NZ Art Show for Carterton photographer

ARTIST: Jane Fletcher, Carterton, holding one of her photographs created by the wet-plate process that dates back to 1851, which will be exhibited in the NZ Art Show 2015.

A Carterton woman is "thrilled" to have been accepted into the NZ Art Show where she will exhibit her wet-plate photography, a unique process dating back to 1851 that she took up only six months ago.

Jane Fletcher, a real estate and architectural photographer, will show three of her wet-plate works at the three-day Wellington on June 19 to 21.

She said she was excited but nervous about her exhibition debut, but expects her images will attract attention due to their rare medium.

The wet-plate process utilises mid-19th century techniques and chemicals to create one-off images on glass.

An emulsion is poured over the glass just before the photograph is taken and the exposure and developing must be carried out in a dark room immediately, before the plate dries.

It is a fast but sensitive process, taking only 10 to 15 minutes, and the images will last on the glass for "well over 100 years".

The glass plate images are made using large original wooden cameras with bellows, and exposure times are lengthy, a portrait may require a person to sit still for 10 seconds.

"I love the beautiful lenses used and the quick process."

Ms Fletcher's passion for wet-plate photography was sparked last year when she attended a workshop on the medium run by Brian Scadden, who had been practicing the art for over 30 years.

She recently moved from Palmerston North to Carterton "for love", after she and Mr Scadden became a couple, and they are now working together utilising "their complementary skills".

"We both share a love of photography but in particular [the wet-plate] format, if I could I'd do it every day."

Ms Fletcher said the wet-plate process was gaining momentum worldwide and looked good in both contemporary and classic styles.

Combining her love of photography and architecture, she hopes to complete a series of photographs on architecturally interesting homes around Wairarapa.

The photographer said she loved the outdoors, which often inspired her art, and she hopes to build up her portfolio so next year she can have a "solo artist's wall" at the exhibition.

"I've only been doing it for six months so I'm still establishing myself."

The NZ Art Show promotes a wide range of art covering all mediums with the aim of enabling all New Zealanders to own original artworks at affordable prices.

The couple will have a photography stall at the inaugural Martinborough Vintage Fair in July.