limit: 12 students
- Skill/Experience Level: Open to all levels
- Tuition: $475 + $150 media, darkroom usage and on-site technician fee at Santa Monica College. (Become a Member today and received up to 20% off!)
- Location: Santa Monica College, Drescher Hall, 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA
Traveling from out of town? Need a place to stay?
We recommend The Shay, a boutique, destination by Hyatt hotel conveniently located at 8801 Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232. Guests of LACP will receive 15% off the listed room rate (pending closures and black-out periods).
Click HERE for details on booking.