The Midges that Died for Art
Last weekend — what with it being the summer holidays an’ all — I thought it would be fun to concoct an impromptu camping/photography expedition to Scotland with my younger son.
Stocked with food, chemicals and 110 year old cameras, we headed north from our home in Newcastle upon Tyne.
We had a ball, wild camping in Neena with wondrous sights aplenty…
![Stag at Bridge of Orchy, Scotland](https://jacklowe.com/2014/08/2014-08-09-19-30-28-deer.jpg?w=548)
Thankfully, I had the foresight to pack insect nets and repellent; I’m all too aware of how the Scottish midge can turn a perfectly nice time into a humid, swarming trauma.
Sure enough, having settled down to make some photographs beside the stunning River Etive, clouds of the interminable bug descended as I poured my second plate.
At one point, I looked down at my gloved hands and I couldn’t see them — they’d literally come alive with a swarm of midges, looking like some kind of organic techno prop from a sci-fi movie.
It was time for a sharp exit but I had to finish making the plate before we could pack away and move on…
![wet plate collodion process, tintype, large format](https://jacklowe.com/2014/08/2014-08-10_glen-etive_tt1.jpg)
Pouring the 10×12″ Tintype, I was doing my best to keep the little critters from flying into the collodion.
Then it dawned on me — if I simply let them ‘do their thing’ I’d be making full use of this photographic process.
I’ve written before about capturing the weather in a glass plate. Now, I’d not only be creating a unique one-off photograph on metal, I’d also be capturing another important facet of the Scottish landscape — the midge!
Into the collodion they flew, ready for a lovely soak in a bath of silver nitrate. And so, it came to be that a handful of midges died in the name of art.
Now, to think of more ways to reduce their numbers…
For more recent work, check out the Gallery.
![Neena, wet plate collodion process, ambulance, darkroom](https://jacklowe.com/2014/08/2014-08-09-20-42-12-neena.jpg?w=548)
Great post Jack, what a beautiful image of a deer too! The plate is stunning, complete with midges. A truly Scottish experience! Look forward to seeing more beautiful plates, Jane
Hi Jane, Me too! As ever, thank you for your interest and enthusiasm… JL