Wetplate workshop

January 16-18, 2027

Large-format camera with bellows mounted on a tripod against a brick wall.

Join David Emitt Adams for this introductory three-day workshop on the collodion process with metal and glass as a substrate. In this workshop participants will work with large-format 4×5 cameras using studio and natural light to create unique images in the traditions of portraiture, still life, and landscape. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the chemistry (mixing, replenishing, and caring for it), coating and sensitizing plates, exposure, and development. Participants may bring their own camera otherwise 8x10 cameras and equipment will be supplied by COMO. All levels, no experience necessary.

January 16-18, 2027, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day

Lunch is provided.

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Workshop gallery

  • Two people wearing black shirts, safety glasses, and gloves working together in a lab or workshop, handling a small object with a tool.

  • A man wearing glasses, a gray cap, and blue gloves is pouring a yellow liquid from a glass bottle onto a small object on a metal tray. Several people with serious expressions are watching him, including an older woman with blonde hair, a woman with dark hair tied back, and a man with a beard wearing a sleeveless shirt. The table has paper towels, a jar with yellow liquid, a plastic bottle, and a roll of paper towels. The background shows a door with a sign that says "The truth is out here."

  • A man smiling and holding a small glass of whiskey in a bright room with windows, large lights, and a woman sitting at a desk in the background.

  • Group of people inside a room having a conversation, with various bottles and cleaning supplies on a black metal shelf behind them.

  • A man wearing a red cap, blue T-shirt, and blue gloves standing at a table in a room with wooden walls, gesturing while speaking. The table has water bottles, cleaning supplies, and a notebook.

  • Group of people gathered around table in a workshop or classroom, engaging in a discussion or activity, with various tools and materials on the table.

  • Person wearing blue gloves handling a photograph or slide at a work station with various slides or photographs in the background.

  • A man wearing safety glasses and a black T-shirt is seated at a workbench, drawing or working on a piece of paper, while a woman with red hair, wearing a beige T-shirt with a Volkswagen logo, stands nearby observing. The workspace has large windows in the background, and various tools and materials are scattered on the table.

  • A woman working in a darkroom, surrounded by photo equipment and supplies, with a red light illuminating the scene.

  • A person organizes black and white photographs on a table with various other items, including cups, a camera, tape, and papers.

  • in a darkroom illuminated by red light, working at a counter with various photo equipment and supplies.

  • A woman in beige clothing standing in a backyard during filming, with a camera operator filming her. There is a photo in a frame, binoculars, and a fabric with a pattern on a bench nearby. The backyard has a corrugated metal fence, plants, and a paved brick floor.

  • Two people on a film set, one man and one woman, are working with a camera on a tripod outdoors with green trees in the background.

  • New List Item

General info

Close-up of a round window with a black border, divided into sections with transparent and frosted glass, mounted on a textured white wall.

  • COMO is such a treasure. I encourage anyone curious about learning alternative photography processes to make their way to learn from David and Claire. The workshop feels more like an artist retreat—where you can learn, make pictures, eat good food, and explore life with other makers. Can’t wait to go back.

    -Jamaica

    David Adams is not only an expert in wet plate techniques but also an amazing educator. His patience and clarity during workshops create an engaging learning environment, making every session such a rewarding and inspiring experience for everyone.

    -Beihua

  • Payments are available through the website registration. Payments in advance of the workshop guarantees your spot. Payment plans are available, please get in touch.

    Cancellations: We understand that life happens. If you have a serious reason to cancel, please allow us time to fill your spot. If it’s too late, we may not be able to return the deposit.

  • Every workshop is contingent on enrollment. Students will be notified and fully refunded at least two weeks in advance of a multi-day workshop and within the week of single-day introductory workshops that will not run.

    Cancellations of classes and workshops by participant:

    Each class or workshop has a maximum number of students. Once a class is fully booked it stops others from booking those spots. If you can’t make a class and want to avoid cancellation penalties, you’re welcome to find someone to take your place.

    Cancellation more than 31 days ahead of scheduled date:
    100% refund minus a 15% processing fee

    Cancellation 14 – 30 days ahead of scheduled date:
    50% refund -or- 50% transfer credit toward another similar class

    Cancellation from 7 days or less ahead of scheduled date:
    No refund -or- 25% transfer credit toward another similar class

    *No refund or transfer credit for cancellations within 48 hours of start time of class or workshop.

  • COMO is based in Phoenix, Arizona located in the Sonoran Desert within the homeland of the O’Odham and Piipaash peoples and their ancestors.

    Find us in downtown Phoenix at 1322 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007

  • Reach out to us here.