History, Metal and a Camera

Gosh, I love a good old photo with a story. The vintage family photos I have been blessed to own or have access to are treasures to me.

Unfortunately, my family was not in a position to capture daguerreotype, ambrotype, nor tintype images when these photography methods were being practiced in the mid 1800's.

However, last weekend, I was able to learn how these images were created, and how to reproduce my own, thanks to the knowledge and gentle teaching style of Sean Kochel -- a charming young man from Missoula, Montana.

It is a craft I will use again and again. Actually, the fact that I can do this might become part of family legend in itself!

It's a complicated process and not at all precise. There are very many variables. Seconds to count off, solutions to mix correctly. Humidity, heat and human mess-ups all decide the outcome.

These are two that I took during the weekend workshop, hosted by Dede Warren. Mine were not perfect at all.

Not even close to perfect, but fascinating (to me) nonetheless, and enough to lure me into the craft.

Stay tuned.

And check out this and this.