I had an amazing time this year attending my first ever Civil War Days in Manassas, VA.
This event is held annually on the grounds Of the Manassas Museum. This was certainly
the most urban event I have attended thus far and also one of my favorite! It was well
attended by both reenactors and spectators alike.
I must say the heat was bordering on opressive during the day making any shaded spot an
oasis. I thought that my chemistry would act up on me in this heat, but everything was fine
until the end. Of course my collodion bottle was getting low and in the heat had begun to
congeal. I found this out only as I was pouring a plate for the largest group portrait that I
have yet attempted! No worries, I had a backup mixed but wasted a good whole plate.
Everyone was very patient as I re poured another plate and got it ready for the exposure.
Al Stone, a revered Robert E. Lee reenactor, was in attendance and this was to be his
company's farewell gift to him upon his retirement from the portrayal. No pressure. The
heat and stress were severe but I think it worked out.
I have made a ton of plates this summer in this particular silver bath, and so I was low, the
back edge that is visible on the right here is where the plate was not submerged in the
silver nitrate during sensitization. The developer was getting hot, I was too but this is the
image we ended up with and I think everyone was pleased.
This was a great event that I can't wait to return to. I just hope it's cooler next year!