Wet-plate Fundamentals Workshop
June 27-28, 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   (June 27th)
10am - 5pm
 
Intro to the wet-plate process. We’ll start by working step-by-step through pouring, sensitizing, exposing, and developing plates. We'll continue making plates through the afternoon, reviewing as needed, and troubleshooting as we go. Toward the end of the day, we'll turn our attention to varnishing.
 
Day Two   (June 28th)
11am - 5pm
 
Supervised shooting. This day is open to you to freely experiment, or to practice any aspect of wet-plate photography that interests you. Again, we'll varnish at the end of the day.
 
You’re welcome to bring 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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Cancellation Policy:
 
Your deposit here serves as your registration for the workshop, and is non-refundable. The remainder of your payment ($400) is due upon arrival at the workshop on June 27th.
 
If you have reserved a spot and cannot attend the workshop you will receive a credit equal to the amount paid to be applied towards a future workshop.
 
I may cancel the Workshop at any time and will notify you immediately. In such a case, a full refund or credit towards a future workshop will be issued to you, based on your preference.
 
Transfer of Registration:
 
You may transfer your registration to another individual for the Workshop with prior notice; the transfer must be completed no later than 2 days prior to the Workshop.
 
Miscellaneous:
 
This cancellation policy represents the entire understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements between the parties.
 
This cancellation policy may be modified or updated at any time by Kyle McMillin and will be communicated to you.
 
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I look forward to working with you at the workshop!
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Kyle McMillin
redroomtintype@gmail.com