By Josh Budd
Amateur wet plate collodion photographer Paul Alsop converted his caravan into a homemade studio
A photographer who acquired a vintage 1970s caravan has transformed it into the headquarters of a new wet plate photography darkroom.
Paul Alsop, originally from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, but now calling the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand home has taken the step of transforming the caravan into a fully-functioning darkroom having previously used his own garage to create his wet plate compositions.
Following moving into rented accommodation, Paul could no longer treat his lodgings as he liked and consequently faced having to shut down his hot-plate operations. Until, that was, a short few months later he became the proud owner of a vintage 1970 caravan, which he repurposed in order to continue his photographic endeavors.
Being new to caravanning, and having no previous hands-on experience with caravan maintenance, Paul got to work. Obtaining materials for wet plate photography, however, proves especially tricky within the confines of New Zealand, so Paul had to improvise.
He said: “I had a rough plan in my head where things would go, but over the duration of the build it ‘evolved’ as I found things in demolition suppliers or thrift stores. The first find was a dual stainless steel sink, which was marked ‘$350’ in a demolition warehouse.
“I said to the guy, ‘will you take sixty?’ and to my amazement he said yes! The twin skin was a perfect idea and a perfect fit into the space I had created while ripping out the old 1970s interior.”
Turning to the caravan’s plumbing and power issues, Paul hired professional help from an electrician and a plumber, after strong recommendations that 240V of electricity are not to be trifled with by inexperienced hands.
After three weeks of hard work, minor set-backs and making it up as he went along, Paul learned new skills in his caravan renovation project.
Building his own 11 x 11 camera from mahogany and brass, Paul also has to source his own chemicals, venturing to garden centers in order to source hard-to-come-by ferrous sulphate, commonly used as a moss controller.
The hard work has paid off, and the adopted New-Zealander is now able to stand back and behold the fruit of his labours.
We must agree, the caravan looks great inside and out. But, it is only when the house lights are switched off, that the studio caravan can be beheld in its true glory, as the LED safe lights illuminate the caravan with a mysterious crimson aura.
Paul has certainly found his new headquarters for future projects within the luminous walls of his caravan. With his own personalised, treated space, and a studio that is fully portable, Paul is able to again pursue his photographic passions.
If you are interested in viewing some of Paul Alsop’s photographic works, check out his website here.
