Daguerreotype Workshop with Jerry Spagnoli

This exciting, two day, hands-on workshop led by Jerry Spagnoli will introduce you to the daguerreotype – the first photographic process presented to the public in 1839. A daguerreotype is a photographic image, produced on a sheet of polished silver, unmatched for its detail and clarity, and for its unique presence. The daguerreotype is as much an object to hold in your hand as an image to look into. The process has a rich historical legacy but has been largely lost to artists for over one hundred years, leaving much unexplored potential for the modern practitioner to explore.

Jerry Spagnoli YouTube Video

This workshop will investigate the process introduced by M. Edward Becquerel in the 1840’s. The ‘Bequerrel Process’ is simple in its parts, but supports subtle technique, and requires none of the extremely hazardous chemicals traditionally associated with making daguerreotypes developed with mercury. The plates can either be exposed in a large format camera, or contact printed from a film positive.

Participants will learn all the steps necessary to make a Becquerel daguerreotype and will be given abundant time to make images in class. The skills you will acquire include polishing, sensitizing and finishing the plates, as well as instruction on making your own equipment so that you can continue the process in your own darkroom.

This course is open to all skill levels but participants should have a solid working knowledge of the basics of photography.

One plate will be provided and additional plates may be purchased for $35 each.

Artist Dinner on Friday, January 18

Meet Mr. Spagnoli on Friday night before the workshop at the Artist Dinner.

INFOCUS Lecture on Wednesday, January 23

Mr. Spagnoli will give a lecture at the Phoenix Art Museum on Wednesday, January 23.