the process
WET PLATE COLLODION
Frederic Scott Archer introduced his invention to the public in 1851, in the March issue of The Chemist. He published the method without patenting it, and thus ‘gave’ the process to the people for free.
Photography, as we know it today, is a result of nearly 200 years of evolution. The historical wet plate collodion process is one of the oldest photographic techniques invented, and certainly, the first to be popularised and widely practised.
'invented in London in 1851'
grand and noble
To meet the expectations of the most discerning crowd, I am currently working on extending the offer to include exquisite, wall-size, PLATINUM PRINTS on the finest traditional Japanese papers.
This method, dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, is highly regarded by history's most revered photographers for its unparalleled beauty, tonal range and stability. It boasts a coveted archival rating of over 1000 years
More details to come.
Platinum
Prints
Gallery
Celebrating
HUMAN POTENTIAL
Ever since we have walked we have dreamed of flying. But it was deemed impossible - until the Wright brothers proved otherwise. Ever since we have climbed we have considered El Capitan unscalable - until Warren Harding undertook that challenge and succeeded.
One thing is clear: we have not even begun to comprehend the limit of Human Potential.
AMBROTYPISTA is an attempt to connect with the spirit that moves us forward, that makes us strive for the better and dare to explore the limits of our capabilities.
Through the arcane photographic process of wet plate collodion, Ambrotypista ventures to honour, encourage and celebrate that spirit by handcrafting unique silver portraits for those who change chaos into order.
immortal impressions
AMBROTYPES
Ambrotypes (from Greek, meaning immortal impression) are one-of-a-kind glass photographs handcrafted by the cultivation of the wet plate collodion process, a technique that dates back to Victorian times.
When you hold one of these artefacts in your hand, you are immediately struck by how unique it is - and this is what makes them so inherently precious. They owe their peculiar and mesmerising quality to the use of silver emulsion, prepared in accordance with genuine, 150 year old formulas.
the process
WET PLATE COLLODION
Frederic Scott Archer introduced his invention to the public in 1851, in the March issue of The Chemist. He published the method without patenting it, and thus ‘gave’ the process to the people for free.
Photography as we know it today, is a result of nearly 200 years of evolution. The historical wet plate collodion process is one of the oldest invented, and certainly the first to be popularised and widely practiced.
'invented in London in 1851'
You are your
LEGACY
Each portrait is a truly unique piece. The plate which is prepared and exposed in the camera in front of you, is the very same plate you will take home with you. A one-of-a-kind, tactile gem.
Collodion photographs, when carefully and meticulously crafted, are extremely durable. Antique portraits such as these have proven to withstand the test of time - over 150 years. It is no surprise then, that they are often treasured by families as heirlooms.
'over 150 years and counting'
Reviving
Authenticity
The fragile nature of the collodion process makes the results somewhat unpredictable and rarely free from flaws. In the age of photoshop, filters and fake beauty, they don’t seem to fit. But it is precisely for this reason that they are appreciated by individuals who cherish authenticity and look beyond the ordinary.
#unfake #nofilter #nophotoshop
to be of
SERVICE
I firmly believe that being an entrepreneur is synonymous with being ‘spiritual’ - that our greatest contribution to humanity is our self-actualisation. When we uplift ourselves, we uplift everyone else around us.
And it all comes down to being of service to others. Constantly striving to be better at what we do and who we are - whatever path it is that we have chosen.
So...what can I do for you?
it is not about
ME
The human spirit is a source of constant inspiration. Its capacity to go beyond what was once considered impossible, and its strength to overcome terrible adversity...
Entrepreneurs, rebels, thinkers, visionaries; the misfits who question the status quo and the stoics who cultivate the greatest wisdom. People whose purpose in life is to grow and uplift everyone around them...
‘Ambrotype’ is Greek for immortal impression, and my mission is to celebrate that human spirit by immortalising those who dare to voice it.
I'm Martin Day Cobbler ... the Ambrotypista.
