Calotype Paper Negatives (Dry Process)
Instructor: Alan Greene

Learn how to make handmade dry paper negatives that can be prepared several days in advance and loaded into modern film-holders. The process to be shown consists of a late nineteenth-century modification of Le Gray’s waxed paper-negative process and Major Russell’s tannin process. It uses citric acid rather than acetic acid, making it far more agreeable to work with than earlier processes, notably Talbot’s. It also is highly reliable, capable of sharp detail, and more convenient for work in the field than the wet-plate procedure.

All aspects of the process will be considered, including the actual exposure and processing of negatives by each participant. In addition, special emphasis will be given to paper immersion techniques during iodizing and sensitizing, the process of physical development, and an economical, brushed-on waxing method.

Each participant should bring a large format view or box camera (4×5″ to 8×10″), a suitable lens (pinhole exposure times would be too long here), and one to three film-holders. A tripod and hand-held light-meter would also be helpful, but are not absolutely necessary.

Class is limited to eight participants.

Location: Pittsburgh Filmmakers
Date: May 31, 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 9:00am to 6:00pm (with one-hour break for lunch)
Cost: $200 (plus a $35 materials fee payable to Alan directly)
Register here >>

*Sign up for this workshop together with Alan’s Sunday Workshop on the Developed-Out Salt-Printing for a reduced price of $400 ($350 tuition and $50 materials fee) and save $70!

Calotype Negative Image “51 North Margin Street–The Nostalgia Factory” by Alan Greene