Lost Trades
Tintype Photography with Matt & Shannon Schnittker. 31 March 2026, 9am-5pm
Tintype Photography with Matt & Shannon Schnittker. 31 March 2026, 9am-5pm
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Step back in time and learn the magical process of wet plate collodion photography. A 19th century technique that produces stunning, one-of-a-kind images on metal. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to create photographs from scratch using lenses, chemistry, and processes of the 1800’s.
Participants will learn history, chemistry, how to pour collodion and sensitize plates, working in a darkroom, exposing and developing plates, varnishing and finishing plates, and troubleshooting common problems. By the end of the workshop, participants will have created their own wetplate images and gained a solid foundation in this unique photographic artform.
Workshop Agenda:
An Introduction & History to Tintype photography and the history of the wet plate process. Comparison to other historical processes (daguerreotype, ambrotype, tintype).
Chemistry & safety overview will be followed by a demonstration of the wet plate process
Steps covered on this workshop: Prepping a plate; Sensitizing in silver nitrate; Loading into the holder and exposing the plate; Developing and rinsing; Fixing and rinsing; Varnishing and drying.
Hands-On Session: First Plate. Each student prepares and shoots their own plate with instructor guidance. Creative practice & refinement will follow along with more shooting time with creative control. Use of props, portraits, or still life will be available.
Discuss composition and how exposure times, varnishing & finishing and a group discussion: share plates, successes, challenges and a Q&A session with Matt and Shannon the Tinplate masters.
Tuesday 31 March, 9.30am - 4.30pm .
Tylden is on the main road to Daylesford. Woodend, Kyneton and Trentham are all close by.
Matt Schnittker: Matt is an Animation Technologist, Magic Lanternist, and Tintype Photographer. Matt has spent the last 28 years at Walt Disney Animation Studios where he's been involved in many well known animated films including Atlantis, Tangled, Encanto, and Frozen. He has been involved in software development for both the 2D and 3D animation pipelines and has contributed to multiple Disney patents.
Shannon Schnittker: A second-career labor & delivery RN and clinical nurse educator. Shannon’s other interests include textile arts, costume making, and other various arts & crafts. Shannon is an experienced tintype dark room developer and photographer.Positions are strictly limited on this workshop. Due to course preparation, international instructor and potential wait lists; if a position is cancelled less than four (4) weeks prior to the start date, we are sorry, but 50% of your deposit payment is not refundable. You may transfer or pass on this course booking (for this date only) to another person if you are unable to attend.
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