Kallitype & Van Dyke Brown

Kallitype is one of the 19th-century iron-silver processes and is considered the “little sister” of platinum printing. It produces

warm, deep-brown tones, subtle tonal gradations, and exceptionally nuanced detail in highlights and shadows.  

The result is hand-printed photos with a strong sense of material presence.

The process uses self-coated paper. The focus is on precise exposure using the UV contact process and targeted

control of contrast, density, and image tone. Chemical toning with gold or platinum further expands the range of possibilities. Since the

kallitypy uses silver, all steps of the process can be practiced inexpensively and at one’s own pace.

The master class will take place in small groups at Sebastiano Bucca's studio in Wettingen. A printing station is available for digital negatives ready.

Also recommended: the workshop “Creating Digital Film Negatives” on November 7, 2026.

Course Content: 

• Introduction: Sustainable Practices in Photochemistry
• Theoretical Foundations of Iron-Silver Processes
• Coating, Drying, and Storing Sensitized Papers
• Exposure of Analog and Digital Negatives
• Development, Fixing, and Rinsing

• Contrast Control and Chemical Toning (Gold, Platinum)

Equipment: Your own black-and-white negatives (35mm, medium format, large format), sheet film, or glass negatives,

Max. 8×10" / 20×25 cm, USB flash drive, photo ID (if available), work clothes, or

an apron. Nitrile gloves in size M are provided; if you have larger hands, please bring your own.

Course instructor: Peter Michels

Costs: CHF 410.00 CH

Date: Saturday the 12th December 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Studio Sebastiano Bucca, W.A.G. Wettinger Ateliergemeinschaft, Klosterstrasse 40, 5430 Wettingen

* Registration is handled through the zB.Foto website

Registration