unique, timeless, raw
Ambrotype portrait
Slow portrait sessions are a personal experience which result in a one-of-a-kind image. I use a range of mediums from glass ambrotypes, metal tintypes, direct positive print paper and large format film to create nuanced and organic portraits.
These portraits capture more than just a physical appearance and a session can be summarised as having the following qualities:
1. Anticipation and Slowness: The nature of these sessions build anticipation. You’ll have a heightened sense of awareness. Because every frame counts it leads to a more thoughtful and deliberate process.
2. Connection and Presence: Because of the slower pace, the interaction between you and I will feel more intentional. There’s a sense of presence in the moment rarely experienced in digital sessions
3. Organic Quality: these mediums have an organic, grainy texture and unique tonal rendition. This adds a certain timelessness to the portrait. You’re struck by the authenticity—the imperfections in the grain make the portrait feel real and raw.
4. Uncertainty and Surprise: The process requires patience, as the outcome isn’t immediate. You and I will share a moment of mystery waiting for it to develop. There’s a certain magic in waiting for something special.
5. Nostalgia and Permanence: These portraits evoke a sense of nostalgia, perhaps because of the tactile nature of the finished portrait. Holding a portrait, with its depth and softness, feels more permanent and timeless. It feels like you’ve captured something enduring and creates an unbroken thread between now and the past.
The entire experience is meditative and artistic, often resulting in a portrait that feels deeply personal and emotionally resonant.
PricE
An ambrotype session costs £125 for one 4x5 portrait.
A direct positive print costs £60 for one 4x5 print
A large format film portrait costs £60 for one 8x10 print