In Calotype Chronicles, I invite you to explore the rich history of one of photography’s earliest and most influential processes: the calotype paper negative. Journey with me as we delve into the chemistry, techniques, and workflows that transformed photography, from William Henry Fox Talbot’s groundbreaking invention in 1841 to Col. Alexander Greenlaw’s critical advancements in the mid-1850s.
Through this series, we’ll uncover the stories of pioneering photographers who embraced the calotype process from the 1830s to the dawn of the 20th century. Together, we’ll rediscover the artistry and legacy of these early masters who shaped the world of photography as we know it today.
Darkroom Diary Premium Members receive exclusive access to my technical notes, presentations, videos, and chemistry notes used to create handmade calotype paper negatives, wet plate collodion negatives, and salt prints.
Consider becoming a premium member to support my monthly creative and technical articles and videos dedicated to analog photography. Your membership directly helps me continue publishing unique, high-quality content exclusively for analog photography enthusiasts like you.
Show Information
I stream the show live on my YouTube Channel with a live panel of photographers worldwide. The best way to watch the show live is to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and my website so you will be notified when new shows air.
If you enjoy slowing down with film, darkroom printing, and meaningful photography, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel. I share new videos each week focused on simple tools, timeless techniques, and the quiet joy of analog.
The benefit of watching the shows live is that you can ask questions and interact with me and the other photographers on the show.
If you miss a live show or want to watch an episode again, the shows are archived and available on my YouTube channel.
Calotype Paper Negatives
Episodes
Episode 1: Calotype Chemistry Overview
Summary: In this new video, I walk you through the fundamental chemistry aspects of the original calotype paper negative process dating back to the origins of photography in the 1830s and early 1840s.
Darkroom Diary Premium Members receive exclusive access to my technical notes, presentations, videos, and chemistry notes used to create handmade calotype paper negatives, wet plate collodion negatives, and salt prints.
Consider becoming a premium member to support my monthly creative and technical articles and videos dedicated to analog photography. Your membership directly helps me continue publishing unique, high-quality content exclusively for analog photography enthusiasts like you.
Episode 2: Alexander Greenlaw – Part 1
Summary: In this episode of Calotype Chronicles, we look at the process of the Calotype paper, tracing its innovations and key milestones across the decades from the 1840s through the 1870s. The core of this episode is about Col. Alexander Greenlaw and his amazing history with calotype paper negatives.
Episode 3: Alexander Greenlaw – Part 2 (In development)
Summary: In this episode of Calotype Chronicles, we go into more detail on Alexander Greenlaw, explore his chemistry and workflow, and compare it to the photographers who came before him at the beginning of photography in the 1840s.
Episode 4: In development.
Summary: In this episode of Calotype Chronicles, I take you on a detailed journey through Alexander Greenlaw’s version of the calotype paper negative process. I dive deep into each piece of chemistry and provide detailed explanations of each component and how it all works together to make handmade calotype paper negatives from raw materials.
Darkroom Diary Premium Members receive exclusive access to my technical notes, presentations, videos, and chemistry notes used to create handmade calotype paper negatives, wet plate collodion negatives, and salt prints.
Consider becoming a premium member to support my monthly creative and technical articles and videos dedicated to analog photography. Your membership directly helps me continue publishing unique, high-quality content exclusively for analog photography enthusiasts like you.
