Collodion portraits: an immersion in time

Wet collodion is a photographic process invented in 1851 by the English photographer Frederick Scott Archer. Used primarily in the 19th century, it allows for the creation of images with exceptional detail and unique intensity. The process involves coating a glass or metal plate with a collodion solution sensitized with silver salts, which must remain wet throughout the exposure and development.

For portraiture, this technique requires a relatively long exposure time, which gives faces a particular, almost timeless gravity. The result is distinguished by:

• profound contrasts,
• a range of rich and subtle greys,
• imperfections and chemical accidents that become an integral part of aesthetics.

More than just an old method, a collodion portrait session is a true artistic and artisanal experience, combining chemistry, patience and creativity.

We create portraits using the wet collodion process on glass or aluminum, with period cameras dating from 1860 to 1905..

We make our own chemicals and our mission is to preserve this primitive photographic process as well as the cameras, some over 100 years old, that we are fortunate enough to have in our studio..

The portrait session lasts approximately 1 hour. You can attend all stages of the process: preparing the plate, taking the photograph, developing it in the darkroom…

🎁 At the end of the session, you leave with the original plate + a digital HD version.                                  

Studio prices – Portraits on plate (collodion)

Studio rates – Reverse process on paper (direct positive color print)​

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