Recent Work - Statement
Using an 8 x 10 “ view camera and the 19th century wet plate collodion process, I make tintype portraits of students, friends and acquaintances.
My interest lies in the power of a photograph to describe my subject clearly and with power. What begins with my interest in the physical appearance of the subject, develops into an evolving exploration of the sitter and myself.
The wet plate process is slow and labor intensive. Making these portraits requires exposure times ranging from 20 seconds to 2 minutes. It is in that collaboration that I find the power of this medium, as if the commitment required of both the sitter and me is present in the final image. It has allowed me to make connections with my subjects in more powerful ways than I was able to with contemporary materials.
David Prifti
October 2008
Wet Plate Collodion Process
The wet plate process was invented in in 1851, and became the most important photographic process of the 19th century.
The photographer must coat and sensitize a plate, then expose it in the camera, and develop the image before the plate dries out. This requires a portable darkroom to be set up wherever the artist is working.
By varying the technique, the photographer is able to make Ambrotypes (unique positives on glass), Glass negatives (for traditional or albumen printing) or Tintypes (unique positives on japanned steel).
All timing and exposure decisions are made by observation, and all the chemicals and materials are prepared by the artist.
