S2 #17 - Wet Plate: Finding and funding the personal project w/ Jack Lowe
Aug 9, 2023
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Jack Lowe, a Wet Plate photographer, discusses his ongoing portrait project, 'The Lifeboat Station Project', including its funding and challenges. He shares the magic of wet plate photography and the significance of glass plates. Converting an ambulance into a mobile darkroom and building an independent membership platform are also discussed. The chapter ends with gratitude and ways to support the podcast.
The Lifeboat Station Project, captured through wet plate collodion technique, has been funded through print sales and support from Patreon.
Jack Lowe prioritizes genuine connections and questions the efficacy and ethics of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Building an independent community and platform, such as the LSP Society, has provided a sense of community and sustainability for Lowe's project.
Deep dives
Jack Lowe's 10-Year Lifeboat Station Project
Jack Lowe has spent over ten years working on the Lifeboat Station project, traveling around the UK and photographing volunteers using the wet plate collodion technique. The project has created a body of work capturing the essence of the lifeboat crews. Lowe found inspiration from his childhood passion for lifeboats and a desire to bring something special to photography. The project has been funded through print sales and support from Patreon, allowing Lowe to continue capturing the unique moments and stories of the Lifeboat Station project.
The Magic of Wet Collodion Photography
Lowe's approach to photography involves using the wet plate collodion technique, an old photographic process from the 1850s. He learned the process through YouTube videos, old manuals, and trial and error. Using a large format field camera, Lowe takes glass plates that are 12x10 inches in size. This slow and methodical process requires careful planning and collaboration with the lifeboat crew. The results are glass plates that capture the essence and spirit of the individuals and create a unique and magical experience for both Lowe and the subjects.
Funding the Project
To fund the Lifeboat Station project, Lowe initially relied on print sales of his photographs. However, he found that the print sales covered the costs but did not support his livelihood. This led him to explore alternative funding options. Lowe turned to Patreon, a crowdfunding platform, where supporters can contribute a monthly amount to help him continue the project. The support from Patreon and one-time donations from individuals helped cover the costs of the project and allowed Lowe to continue capturing the stories and moments of the lifeboat crews.
Challenges and Reflections
The Lifeboat Station project has not been without its challenges. Lowe faced financial difficulties and stressful moments during the project. However, he found solace in the support of his patrons and the meaningful connections he formed with the lifeboat crews. Lowe also reflected on the changing landscape of photography and social media platforms. He questioned the efficacy and ethics of platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and the value of vanity metrics. This reflection led him to prioritize genuine connections and effective means of sharing the project's work.
The Power of Building an Independent Community
The podcast episode highlights the importance of building an independent community and platform. The speaker discusses their decision to create a membership platform called the LSP Society and migrate away from larger platforms like Patreon. They emphasize the benefits of having a platform that is incorporated within their website, offering lower fees and a sense of community. The success of the membership platform, combined with print and merchandise sales, has allowed the speaker to offer different access points and keep the platform accessible to all. The discussion then shifts to the speaker's decision to build their own social platform within their website and the challenges and complexities they faced in the process.
Navigating Challenges and Adapting to Uncertain Times
The podcast episode delves into the challenges and hardships faced by the speaker, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The speaker highlights the impact of the pandemic on their project, including the inability to visit lifeboat stations and the decline in income due to the economic climate. They discuss the emotional toll and the difficulty of maintaining motivation and focus during times of uncertainty. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself and finding ways to re-energize and re-focus. They also touch on the broader existential threats and pressures we face as a society, such as climate change and global crises. Overall, the episode aims to provide comfort and reassurance for those facing similar struggles while encouraging resilience and community support.
On todays show we have a really frank and honest chat with Jack Lowe, Wet Plate photographer currently shooting 'The Lifeboat Station Project' a long term portrait project. We find out how it runs, how it's funded and all about the highs and the lows.
Thank you for listening to The Exposed Negative Podcast. Running this podcast takes a lot of time and effort, and we hope you have found it helpful and interesting. If you would like to support us by buying us a beer or coffee, or by helping with the running costs of the show, we would greatly appreciate it. Please consider signing up for our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/exposednegative) or making a one-time donation through PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/exposednegative).
Thank you for your support! Below are the show notes.
