Wet Plate Photography

Reliving

History

A photographic technique revives the past.

A couple devoted to the past through fashion and photography will make their mark on the 2022 Victorian Chautauqua. Chris Jones and Courtney Cauthon will offer sittings to capture their subjects in a photographic technique that was perfected during the Civil War.

The collodion wet plate process is an early photographic method for early field photographers. The collodion process requires the photographic material (metal or glass) to be coated, sensitized, exposed, and developed within the span of about fifteen minutes. The speed necessitates a portable darkroom when photographers are on location. Collodion is normally used in its wet form but can also be used in dry form at the cost of greatly increased exposure time. Dry form was mostly used for landscape photography and other special applications where minutes-long exposure times were tolerable. Portraiture was better done with the quicker wet process to minimize the movement of subjects.

Chris Jones started his reenacting career in West Virginia in 1998 as a Drummer Boy for a local Civil War unit attending the 135th Anniversary events. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks and served as Colonel of a battalion representing the Stonewall Brigade at many of the 150th Anniversary events. Following a boyhood dream, he moved to Gettysburg in 2016. After learning at the knee of mentor and close friend, renowned photographer Rob Gibson, Chris ventured out alone.

Chris will be offering photographs of both tintypes on metal and ambrotype glass plate. Sitters are welcome to come in period attire or request dressing assistance from Courtney using her collection of period costumes. His photographs always make a wonderful family heirloom or gift regardless of what his subjects wear.

Still Fashionable

Courtney Cauthon adds a special touch with her extensive background in fashion history and as a historical costumer. Her work has been used in exhibits, theatrical performances, and reenactments.

Together, with Courtney Cauthon, the couple opened a historically themed shop in Carlisle, PA, called The Barefoot Historian & Co. and C&C Skylight Gallery. Courtney, who holds multiple graduate degrees, specializes in fashion history and is a historical costumer. She has perfected the art of remaking custom pieces of the past for reenacting, theatrical, and public use. Her replicative work spans from the 1500s to the 1900s. Courtney will also present the history of fashion from the Civil War through the turn of the last century on Sunday, July 10, at 1:00 under the Burlington Tent. Her playful demonstration will engage the audience as they watch her dress up with complex, multiple layers.

Chris also brings history to life by using a 170-year-old photographic process and an original camera from the 1800s. Not only do the pair travel with the camera and portable darkroom for special events and re-enactments, but Chris is also currently serving as Provost Marshal and Courtney as Civilian Coordinator for the 1st Regiment of The Federal Volunteer Brigade.

PHOTOGRAPH PRICING
Tintype (metal plate) - $50
Ambrotype (glass plate) - $60
Dressed and styled from the wardrobe collection is an additional $5 per person
(The traveling wardrobe is somewhat limited and may not accommodate a full range of impressions or sizes.)