Shane Balkowitsch

Shane Balkowitsch and I spent part of a day recently in his incredible, purpose-made wet plate studio in Bismarck, North Dakota and it proved to be a tremendous experience. It’s really fun to watch another practitioner of this odd and old photography method do his work, but better than that is feeling the deep, romantic current flowing from Shane to his subjects through his ambrotypes. I gleaned a lot of knowledge but really just had a great time. If you’re in Bismarck, North Dakota, go see him. Commission a plate, buy a book, talk shop. Whatever. It’s a worthwhile journey.

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He also generously let me to make his portrait (using his amazing Gibellini 8x10). Happens to also be my first ambrotype and I gotta say, the feel of glass in the hand is great.

Shane Bart Balkowitsch, May 8, 2024, at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio.