Photographer Paul Alsop created a modernized retro wet plate photography lab and darkroom out of a 1970s Caravan. This mobile operation allows Alsop to create and print images anywhere.
The DIY project took several months to create. In order to complete this photography lab, the Caravan had to be transformed into a darkroom and work studio. Alsop blacked out all of the windows and installed ruby red rope light around the perimeter of the ceiling. This mobile darkroom can easily be towed by any vehicle. It is currently being used to produce Ambrotype images, which is an old-school photography style used by placing a glass negative against a dark background.
The wet plate photo lab is called 'Ruby the Caravan,' which is a tribute to the mandatory rouge lights. This project provides an insightful look at how artists can re-imagine retro themes and ideas into modern day utilities.
Recreated Caravan Darkrooms
This Artist Turned an Old Caravan Into a Wet Plate Photography Lab
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Darkrooms - Creating mobile darkrooms allows photographers to take their craft anywhere, opening up new possibilities for on-location shoots and creativity.
2. Retro-modern Design - Reimagining retro themes and ideas into modern day utilities showcases the potential for combining nostalgia with innovation.
3. Wet Plate Photography - Reviving old-school photography techniques like Ambrotype can inspire artists to explore alternative and unique ways of capturing images.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - The photography industry can embrace mobile darkrooms and retro-modern design to offer new and innovative ways for photographers to practice their craft.
2. Arts and Crafts - The arts and crafts industry can capitalize on the popularity of wet plate photography and retro-modern design to provide equipment and materials for artists who want to explore traditional techniques.
3. Recreation and Travel - The recreation and travel industry can tap into the demand for unique experiences by offering mobile darkroom rentals for photographers, enabling them to travel and create in diverse locations.