An Introduction to Wet Plate Photography
with Scott Longden (The Tintype Man)
Step back in time and experience photography in its rawest, most hands-on form.
This full-day, immersive workshop is a rare opportunity to work alongside Scott Longden, also known as @tintypeman_aus, and learn the fascinating craft of wet plate photography using real vintage cameras and traditional tin type wet plate processes.
Wet plate photography is slow, deliberate and beautifully imperfect. There are no presets, no safety nets, and no instant results, just light, chemistry, timing and skill. With only three students in the class, this is an intensely practical, hands-on experience designed for those who want to truly understand how these historic images are made.
You’ll work directly with vintage medium format camera gear, learn how wet plates are prepared, exposed and developed, and gain real experience creating your own images under Scott’s expert guidance.
If you’ve ever been curious about historical photographic processes, alternative photography, or simply want to reconnect with photography at a deeper, more tactile level, this is your chance.
What you’ll learn
The history and fundamentals of wet plate photography
How the wet plate (tin type) process works from start to finish
Working with vintage camera equipment
Preparing, exposing and developing wet plates
Understanding light, timing and chemistry in a wet plate workflow
Practical tips, troubleshooting and real-world insights from Scott
This is not a demonstration class. You’ll be actively involved in the process throughout the day.
Who this class is for
Photographers curious about vintage and historical processes
Artists interested in alternative photographic techniques
Anyone fascinated by wet plate, tintypes and early photography
Photographers wanting to slow down and reconnect with craft
No prior wet plate experience is required. A basic understanding of photography is helpful, but curiosity is essential.
Workshop details
Date: February 15
Location: Grantville, Victoria
Duration: Full day
Class size: Strictly limited to 3 students
Instructor: Scott Longden (The Tintype Man)
Cost $495.00 pp, all equipment and materials are provided. (Book direct and save the Eventbrite fees!
Why this workshop is special
Wet plate photography isn’t something you can learn properly from a book or a quick demo. It requires presence, patience and hands-on experience. With such a small group, you’ll have direct access to Scott throughout the day, plenty of time to ask questions, and the rare chance to work with authentic vintage gear in a supportive, creative environment.
Spaces are extremely limited and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
WHY IS THIS CLASS SO EXPENSIVE
Wet plate photography is unlike modern digital photography. It’s a specialist, material-heavy process that requires rare equipment, extensive setup and expert supervision.
This full-day workshop is limited to just three participants, which means you’re getting an unusually high level of one-on-one guidance from Scott Longden (and myself), one of very few practising wet plate photographers in Australia.
The cost reflects:
A full day of hands-on instruction, not a short demo
Access to genuine vintage camera equipment
All wet plate materials and chemicals, supplied and prepared for you
Careful setup, cleanup and safety management
The opportunity to create and take home real wet plate images
You’re not paying for a seat in a room, you’re paying for access to a rare process, specialist knowledge and an experience that simply can’t be replicated online or at scale.
For anyone genuinely curious about wet plate photography, this is a rare chance to learn it properly, safely and hands-on.
FAQ
Do I need prior wet plate or darkroom experience?
No. This workshop is designed as an introduction. A basic understanding of photography is helpful, but curiosity and a willingness to get hands-on matter far more.
Will I be using real wet plate equipment?
Yes. You’ll be working with genuine vintage camera gear and traditional tin type wet plate materials throughout the day under Scott’s guidance.
Is this a demonstration or a hands-on class?
This is a very hands-on workshop. With only three students, everyone will actively participate in the wet plate process, from preparation through to development.
What camera gear do I need to bring?
Nothing. All cameras, plates, chemicals and equipment are provided. You’re welcome to bring a notebook or camera to document the process if you like.
Are the chemicals safe?
Wet plate photography uses traditional photographic chemicals. Safety procedures will be clearly explained and followed throughout the day, and all handling is supervised.
Will I get to keep any images or plates?
Yes, you may have the opportunity to take home wet plate images created during the workshop. But depending on the day, these may have to be posted out or collected at a later time. Specific details will be explained on the day, as it’s so dependent on time and process.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable with basic photography concepts. This class is about learning a historic process, not technical camera mastery. But even non-photographers can join.
Why is the class limited to only three students?
Wet plate photography is slow and hands-on by nature. Keeping the group small ensures everyone gets meaningful time with the equipment and direct guidance from Scott. There is also space constraints.
WILL FOOD AND DRINKS BE SUPPLIED?
To help keep costs down and keep things simple, we ask that each participant bring their own lunch and drinks (non-alcoholic), and we can enjoy a simple picnic-style lunch break.