If you think image manipulation is new, think again. Learn how to retouch actual glass negatives using nineteenth-century techniques in this unique hands-on workshop. The art of retouching evolved in the mid-nineteenth century when early photographic negatives were only blue sensitive. The results were often extraordinary. Negative manipulation was generally performed to correct problems associated with color sensitivity, but it was also used as a creative tool just as Photoshop is used today.
All participants will be given actual collodion on glass negatives to keep. Specifically made for this workshop by Mark Osterman, he will show participants how to enhance the deficiencies inherent in early negative processes and apply new creative effects.
Featured techniques will include scuffing the varnished surface, drawing directly on the negative with graphite, selective dodging with the use of tissue overlays, and vignetting and creating cloud negatives on paper. Retouched negatives will then be “proofed” by the salted paper printing process.
This class also includes a visit to the Department of Photography to see vintage examples of albumen and salt prints from retouched negatives by Gustave Le Gray, Eadweard Muybridge, Carleton Watkins, Franz Hanfstaengl, Anne Brigman, and others.
Audience: Limited to six, this three-day, hands-on workshop is for anyone who shoots glass or paper negatives or those who want to get the best quality prints from vintage negatives. It is also an instructive class for photo or art historians. No experience necessary.
Tuition: $500/$475 members, plus $200 materials fee.
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.