I specialize in one-of-a-kind wet plate collodion tintype portraits and landscapes using the same unforgiving chemistry and antique equipment from the 1850's, in Deep East Texas.

Why? Because wood, glass, iron and dangerous chemicals, just hit differently.

The name Black Hand Alchemy Co. is a nod to the early photographers who, like me, wore the stains of silver nitrate on their hands—a badge of honor in this beautifully volatile process.

"Leave everything you know about modern photography outside this door." - Shane Balkowitsch

Thousand Crane Gallery
304 E Tyler Street
Longview, TX 75601
https://www.thousandcranes.gallery/

Wet Plate Demo at Mansfield Historic Site
October 17th, 2026
15149 LA-175, Mansfield LA
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Open to the public 13 and up.
Will be held inside the museum.
https://www.lastateparks.com/events/wet-plate-photography?utm_source=chatgpt.com