I have wanted to for some years to try and capture our family fireworks finale when we celebrate Independence Day.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  So I took my wet plate camera, gear and chemicals and had only one shot.  After checking the ground glass numerous times and making an educated guess of 45 seconds for the exposure, we were so happy with the results. 
 

Fourth of July Independence Day 2016 Captured in Wet Plate CollodionWet Plate Collodion Fireworks
 

I was truly honored to share my beloved wet plate collodion process with historian Clay Jenkinson.  We took a moment to capture his portrait.  It was very interesting to get his historical perspective and insight.  We plan on collaborating in the future on different projects.   
 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_S._Jenkinson
 

Clay Jenkinson in Wet Plate CollodionClay Jenkinson
 

Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate, Bismarck, NDMurderer's Gulch Wet Plate
 

I am so very proud to be a part of the wet plate collaboration that took place is an alley in downtown Bismarck on June 11th, 2016.  City of Bismarck gave us permission to take over the alley.  Six months of planning with many collaborators and a budget of $0.00 dollars.  The final 8x10" black glass ambrotype is being curated by the Historical Society of North Dakota indefinitely.  This was most rewarding and creative experience of my wet plate career. I need to say a special thanks to Marek Djos from the University of Mary for taking on the role as the director.  Without his talent, vision and wisdom, we would have been lost in that deadly alley. 
 

Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate CollodionMurderer's Gulch Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate CollodionMurderer's Gulch Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate CollodionMurderer's Gulch Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate CollodionMurderer's Gulch Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate CollodionMurderer's Gulch Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate CollodionMurderer's Gulch Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate CollodionMurderer's Gulch Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate CollodionMurderer's Gulch
 

Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Shane Balkowitsch

Director -
Marek Dojs
 

Soiled Doves -
Bonnie Balkowitsch (the Madame)
Farren Nelson
Jordan Rae Mulder
Andrea Anderson Haman
Megan Frankl
Amy 'Sally Stitches' Hendrickson
 

Murderers -
Kevin R Tengesdal
Richard Loewen
Rob Sandness
Derek Harper
Jerome Hathaway
John Sullivan IV
Brandon L. Wetch
Pat Toepke
Monte Faul
 

Drunk Lady -
Emily Brandt
 

Homeless Boy -
Greyson Balkowitsch
 

Travelers -
Corey Bloom and Eve
 

Stray Dog -
Banjo, owner Jessie Lanae Leben
 

Support Staff -
Mike LaLonde (Photography)
Jerry Anderson (Photography Consultant)
Dustin White (Writer)
Moira McNichols (Make-up)
DeAnne Billings (Seamstress and Wardrobe)
Nolan Johnson (Videographer)
Jessie Lanae Leben (Assistant and Animal Control)
Brad Slaubaugh (Photography) provided by Jack Glasser (ABOVE DIGITAL IMAGES)
Lori Sager (Costumes)
Jason Lueder (Set Carpenter)
Beth Nodland (Local Historian)
John Sullivan IV (Set Master)
Gregory Joel Frank (Wet Plate Apprentice)
Marshall Lipp (Photography)
 

SUPPORTERS / CONTACTS:
Bismarck Historical Society, Mike LaLonde and Walt Bailey
State Historical Society of ND, Emily Ergan & Lindsay Schott
Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative (BDAC), Paul Noot
Dakota West Art Council, Eileen Walsh
Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, Aaron Barth
City of Bismarck, Mike Seminary and Mike Berg
Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation, David Borlaug