Tintype (Wet Plate Collodion) Workshop

The tintype process (also known as ferrotype) was invented in 1853 and was one of the main photographic methods for almost 30 years. To make an image, a plate of tin is coated with a unique emulsion and exposed in a large format camera while still wet. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare, expose and develop each image – a sort of 19th century polaroid if you like.

In this workshop a brief history of the process will be explored, after which you will learn how to coat, expose, and develop your own plates.

Class Schedule

11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

What you will learn

  • Learn how to use a beautiful large format view camera.
  • Explore the alleyways and hidden spaces of industrial Kensington.

What you will get

  • One-on-one guidance from a professional photographer.
  • Access to a warm and inspiring learning environment. We believe everybody is capable of creating beautiful photographs, we will help you achieve this.
  • Walk away with your own tintype image.
  • Post workshop a comprehensive PDF document will be sent to participants outlining what we covered on the day and how they can continue to practice techniques at home.
  • Tea, coffee and snacks provided on arrival and throughout the day.
  • A complimentary gift from your favourite darkroom.

What to wear

  • Old comfortable clothes.
  • An old apron or lab coat if you have one.
  • Protective shoes.

Suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned artists who want to broaden their skills.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

February

Melbourne: 28 Nov 2025 – 26 May 2026. The exhibition celebrates the wide-ranging photographic practices of more than eighty women artists working between 1900 and 1975.

Canberra: Until 6 Sept 2026. Trent Parke’s photographic series The Christmas tree bucket 2006–09 is a tender and darkly humorous portrayal of his extended family coming together to celebrate Christmas.

March

Sydney: Until 7 Feb 2027. From his archive of more than 200,000 images, Close Up celebrates the historic moments and pivotal people he famously captured.

Melbourne: 5 March – 7 August 2026. Between the mid-1970s and early 1990s, artist and social documentary photographer Viva Gibb (1945-2017) documented the suburbs of North and West Melbourne, where she lived.

Melbourne: 7 March – 24 May 2026. Photos of flowers from the NGA collection by prominent photographers drawn such as Robert Mapplethorpe and four groundbreaking Australian photographers.

May

Sydney: Until 16 August 2026. PIX, Australia’s first pictorial news weekly, is brought to life in this exhibition, showcasing its archived images and stories for the very first time.

Coffs Harbour: 28 May – 29 June 2026. West Of Somewhere East is a photographic series tracing a cinematic journey through the interior of New South Wales, shaped by long drives, fleeting encounters, and the reflective rhythm of return.