Make real daguerreotypes with your own 35mm camera without expensive processing equipment or dangerous chemicals. This is a great workshop for the beginner or the student who wants to make real daguerreotypes on a shoestring budget. Participants will be guided through the polishing, sensitizing, shooting, and processing of daguerreotypes made by the Becquerel method, which does not include the use of mercury fumes. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to make precious little daguerreotypes suitable for exhibition or jewelry. The class will also include viewing original nineteenth-century daguerreotype jewelry from the museum’s photography collection.
Important: Participants should bring a reliable 35mm camera with a shutter that includes a T (time) or B (bulb) setting, a cable release, and a tripod. Each participant will receive a booklet with full instructions in how to prepare and process the plates, as well as directions in how to make the simple and inexpensive equipment for processing the plates.
Audience: Limited to ten, this three-day workshop is suitable for photography students, educators, and anyone interested in the evolution and chemistry of photography. No experience necessary. This has become a very popular workshop, so register early.
Tuition: $575/$550 members, plus $90 materials fee. Add an additional day of printing for $150.
Cancellation Policy: Withdrawal from the workshop 30 days before the session start date will receive a refund, minus a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 30 days before a workshop start date. If the workshop is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class will be fully refunded. George Eastman House is not responsible for airline ticket cancellation costs or fees. Eastman House may take and use images, still or video, for educational and promotional purposes.
Location and Scheduling: Daily sessions begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Unless otherwise stated, the workshops are held at George Eastman House in Rochester, New York. Directions can be found here.
Lodging: Lodging is not included in the cost of the workshop. Participants must make their own arrangements. The host hotel for workshops held at George Eastman House is the East Avenue Inn & Suites, eastaveinn.com. This hotel is within walking distance of the museum. Room rates begin at $119 per night. The East Avenue Inn & Suites also provides transportation to and from the airport. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 559-8039. When calling to make a reservation, please mention you are taking a workshop at George Eastman House to get this special rate.