Mother’s Day Wet Plate Portrait Sessions at The Duck & Cover
📍 Duck & Cover, Te Aroha
📅 Sunday 11 May 2025

Treat Mum to something truly special this Mother’s Day—a handcrafted portrait made using the wet plate collodion process from the 1850s.

Captured on glass or metal and developed on the spot, each plate is a one-of-a-kind keepsake she’ll treasure forever. Bring Mum, come as a pair, or gift her a solo session—it’s a unique experience and a lasting memory.

✨ Sessions are limited and bookings are essential.
👥 Please note: Sessions are limited to 1 or 2 people per plate.
🎶 Enjoy live music, food, and drinks from Duck & Cover throughout the day.

Plate types: 4x5” tintypes or ambrotypes
Session time: approx. 30 minutes
Includes: your original plate + digital scan

For bookings visit: https://events.humanitix.com/dandc

📷 Wet Plate Portrait Sessions at The Merchant of Matamata 📷

Step into the past and experience the magic of 19th-century photography! Join us at Merchant of Matamata, a haven for fine wine, craft beer, specialty coffee, and artisanal goods, for a one-of-a-kind wet plate collodion portrait session.

Each session offers a chance to witness the fascinating alchemy of this vintage process—your portrait captured on metal or glass, developed before your eyes, and transformed into a timeless heirloom.

Each portrait session lasts 45 minutes and can include up to two people per session. You’ll receive one original tintype plate, along with a web-resolution digital copy. After the session, your plate will be carefully varnished and cured, then mailed to you within about a week.

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/matamata

This year, Boon Art Festival turns 10, and they are celebrating in a big way—by painting their 100th mural and throwing an epic street party!

Join us at Lovegrove Lane (394 Grey Street, Hamilton East) from 1 PM to 8 PM for an afternoon filled with Wet Plate Portrait Sessions, live music, food trucks, local creatives, face painting, a beer bar, and fun for the whole family.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The Portrait Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.

A Day at the Domain: Wet Plate Portrait Sessions

Join us in the Te Aroha Domain for a day filled with Wet Plate Portrait Sessions, live music, food trucks, local creatives, face painting and fun for the whole family.

The portrait sessions last 30 mins and are limited to 2 people per plate. Appointments are not necessary but due to time constraints, sessions are very limited so first in, first served.

Cost per plate is $75

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

This February, join us for an exclusive wet plate collodion portrait session at the Mangawhai Museum. Whether you're looking for a unique family keepsake or a special gift, these handcrafted, one-of-a-kind portraits make for unforgettable memories.

As a special bonus, each portrait session includes free entry to the Mangawhai Museum. Explore the museum’s captivating exhibits and immerse yourself in the rich history of the area, making this not just a photo session, but a full day of discovery and nostalgia. It’s the perfect way to combine a holiday outing with an unforgettable photographic experience.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The Portrait Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.

This February, Adrian Cook will be taking his mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to the Hiaiaua Cultural Centre in Whangarei to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Treat your Whanau to a portrait session and create a family heirloom that will be handed down for generations and please feel free to bring along any traditional Kakahu or Taonga for you portraits.

The finished plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The portrait sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate.

Please book early as sessions are limited.

This February, join us for an exclusive wet plate collodion portrait session at Kiwi North in Whangarei. Whether you're looking for a unique family keepsake or a special gift, these handcrafted, one-of-a-kind portraits make for unforgettable memories. 

While you're there, explore the museum’s captivating exhibits and immerse yourself in the rich history of the area, making this not just a photo session, but a full day of discovery and nostalgia.

It’s the perfect way to combine a holiday outing with an unforgettable photographic experience.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The Portrait Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.

The Refinery: Wet Plate Portrait Sessions

As the festive season approaches, we're offering a rare opportunity to capture your essence in a timeless, handcrafted wet plate portrait at the Refinery in Paeroa. Each session is a blend of tradition and art, producing an image that's as enduring as the holiday spirit. Alongside our portrait sessions, you'll enjoy the fantastic food and warm, inviting ambiance that The Refinery is known for. Whether you're looking to create a special gift or simply want to enjoy a memorable day out, this event promises to be a highlight of your holiday season. Capture the spirit of Christmas with a handcrafted, timeless portrait while savoring delicious cuisine in a setting that feels like home. 

Book your session now and indulge in the perfect blend of art, food, and festive cheer!

For info / bookings visit https://events.humanitix.com/paeroa

This festive season, join us for an exclusive wet plate collodion portrait session at the Te Aroha Museum, just in time for Christmas. Whether you're looking for a unique family keepsake or a special gift, these handcrafted, one-of-a-kind portraits make for unforgettable memories. As a special bonus, each portrait session includes free entry to the Te Aroha Museum. Explore the museum’s captivating exhibits and immerse yourself in the rich history of the area, making this not just a photo session, but a full day of discovery and nostalgia.
It’s the perfect way to combine a holiday outing with an unforgettable photographic experience.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The Portrait Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.

For bookings / info please visit https://events.humanitix.com/museum

For those of you interested in vintage photographic techniques, I will be holding wet plate portrait sessions at the Thames Museum in celebration of "History Alive Day"

Using equipment and techniques developed during the 1850’s, plates of glass or aluminium are individually coated and sensitised before being exposed and developed while wet. Once fixed, washed and dried they are then coated in a gum sandarac varnish that preserves and protects them for generations.

The finished plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

For bookings / info visit https://events.humanitix.com/thamesmuseum

Create a a piece of automotive history and have you and your beloved classic car immortalised on a piece of aluminium plate using a historic photographic process that will be cherished for generations. Perfect for car enthusiasts and aficionados who appreciate the charm of the past.

Open to all paid up entrants to the Aroha Cruise In - subject to availability.

For info / bookings please visit https://events.humanitix.com/classiccars

This September, I will be taking my mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to the Hiaiaua Cultural Centre in Whangarei to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Treat your Whanau to a portrait session and create a family heirloom that will be handed down for generations and please feel free to bring along any traditional Kakahu or Taonga for you portraits.

The finished plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The portrait sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate.

For info / bookings please visit https://events.humanitix.com/hihiaua

Celebrate Father's Day with a Timeless Portrait at the Duck & Cover.

This Father's Day, join us at the Duck and Cover and give the gift of history with a stunning wet plate portrait. Capture the essence of fatherhood with a one-of-a-kind photograph that will be cherished and handed down for generations. Perfect for fathers, grandfathers and families looking to create a lasting memory.

While you're here, enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner and soak up the live music, creating a perfect day out for the whole family.

The finished plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The portrait sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate.

Sessions are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

For bookings please visit https://events.humanitix.com/theduck

This July, I will be taking my mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to the world famous Bootleg Brewery in Matangi to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The Portrait Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate.

For info / bookings please visit https://events.humanitix.com/bootlegbrewery

This July, I’ll be taking my mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to the Raglan Creative Market to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.

This June, Adrian Cook will be taking his mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to the New Zealand Timber Museum to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The Portrait Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.