History of Large Format Photography and the Wet-Plate Collodion Process
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Eric Nelson and D Anson Brody are photographers with deep experience in historic and contemporary large format processes. In this program, they will discuss the importance of collodion in photographic history and share what continues to fascinate them about working with the process today.
Wet-plate collodion is one of the most important early photographic processes in the history of large format photography. Introduced in the mid-nineteenth century, the process involves coating a glass or metal plate with collodion, a syrupy liquid that is made light-sensitive before exposure.
Because the plate must be prepared, exposed, and processed while still wet, the collodion process requires care, timing, and close attention from the photographer. It was widely used
during the nineteenth century and shaped many of the earliest photographs we associate with the Civil War, westward exploration, portrait studios, and public figures of the era. Over
time, it was largely replaced by photographic processes that were faster, more portable, and easier to use.
Today, wet-plate collodion has experienced renewed interest among contemporary large format photographers. Artists are drawn to its demanding process, distinctive surface, and the
way each image becomes a singular photographic object.
Wet-plate collodion is one of the most important early photographic processes in the history of large format photography. Introduced in the mid-nineteenth century, the process involves coating a glass or metal plate with collodion, a syrupy liquid that is made light-sensitive before exposure.
Because the plate must be prepared, exposed, and processed while still wet, the collodion process requires care, timing, and close attention from the photographer. It was widely used
during the nineteenth century and shaped many of the earliest photographs we associate with the Civil War, westward exploration, portrait studios, and public figures of the era. Over
time, it was largely replaced by photographic processes that were faster, more portable, and easier to use.
Today, wet-plate collodion has experienced renewed interest among contemporary large format photographers. Artists are drawn to its demanding process, distinctive surface, and the
way each image becomes a singular photographic object.
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Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St,Chicago, Illinois, United States
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Host or PublisherDrew Tanner