Here is a link to a wonderful documentary on Sally Mann, wet-plate collodion photographer and one of the most genuine, unpretentious and personally honest artists I've seen. Lots of great footage of her at work both shooting pictures and at work in the darkroom.
I love the comment she makes at one point: "I hope I never get too good at this". - Referring to the 'flaws' in the collodion process: the swirls, streaks and spots which would be derided by a 19th century practitioner, but which we now regard as wonderful, authentic adjuncts to the process.
Generally with alternative/historic processes we aren't too obsessive about perfection, but interested in the things which give the images character. It's a fine balancing act, keeping the image truly photographic, while allowing just the right amount of imperfection (if that's not a contradiction in terms!) As Sally says, "You pray... please don't screw it up - but just screw it up enough to make it interesting!"
http://watchdocumentary.org/watch/what-remains-video_fe114b6df.html
NB: The video is also in the UCA Farnham library DVD collection.
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