Come and observe one of the earliest photographic techniques in action!

Portrait photographer Keliy Anderson-Staley, known nationally for her work using the 19th-century wet-plate collodion tintype process, which she has been using to make portraits since 2004, will be set-up to make portraits of visitors to MATCH on January 13th and 14th.

Using antique brass lenses, wooden view cameras and hand-mixed chemistry, Anderson-Staley will produce 8×10” tintypes on blackened metal. The demonstration will offer participants the chance to see one of the earliest photographic processes as used by a contemporary artist. This is the same process used to document the Civil War and used by the early photographic studios that popped up around the country in the late-nineteenth century. Antique portraits on metal you may have of ancestors were made the same way. The wet-plate collodion process, unlike other silver-based processes, can be developed and finished in daylight, allowing sitters to see their portraits immediately. While shooting, Anderson-Staley will explain the process to observers, and invite sitters to watch the development process.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
– This shoot is free and open to all.

– You may sign up ahead of time for a 20-minute session by emailing Jenn Gardner at [email protected]. Please specify which date (January 13 sessions begin at 12:20 pm; January 14 sessions begin at 1 pm) you are signing up for. You’ll receive a response via email confirming your time. Sign-ups are first come, first served.

– There are a limited number of open slots on each day for walk-ins.

– No more than five individuals in a single shoot. No pets or animals.

– Avoid text on clothing, as it will read backwards; avoid all black or all white clothing.

Anyone sitting for a portrait will receive a digital scan of the image in return for their participation which they may use for personal purposes. The photographer will retain both the copyright and the original tintype, which she will use for future exhibitions and presentations of her project, Shelter in Place. All sitters will be asked to sign a model release, agreeing to these terms.

Sunday, January 14 is also MATCH Family Fun Day featuring free events and activities for all ages. More info at matchouston.org