Summer 2007 Daguerreotype Workshops

Here is your opportunity to learn the forgotten art of Daguerreotypy. Last
years workshops were very successful, each participant left with at least
three Daguerreotypes and a good knowledge of the process.

Center for Alternative and Historic Processes
June 9-10
http://www.cfaahp.org/

Peters Valley Craft Center
June 15-18
http://petersvalley.org/

Daguerreotypy in the 21st Century
The daguerreotype is an image unlike any other, each is unique and
elusory. It was the first and arguably the most beautiful form of
photography, and yet its technologies are largely forgotten. In this
workshop we will learn, practice, and discuss different methods of
daguerreotypy with the goal that every participant be able to produce
several images, and quickly be on their way to making daguerreotypes on
their own. This workshop will use the less-toxic and ecologically-friendly
Becquerel development, although we will discuss the basics of mercury
development. We will concentrate on the most important and difficult
skills; polishing, sensitizing, gilding, and problem solving. In addition, we
will manufacture our own daguerreotype plates. The course will also
include a brief introduction to the 19th century photographic technology.
Participants will be asked to read one of two "classic" manuals (available
on-line) before the workshop, and encouraged to bring their own 4x5 or
5x7 camera.