Arc Welding and Headrests

         Today was the first day I have ever welded. I did arc welds on a scrap piece of metal and did not burn myself or ruin any equipment. I really liked it and this whole new world of opportunities opened. I always wanted a vintage headrest used to make daguerreotypes and wet plate images. The head rest is like a c-stand, but has an armature that comes out and makes a "u" around the sitters neck to stay still. I do not want the stand so much for the sitters, but more of the crazy look of it. Figured I could take that idea and implement it in ways of showcasing my work to hold plates of basically make my own c-stands. So today I googled some headrests and maybe in a month or so when my welds are decent I can give it a go. I also know a really good powder coater and would love to have my stands painted. Next time I go to the powder coater I will take a picture of there massive color collection. They have paints that are textured, metallic, satin, and matte.

You can see the different stands on the right. I would love to find scrap metal to make elaborate bases.

  My first ever arc welds. Not perfect, but the one second from the top is the best I think. Nice and even all the way. The hardest part is remembering to go slow. When I get an auto darkening helmet my lines should be much straighter and well organized.

Different types of head rests. 

Another diagram of a head rest.

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24th Birthday

     The fixer box was a complete success and is leak proof.... one issue though... do not have enough silver bath to fill it. Such a lame mistake to make, but that is OK. On my birthday I did get to photograph my sister for her Vintage Valentine's Day portrait. Her and I always have so much fun dressing up and working on creative projects. She recently graduated from UC Santa Cruz and has her bachelors in Art History, and she works at the MAH in SC.

Through the ground glass. Love this picture of my sister!

Make-up shot. She is wearing my wig and her lipstick is Cyber by MAC. Foundation Christian Dior Forever and Clinique gel black liner.

Color photo of the make-up and wig

Here I am holding the first plate of the day. It is my second favorite from the shoot, but to modern for what I had in mind. Totally love the look in Rachael, reminds me of when we were itty bitty kids.

 There is my new camera being used with the 4x5 reducing back and my chemicals set to the left. Used my trooper to give us some privacy because we were shooting in my drive way.

Hands down my favorite plate of the day. Describes everything I was going for. Elegant, timeless, and just a lovely portraits of my sister to show to all her friends and one day her kids.

  
Screen shot of my screen editing the images of Rachael. I am so behind on my editing, but things keep coming up. For these images I plan to try something that was discussed by Mark Osterman on the Wet Plate Collodion facebook page... burnishing and using finely ground pastels to apply color before varnishing. Lets say burnishing...from what I have experienced.... is awesome. I tried it tonight using my finger and cotton balls and it made a huge difference. I was trying to scan the plates and use my cellphone camera to capture the metallic effect and it just is not working right. What I am holding in front of me does not compare to what is showing on the screen. Burnishing is something I plan to continue experimenting with. I am no pro, but the effects I got with just trying it a few moments ago was really beautiful.