• What is a tintype?

   

   A tintype, also referred to as wet plate collodion, is a photographic process that originated in the 19th century where a photograph is exposed on a sheet of enameled metal. Because this is a chemical process your photograph will be a unique, one of a kind image that cannot be recreated and will last for years to come. 

​

• How long does each photograph take/whats the process like?

   

   For studio appointments each photograph takes roughly 20-30 minutes. At events I work much quicker, doing photographs in 10 minutes or under. This is based on time it takes to have you sit, find the composition of the photograph, prepare the individual plate in the darkroom, take the photo, and finally develop it. The final step of varnishing will occur after our appointment due to the tintype needing to be washed thoroughly before it is ready to be in your possession. 

 

• What should I wear?

 

   Wear something you like! Wear something funky. Wear anything that makes you feel good. Keep in mind that these are black and white photographs. Reds will show up closer to black, and blues will show up closer to white. Dark hair will blend into dark clothing.

 

• Can there be several people in the photograph?

 

   Yes, I can make room for up to 5 or 6 people in a photograph! However due to the nature of a tintypes low light sensitivity I cant promise that everyone will be perfectly in focus. Personally, I think 2 or 3 people looks best in the 4x5 format that I shoot with. 

​

• Do I need to make an appointment?

​

   Yes! Please make an appointment by reaching out via email which you can find on the "Contact" page. 

​

• ​When and how will I receive my tintype?

 

   After our appointment I will need to wash and varnish your tintype. 3-5 days after our appointment I will send you a digital copy of your image. You have the option to pick up your photograph from my studio or I can mail it to you.​

​​

• Natural light appointment vs. Studio appointment

 

   If you'd like to do a photograph outside, we can! I can come to you or we can do something outside at my studio. If you need to me to come to you there is an additional travel charge. When working in the field I work out of a mobile darkroom and have to bring a lot of gear with me to be prepared. 

​