Ambrotype Surface View
Surface Sheen
The surface of the ambrotype is a product of the polished glass support. This is different from tintypes, which often have a slight texture giving them a semi-glossy surface. Daguerreotypes have a high gloss surface, but appear as a negative in specular light.
The surface of the ambrotype is a product of the polished glass support. This is different from tintypes, which often have a slight texture giving them a semi-glossy surface. Daguerreotypes have a high gloss surface, but appear as a negative in specular light.
What to look for: High gloss surface.
In specular light incident light reflects off the surface of the glass giving a high gloss surface.
Surface Texture
Surface texture is also a product of the polished glass support, which will have a smooth surface. Tintypes often have a slightly textured surface. Ambrotypes may also have pour marks as a result of the skill and technique of the photographer in pouring the collodion. To coat the plate, the photographer poured the collodion onto the glass and manipulated it so that it flowed evenly over the entire surface. If the photographer were to pause, small ripples would form.
Surface texture is also a product of the polished glass support, which will have a smooth surface. Tintypes often have a slightly textured surface. Ambrotypes may also have pour marks as a result of the skill and technique of the photographer in pouring the collodion. To coat the plate, the photographer poured the collodion onto the glass and manipulated it so that it flowed evenly over the entire surface. If the photographer were to pause, small ripples would form.
What to look for: Smooth surface, possible ripples in the emulsion.
What to look for: Small cracks and areas where varnish is peeling, sometimes revealing the negative image on the glass.