Wet-plate Fundamentals
A two-day 4x5” tintype workshop with Kyle McMillin of Red Room Tintype in Kingston, WA, Summer 2026
** Not yet on sale -- Potential Workshop Dates: June 27-28 or July 25-26 **
This is a hands-on introduction to the wet-plate process, from pouring plates through varnishing. We’ll move through the full workflow together, with time to observe, ask questions, and repeat steps as needed.
The goal is not just to complete the process, but to become familiar with how it behaves in real conditions.
You’ll leave with a working understanding of how to make tintypes, what materials are required, and how 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:
- without a professional darkroom
- without running water
- with a mobile setup
- with little-to-no electricity
Day One
6 hours + 30-minute break
Intro to the full wet-plate process. We’ll work step-by-step through pouring, sensitizing, exposing, developing, fixing, and varnishing.
Day Two
5 hours
This day is focused on practice and refinement—revisiting any part of the workflow, or shifting toward portraiture, natural light, and working with others.
You’re welcome to bring objects to photograph on either day. You may bring somebody to photograph on the second day.
$800
Limited to 4 participants
a $400 advanced deposit is required,
which holds your spot and goes toward total
Notes
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. You are welcome to bring a respirator; these will not be provided. I do not use one.