Shooting at last

After nearly two months of building, painting and plumbing I had to use the studio for shooting.  Now that the wet darkroom is operational ad the studio is cleared and usable I decided it was time to shoot.  Not wishing to work on my own I only mentioned it to Mina, and I had company.

We both arrived with cameras, Mina with a half plate Kodak and me with my 10x12 and then spent well over an hour preparing chemistry for wet plate, assembling lights and putting up a backdrop.  Mina was the first to shoot, opting for a still life.  We had a few teething problems, like a broken plate and a couple with scrape marks, then finally a good one.  Sounds daft but even tough it wasn't my plate I was so pleased that we had produced the first image in my studio.

My turn and I persuaded Mina to pose for me.  I owe her an apology!  My first plate came out ok but a little underexposed and true to form I managed to photograph an attractive young woman and make her look severe!  My second plate would have been better, but guess what I broke it!

I had a great night shooting with someone I enjoy working with and producing the first images from the studio.

Not the best p[late I have ever produced, but still a memorable one (sorry Mina!)