D/FW LF GROUP, WET PLATE PHOTOGRAPHY WITH TY GUILLORY

Ty Guillory 01We had another great gathering in East Texas this past Saturday. Twelve dedicated photo enthusiasts braved the heat for a day with Ty Guillory to learn about wet plate photography. Ty gave us a tour of Ty Guillory 02his workshop where he builds period cameras and showed us many of his wet plate photographs. There was a lot of discussion about period lenses, a subject about which Ty can give you plenty of information.

Once we had a good understanding of the cameras we moved outside for a hands on demonstration of the fine art of making tintypes. We were all fascinated with the simplicity and complexity of the process.

After a jam packed morning of photography we were treated to a great picnic lunch prepared by Ty’s wife Tina. After a break to recharge, we braved the 100 plus heat for even more photography.

One fun high point of the day was getting to drool all over the 5×7 camera that Michael purchased. Seems none of us were aware that Michael is now moving into the world of wet plate photography. Ty had even mounted a beautiful period lens that Michael had  purchased.Ty Guillory 03

and the two of them took a great risk by making the first photo of yours truly. That lens may never be the same! As the afternoon progressed we moved inside to Ty’s shop and some welcome A/C.

Ty Guillory 04At this point it was discovered that Michael needed a 3/8-16 mount, so Ty proceeded to install a second tripod socket on Michael’s new camera while we all watched. By the time the last few of us really die hard types decided it was time to head home, it was near 4:00.  The thermometer in the van read 110 most of the way home.  What a day!

The D/FW LFG would like to thank Ty and Tina for a very informative and fun day. We all had a great time, despite the heat, and some of us just may have learned something new. Once this heat subsides we will be planning more outings.

JB