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

April

Canberra: 27 Feb until 20 July 2025. The National Library has invited renowned Australian photojournalist Mike Bowers to select some of his favourite images from the Fairfax Photo Archive.

Brisbane: Until 13 July 2025. Amateur Brisbane photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870-1954) extraordinary images lay dormant for decades until they were discovered only recently. This exhibition is curated by seven Brisbane photographers.

Sydney: Until 31 Dec 2025. 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.

Sydney: Until 30 June. The photographs in Max Dupain: Student Life were taken at the University of Sydney in the early 1950s, a period of rapid change marked by the politics of the Cold War.

May

Sydney: 15 May – 19 October. Showcasing 100 incredible images, this remarkable exhibition offers a window into the astonishing variety of life on our planet – and the critical importance of preserving it.

Sydney: Until 21 June. With a career spanning fifty years, his virtuosic artistry continues to unfold in powerful, haunting images that explore the timeless mystery of the human condition.

Perth: From 31 May – 28 Sept 2025. Featuring 85 works from three major series – Deep Springs, Overpass, and Cross Country – the exhibition spans twelve years of Contis’s evolving photographic practice.

June

Sydney: Until 6 July. Presenting the results of the 2025 World Press Photo Contest, the annual exhibition showcases the best and most important photojournalism and documentary photography of the last year.

Melbourne: June 5 - 16 August 2025. The explore the history of Alan Adler's photobooths and their cultural significance, alongside visual stories told by the community.

Adelaide: 7 June – 16 August. Drawn from the National Portrait Gallery collection, this photographic exhibition captures the experience of lives lived through dance.