Event 1｜Wet Plate Photography Demonstration (Observation Program)

Overview
This program is an evolved version of the Wet Plate Photography Demonstration held during the 2023 KYOTOGRAPHIE Public Program.

Participants will observe the entire wet plate collodion process—from the preparation of the glass plate to its development—in a darkroom environment.

By joining the group portrait, participants will experience the tension and fascination of this early photographic technique firsthand.

Key Features
・Experience the rare, traditional technique of wet plate photography through observing and being a subject
・A special KYOTOGRAPHIE program offering exclusive access to the darkroom process
・Educational and cultural value, bridging the history of photography with modern audiences

Program Contents
・Introduction to the history and technique of wet plate photography by the photographer
・Observation of the sensitized glass plate preparation in a darkroom
・Group portrait session (subject to change due to weather)
・Observation of the development process in the darkroom
・Digital scans of the photograph sent at a later date

Take-home Material
・Digital scan of the portrait delivered via SNS or email

Equipment
・Wooden antique camera
・Format: 8×10 inches (200mm × 250mm)

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Event 2｜Wet Plate Self-Portrait Experience (Creative Workshop)

Overview
This creative program builds on the popular self-portrait experience from the 2023 KYOTOGRAPHIE Public Program.

Participants operate the camera themselves to create a self-portrait while gaining a deep understanding of the process through darkroom observation.

By taking home the physical plate, participants experience traditional photography as a form of personal expression.

Key Features
・A hands-on "creative experience" rather than simple observation
・A comprehensive workflow from camera obscura composition to development
・The exclusivity of taking home a one-of-a-kind wet plate photograph

Program Contents
・Explanation of wet plate history and techniques
・Composition through the lens (camera obscura experience)
・Observation of the plate sensitization in the darkroom
・Posing in front of the camera
・Self-shutter release with a long cable (exposure of several to dozens of seconds)
・Observation of the development process
・On-site pickup (1.5–2 hours later) or domestic shipping

Take-home Material
・One original wet plate glass photograph (Ambrotype), 60mm × 90mm
・Presented in a dedicated frame

Equipment
・newm

Duration: [Event 1 Wet Plate Collodion Demonstration] about 30 min. [Event 2 Wet Plate Self-Portrait Experience] about 60 min.
Language: Japanese
Capacity: [Event 1] 12 people [Event 2] 2 people per session
Fee: [Event 1] 1,100 JPY [Event 2] 15,000 JPY
Reservation: Reservation required
Reservation method: Please purchase tickets via the web shop (same-day purchase available) https://www.akatsuki-shippan.com/shop