The ferrotype and how to make it - The Grian Press

THE COLLODION PROCESS. 107
some object. Some remarks may be made about
expression, or any little alteration of position or
of the arrangement of the drapery, before the im-
pression is secured. It is well, just previous to
the removal of the cover from the lens, to review
the sitter, taking note of the way the light falls,
and the effect on the drapery and face, and to
make at this time, in as rapid a manner as pos-
sible, any changes which may suggest themselves
to the mind. Every thing being ready, the slide
of the plate-holder is drawn out, the hand is
placed on the cap or cover of the lens, and with
a cautionary word always spoken, so as to make
a pleasant expression or to pleasingly affect the
sitter, the coyer is removed and the exposure
of the plate commenced, to continue as long as it
may be considered .
necessary. And in this part
of the manipulations the mind should be accus-
tomed, by a system of careful observations, to
judge correctly, from the illumination of the
image on the object-glass, as to the time necessary
for the action of the light on the sensitive plate.
Great proficiency may be attained in this impor-
tant part of the business by careful attention and
observation. The time necessary for the ex-
posure of the plate having elapsed, the cover is
replaced on the lens and the slide of the plate-
holder returned to its proper position, and the
holder removed and taken to the dark-room,
placed on its stand or rest, the door at the back
opened, and the plate taken out on the left hand