High Hat Portraiture

 Preserving moments - silver on glass

My name is Kary Janousek. I am an ambrotypist using the historic wet plate collodion process near the city of Fargo, ND. I am also the owner and operator of the vintage hat shop HighHatCouture. Welcome to my world of whimsy and creativity.

The Wet Plate Collodion Process

A brief explanation

I create portraits made of sensitized silver on black glass. It is a historical process that blurs the line between science and art, using chemicals and water. This form of photography is one of the earliest and most successful means of making images. It was invented in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer. It often requires the sitter to remain still for the exposure for about 10 seconds in my studio. The photo is developed on location and can be seen in about 5 minutes. The portraits created using the wet plate collodion process are unique heirlooms that allow you to see yourself in a light that is both authentic and magical at the same time.

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