Wet-plate Fundamentals Workshop
July 25-26, 2026
 
A two-day 4x5” tintype workshop with Kyle McMillin in Kingston, WA
 
$800
Limited to 4 participants
Payment here serves as your registration & deposit, and goes toward the total cost. The remainder is due at the start of the workshop. 
  
 
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This is a hands-on introduction to the wet-plate collodion process, from pouring plates through varnishing.
 
You’ll leave with a working understanding of how to make tintypes, what materials are required, and what you need to build a simple, functional setup of your own––and you’ll keep all the tintypes you make while you’re here.
 
This workshop is especially suited for those interested in working:
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without a professional darkroom
without running water
with a mobile setup
with little-to-no electricity
 
 
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Day One   (July 25th)
10am - 5pm
 
Intro to the wet-plate process, working step-by-step through pouring, sensitizing, exposing, and developing plates—shooting with my basic setup of one strobe and a continuous light or two. We'll continue making plates through the afternoon, reviewing and troubleshooting as we go, before turning our attention to varnishing at the end of the day.
 
Day Two   (July 26th)
11am - 5pm
 
Supervised shooting. This day is open for you to freely practice or experiment with shooting in the studio, or outside if weather permits. Again, we'll varnish at the end of the day.
 
You're welcome to bring your own objects to photograph on either day, though I encourage participants to sit for each other's portraits—it's useful to experience both sides of the camera. You may bring one person to photograph on the second day if you wish. 
 
 
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This workshop does not include instruction on mixing raw chemistry. All chemistry used is sourced from UV Photographics; sourcing information will be provided.
 
Wet-plate materials involve hazardous chemicals. Participation requires signing a liability waiver at the start of the workshop. You are welcome to bring a respirator; these will not be provided. I do not use one.
 
 
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Workshop Registration & Cancellation Policy:
 
A minimum of two participants is required for the workshop to run. 
 
Your deposit secures your place in the workshop and is applied toward the total workshop fee. The remaining balance ($400) is due upon arrival on the first day of the workshop. 
 
If the minimum enrollment is not reached by July 17th, participants may choose either: 
 
A full refund of all amounts paid, or 
A transfer of their registration to a future workshop. 
 
Participant Cancellation
 
If you are unable to attend after registering, your payment may be applied as a credit toward a future workshop. 
 
Transfer of Registration
 
You may transfer your registration to another individual with prior notice. Transfers must be completed no later than two days before the workshop. 
 
Workshop Cancellation
 
I reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the workshop if circumstances require. In such cases, participants may choose either a full refund or a credit toward a future workshop. 
 
Policy Updates
 
This policy represents the entire understanding between the parties regarding workshop registration and cancellation and may be updated as needed. Any changes will be communicated to registered participants.
 
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I look forward to working with you! 
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Kyle McMillin
redroomtintype@gmail.com