The most popular photographic process during the Revolutionary Era was the tintype, so it's a shame that over the years it has lost its relevance, replaced by ephemeral digital selfies, which lack the charm of being permanent and exclusive, but are characterized by their rapid endurance.
So Sky decided to rescue this lost art and in his studio The Black Silver Located in the Guadalupe Colony is the only place in the entire country that makes this kind of images.
The ferrotype technique, which emerged in 1850 and involves more than 13 chemicals, consists of taking an aluminum plate with a black layer on top, which is the basis of the image, similar to a Polaroid, where a positive image is created on that black plate.
To begin with, you apply a kind of glue and then a nitrogen-based silver bath to activate the light-sensitive crystals. Afterward, you remove it from the bath and place it in the chamber, and this is where the exciting part comes...
Well, the photographer only has 90 seconds maximum to take the picture!
Due to the limited time available, all the details of the set and the model have already been planned in advance, as well as the studio lighting adjusted to achieve the desired effect.
To develop, a variety of chemicals are used with the exposure until the negative is obtained, after which the image is immersed in another solution that converts the negative to the positive in a silver and black image.
After this, the image is varnished for protection and left to rest for 24 hours, after which the models can collect their plaque, which will continue to tell the story of who they were at that moment in their lives for posterity.
Such a charming technique has its challenges, as it is extremely difficult for Sky to travel to locations other than his studio because he only has a short time to introduce the plate, which must be wet, into his chamber, not to mention the difficulties of transporting all the chemicals and finding a dark room with water in each location, so the best option is to go to the studio.
Another unique feature that makes the images of La Plata Negra unique is that the creator uses local ingredients like garambullos to create his plates, adding tints like those on the cheeks or lips with this plant native to San Miguel.
The quality obtained with this complex technique is so impeccable that it is not far from what the human eye captures when reflected in a mirror, and no matter how much zoom you apply to the image, it simply does not become distorted.
For models who seek to be photographed using this exciting technique, the artist doesn't seek to transform them into his own vision of themselves. Instead, he enjoys discussing what his subjects think of themselves as their best version and helping them convey that feeling, creating moving and realistic images. On one occasion, after the session, the model left and never returned for his photograph.
With 3 sizes and alternating prices of $400, $800 and $1,600, you can get plates that will last beyond posterity.
And although almost no one knows about this ancient technique, the ferrotype is an art that we are fortunate to have in our community. Saint Michael And we are sure that with the help of dissemination, little by little more people will be able to be immortalized on their plates until one day they will fall into the hands of future generations and they will wonder who these people were…
