collodion.org: Scully & Osterman publications

publications:	The Light at Lacock	The Wet-Plate Process, A Working Guide	Freestyle Photographic	The Collodion Journal

The Wet Plate Process, A Working Guide, 2011 - The updated manual is now available

"I found The Wet Plate Process, A Working Guide, an invaluable companion when first leaping into wet plate photography. While it's not the only guide on the wet plate process I own, it differs from the others in the fact that this manual takes the time to explain how each component functions within the process. Understanding each aspect of the process allowed me to easily work my way through the great number of issues I encountered when starting out."

- Eric Robinson

SOLD OUT!! Second Ed. Available in October 2011

This 5 1/2" 24 page square booklet is for sale:

$12 postage paid in North America
$15 ppd Europe and South America
$20 ppd Asia

SOLD OUT!! Second Ed. Available in October 2011

Send check or money order to:

Scully & Osterman
186 Rockingham Street
Rochester, NY 14620

Excerpts from The Light at Lacock:

The following images were made at Lacock Abbey from paper negatives exposed within small wooden cameras identical in design to those used by Talbot for his first experiments. A small hole in the front of each camera allowed viewing and focusing the projected image directly upon the sensitive paper within. Like viewing celestial scenes with a reflection telescope, the technique involved aiming the camera over the shoulder to reveal the subject behind.

Every morning at the Abbey barn we sensitized small sheets of paper with silver nitrate and table salt and fitted them into eight small cameras. Then, as a trapper sets a trap line, we walked the same steps as Talbot throughout the Abbey and grounds.

	When usable daylight ceased, we retraced our steps and gathered up the cameras hoping none had been disturbed. Then, back at the barn we opened up our cameras. Like cleaving geodes we were amazed by the gift of the fully formed negatives within; like water colors sketched by the sun. It was easy to drift away from Talbot's path and stray beyond....

THE WET-PLATE PROCESS, A WORKING GUIDE, 2002

Written by veteran teacher and process historian Mark Osterman, this is the complete updated manual to get started on wet-plate collodion, including formulas,equipment, supplies needed and sources.

PLEASE NOTE: The manual is currently being updated. Please allow extra time when ordering. Many thanks for your patronage ...and patience!

$20.00 postage paid in North America;
$24 ppd Europe and South America;
$28 ppd Asia

To order manual, send check or money order to:

SCULLY & OSTERMAN
186 Rockingham Street
Rochester, NY14620 USA

"I found The Wet Plate Process, A Working Guide, an invaluable companion when first leaping into wet plate photography. While it's not the only guide on the wet plate process I own, it differs from the others in the fact that this manual takes the time to explain how each component functions within the process. Understanding each aspect of the process allowed me to easily work my way through the great number of issues I encountered when starting out." - Eric Robinson


Click on the Freestyle cover (above) to read Mark & France's article, The Lure of Collodion. Do you have a collodion or historic process-related question for The Ostermans? If so, please CLICK HERE to post your question at Freestyle!


Scully & Osterman produced The Collodion Journal, a quarterly publication, from 1995-2002. There are no back issues available at this time. However, they are planning to publish the Journal in it's entirety, probably in a CD format. Please email if you are interested in purchasing this series.