There's an absolute beauty in the ordinary, something we don't notice until we actually stop and look. A harmony of events and occurrences that are ignored until they are called into being by our conscience.  

When we do sense that which is beautiful, it becomes an awakening...the consciousness of being.

wet plate collodion

There's not another photographic process that is as totally immersive as wet plate collodion. It is a true partnership between subject and photographer. Nothing is taken for granted and nothing is guaranteed, its a method that challenges you at every step, but when it works out, you not only have a real physical plate but a thing of beauty.

Each plate is unique and while there is a defined method, the process is organic, yielding different results every time. That's the beauty of it, that's the magic of wet plate collodion.

U N I Q U E    |    R E A L    |    B E A U T I F U L

2020 bookings

A typical studio session is about an hour in duration. Multiple plates are shot in each session and then you can decide on which plate you wish to have finished. Additional plates may also be purchased. Digital copies are made of your chosen plate before finishing. The plate is then varnished and dried. Once dry it is ready for collection.

You betcha!

You can get intouch with me through the contact form at the bottom of the page or telephone me on the number at the top of the page to make a booking.

Typically each session is about an hour but may take longer.

Plate Size Tintype Ambrotype
4x5 €120 €140
5x7 €140 €180
8x10 €220 €300
11x14 €340 €460

All dimensions are in inches.

Multiple plates are shot in each session, these are availabe to purchase at 50% of the above costs.

A question I often ask myself.

It's entirely up to you. If you do decide to do so, bring it with you in case you need to do touch-ups, other than that we'll be using my wifes and I'll get into trouble.

Some make up contains UV blockers which can give a very flat appearance to your face.

If I can make one recomendation it is to bring some lip gloss.

I find corsets quite restrictive myself, but I do like the shape.

Wear whatever makes you comfortable...be yourself! Clothes with texture and pattern lend themselves quite well to the process.

Good luck with that.

While I can style the image using creative lighting, how you look is entirely up to you. The beauty of wet plate collodion is it doesn't lie. It is what it is, warts an all.

Only if I have to.

Before you bring a child to the studio do a simple test at home, ask your child to sit perfectly still for ten seconds, if they can't, don't bring them.

Exposures can be long, this isn't point and shoot. If you still insist on bringing them, I have gaffer tape and a staple gun at hand.

Remember, you and you alone are responsible for it!

Oh yes!! Animals I love.

But as with kids, do the ten second test.
Bring some treats and if your loved one decides to paint the floor, you're on clean-up duty.

For Sure!!

As each session is as individual as the person or persons being photographed so to are my gift vouchers, their tailored to your budget and requirements. Contact me for further information.

Absolutley - I will go through the options with you when you arrive.

All portrait session images are copyright of Peter O'Donnell.
No commercial use is permitted without permission.
Images may be used for promotional use unless otherwise agreed.

orotones

Hand-crafted on glass the orotone elevates the traditional two-dimensional image to a higher plane. The beautiful depth is intensified by the iridescent radiance of the orotone transforming the rendered subject into something quite ethereal. 

Clare Glens
Orotone, Peter O'Donnell, 2019. Quite old and almost dead now, when I pass this old tree I always doff my cap to Mr. Talbot, the nutter that started it all.

salt prints

Often considered the poor relation in the photography family, salt prints are beautiffuly honest images. Printed on cotton-rag paper, the salt print portrays the very essence of photography itself.

All salt prints and orotone plates are contact printed from the original photographic negative.

original handcrafted images

My work over the past few years has been focused on capturing the beauty that exists in the ordinary around us. Using traditional photographic methods has allowed me to realise my vision as a photographer and in a way, become the driving force for my work.

The real craft of photography is very much hands-on. Taking a week to create a single image is not time wasted, but something that reinforces the true value of the beauty that surrounds us all.

contact

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