📅 September 5–7, 2025

🕙 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
📍 Maple Grove Cemetery, Queens, NY
(Rain date: September 12–14)

Join leading artist Jolene Lupo, who brings over 15 years of experience, for an intensive three-day workshop dedicated to the historic wet plate collodion process. This hands-on experience, set within the picturesque 65-acre Maple Grove Cemetery, offers participants the unique opportunity to learn to create tintypes (on metal) and ambrotypes (on glass) using authentic 19th-century techniques and materials. There is no prior experience necessary, as this workshop is suitable for beginners eager to learn the fundamentals, as well as those with prior experience in wet plate looking to refine their techniques and work on location. Enrollment is strictly limited to 8 students to ensure personalized instruction and ample one-on-one time.

The workshop covers all aspects of the process—from historical context and chemistry, to safety, large format camera techniques, outdoor shooting, and building a portable kit. Students will work in pairs, creating images throughout the cemetery’s Victorian landscape. By the end of the weekend, each participant will have made multiple plates and gained practical experience working on location.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Foundations & First Plates

Morning: Welcome and introductions. Dive into the rich history of the wet plate collodion process and its unique aesthetic. Look over examples of vintage and contemporary tintypes. Comprehensive overview of chemistry fundamentals and essential safety protocols.

Afternoon: Hands-on introduction to the equipment. Learn plate preparation and pouring techniques. Begin first wet plate exposures, focusing on mastering the core steps of the process.

Day 2: Outdoor Application & Creative Exploration

Morning: Review of Day 1 results and troubleshooting common challenges. Discussion on outdoor shooting techniques and understanding light.

Afternoon: Work in pairs to set up portable dark boxes and cameras within the cemetery’s Victorian landscape. Focus on creating tintypes and ambrotypes on location, applying learned techniques in a dynamic environment.

Day 3: Advanced Techniques & Varnishing

Morning: Continued on-location shooting with an emphasis on compositional elements and refining exposure for different subjects (including optional portrait sessions with Victorian costumes).

Afternoon: Varnishing tintypes. Group review of completed plates. Discussion on building your own portable wet plate kit and sourcing materials. Q&A session and next steps for continuing your wet plate journey.

Additional Details

Equipment: All necessary cameras, chemistry, and materials are provided for the duration of the workshop. Participants who own a 4x5” camera are welcome to bring it for personal use, but it is not required.

Optional: Reproduction Victorian costumes will be available for those interested in creating period-appropriate portraits.

Location: Victorian Building, Kew Gardens Rd & Lefferts Blvd entrance, Maple Grove Cemetery, Kew Gardens, NY.

Weather: This workshop runs rain or shine! We'll adapt to brief rain, as shooting and troubleshooting in varied conditions is part of the learning experience. If the entire weekend is forecast to be a washout, we'll contact you to reschedule for the rain date.

Transit: Easily accessible via the E, F, and LIRR trains, as well as the Q46 bus.

Partnership: Presented in collaboration with the Friends of Maple Grove, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and public appreciation of the cemetery’s historical and natural heritage.

Cancellation Policy:

More than 31 days before the workshop: You'll receive a full refund, minus a $200 processing fee. Less than 31 days before the workshop: No refunds will be issued unless you find a replacement participant for your spot. Finding a replacement: If you find someone to take your place, notify us immediately. Your spot will be transferred at no extra charge, and you'll handle the financial arrangement directly with the new participant. Workshop cancellation by us: In the unlikely event that the workshop is canceled due to low enrollment, you'll receive a full refund.