*** Portrait Sessions are currently by invitation only ***
However, feel free to register your interest john@lostfuture.studio
_
portrait sessions
We offer portrait sessions using a once-lost technique from the 1850s, a process known as ‘Wet Plate Collodion’.
Each glass photograph is crafted individually: chemically sensitised, exposed in camera, and developed immediately in the darkroom. The finished image is a true work of art, made almost entirely of pure silver on glass.
This is a completely physical process. There is no digital manipulation, no copy, print, or enlargement. Every image is the original, exposed in camera. This hand-made technique gives each plate a beautiful, completely unique look that will last generations.
↓
The Experience
Join us in the darkroom as each plate is created by hand. You will experience the full cycle: from creation to exposure to development.
We shoot with beautiful large format cameras and lenses dating from the 19th & 20th century. Think bellows and brass. Traditionally sitters were required to stay perfectly still for up to several minutes, however our exposures typically last 10-20 seconds.
A true highlight of these sessions is during the final stage of development: witness your image invert from a latent negative to final positive. There is magic in that moment and it will stay with you.
And of course you will finish with 1 or 2 plates to take home.
↓
size
4x5" (10x13cm) - Compact
⌚️ Approx 1.5hr session
👤 Perfect for: head & shoulders portrait
🪟 Best display: resting in a stand on a desktop or side table.
📸 One beautiful take home piece
↓
5x7" (10x13cm) - Recommended
⌚️ Approx 2hr session
👤 Perfect for: A versatile size for portraits or full shots. Individuals or pairs.
🪟 Best display: In a stand or on the wall
📸 One or two beautiful take home pieces
↓
8x10" (20x25cm) - Statement
⌚️ Approx 3hr session
👤 Perfect for: Detailed portraits, full shots or small groups.
🪟Best display: An impressive piece, best framed and on the wall.
📸 One beautiful 8x10, plus a 5x7 take home piece
↓
10x12"+ Ultra large formaT
coming soon
↓
CONTACT
For enquires please contact:
john@lostfuture.studio
_
Location
Dubai Media City, UAE
Sessions take place at the home studio
↓
FAQs
Can we photograph young children or pets?
Unfortunately, no. This process requires a long exposure time, typically around 10-20 seconds. Subjects need to remain settled for long periods, and perfectly still for that duration.
What should guests wear?
Anything they like! In this process red colours render black, and blues render fairly light.
Do we provide a digital copy?
Yes. We will scan and send your image digitally, as well as providing the real deal.
Can guests request a particular setup / style?
Yes please. We ask guests to send a reference of the kind of style they have in mind. This can be from our work or from anywhere. Some scenarios will be great for Wet Plate Collodion, others will not work at all due to process constraints. If in doubt, a classic head & shoulders portrait always looks fantastic on plates.
Can guests send a digital image to "convert"?
No. These portraits are captured in real time.
Can we photograph on location?
No, we shoot in the studio only. This is a complex process that requires a darkroom on site for immediate developing.
_