Will Dunniway. Artist/Photographer. Portrait.

Project “Reflections” – Portraits of Inspired People A man with a mission.

Will Dunniway pursues his passion for the wet plate collodion photography process. Here is what Will Dunniway saying about himself and his art: ================================================================================================

Will Dunniway (c)

“I began learning the wet plate collodion process in the summer of 1990. My first decade was spent perfecting this ‘Victorian’ form of imagery. Gradually, I have began to explore this collodion process in less traditional ways still using these old lenses and cameras.In the 19th century, when these cameras that I now use were birthed there was so much death and anger in America, many of the famous photographers of the time like Timothy O’ Sullivan, Carelton Watkins and William Henry Jackson were turning toward the great American west as it seemed vast and wild compared to the destruction of the east. These times were portrayed by these photographers through their images- From the Indian portrait to the unreal landscapes sent east. Now, in the 21st century I approach these same subjects capturing the west
as tamed and vanishing; a way of life all but gone and as fleeting as the equipment I shoot with.

With these changes, one can see in these new collodion images the many waves, ripples, pours, and movements captured as this wet collodion slows, forming puddles, drips, etc. Poured onto a glass plate, collodion forms it’s own glacial movements, no two plates alike as the landscape is captured ~ all layers of a story ~ the result? ~ sharpness and softness simultaneously speaking of the mystery of the human condition.Collodion photography is a beautiful natural things, with a sensibility of a 19th century eye, but layered in new meaning to the 21st century viewer. Modern silver gelatin emulsions and machine made lenses will not have the same effect on the eye. This is why I have used and enjoy this old but still relevant process.” Websites: