Collodion Process (2-Day) |May 2-3| MMW + C

Join us and learn to make this unique form of 19th century photography with collodion on "tin" (aluminum)- it's a weekend devoted to the procedure, chemistry and process of contemporary tintype processes. We'll use an 8x10 camera and teach you the "ropes" of this fascinating process from the 1850's. You will need to bring a few items and a list will be provided for your planing.

https://www.mainemedia.edu/workshops/item/2-day-intro-to-wet-plate-collodion/

The Portfolio  |  June 9 -22 |  MMW + C

Join Brenton for a two-week experience in portfolio development to further develop your eye and understanding of your work. In this course you will engage in daily review of your work and split the time between field work, shooting and discussions. Each student will have thorough one-on-one meetings with Brenton and Alan throughout the week to consider what kinds of photographs you really want to make, and how to give them shape and form as a group.

In the second week, you will concentrate on guided printmaking. Enhancing your skills and fine tuning your technique. You may work in color or black and white - digital or traditional methods. This is a dynamic course and a chance to concentrate on your photography with a mentor. This workshop is for experienced photographers.

Exploring Alternative Process  |  June 23 - 29  |  MMW + C

Participants in this lab-oriented, hands-on learning experience, practice with an extensive menu of 19th century photographic processes. This workshop is geared for creative people of all disciplines who want to expand on their expressive possibilities in photographic printmaking. 

Among many processes that students work with are Cyanotype, Cyanotype on fabrics, salted paper process, Kallitypes, albumen, platinum & palladium, Ziatype, gum bichromate and gum over washes with cyan as well as various tonings. Other topics include; digital negatives for contact printing; hand-applied emulsions on alternative surfaces; and considerations of paper choices and sizing options. Students enjoy a digital negative production set-up in the lab facility for producing contact negatives. While most printing is done in the sun, UV exposure units are available for printing on the rare cloudy or rainy days.

The goal of this workshop is to inspire new directions via the materials and their possibilities. The workshop provides an experience for all who are curious about historic photographic methods and love the process of printmaking.

Advanced Alternative Processes  | June 30 - July 5 | MMW 

Advanced Alternative Photographic Processes is a perfect match for image makers who have completed the Exploring Alternative Photographic Processes workshop or have extensive experience with alternative photographic processes. It is also the workshop for students that want additional exposure to instruction and  working time, dedicated space and materials to refine their skills and to focus their energy on a specific project or process. Participants receive individual guidance and considered feedback on work in progress. Along with critique and new ideas to motivate and create new work. The history of photography is discussed and tied to the techniques which expand students’ working knowledge and personal connection to the medium. Individual process demonstrations are given and an exploration into varying processes of interest is supported.

 Students delve deeply into platinum / palladium, and developer and paper choices, salted paper and an array of gold toners,  Cyanotype and its variations, gum bichromate & gum combination techniques, albumen, and the Ziatype. In addition, the class also covers introduction to the field-wet-plate process and chemistry. Students have access to a complete digital negative production set-up in the lab facility for producing contact negatives. While most printing is done in the sun, UV exposure units are available for printing on the rare cloudy or rainy days.

Historic Process Mentoring  | July 21 - 27 |  MMW + C

Join Brenton for a week of intensive study and refinement in your choice of historic processes in the newly revitalized alternative process lab. This class forum is for experienced historic process folks who like the darkroom and want to explore one or two processes in greater depth with guidance from Brenton. The newly revitalized alternative process space on campus will serve as your laboratory and study for the week. Your interests in salted paper, palladium, ziatype, gum bichromate or the collodion process, among others are all possible here. You can spend a guided week exploring your vision and your work, and end the week with a finished suite or portfolio. A large menu of processes can be undertaken studied with intensity and measure.

Prior experience in historic process or a course with Brenton is necessary for admission to this class.

Tri-Color Gum Week  | July 28 - Aug 3 |  MMW + C

Explore the magnificent and painterly 19th century process of gum bichromate printing from digital negative.

Gum bichromate is a magnificent and painterly contact process once prominent in the 19th century that has enjoyed a new resurgence by its practitioners. In this week, you will learn to make digital negatives color separations from your digital files or color film. You will also learn to be comfortable with the fundamentals of the three-color gum bichromate process, including paper selection and preparations such as shrinking and sizing and coating techniques. While the gum process can be challenging it is both rewarding and fun. It's a flexible, painterly process where you will find many new possibilities along the way to expand your historic process palette.