What is a tintype?
Tintypes are made using wet-plate collodion, a popular photographic process from the 1800’s. Exposing and processing the plate must be done before it dries.
how do you make a tintype?
A modern-day tintype is made by coating an aluminum plate with collodion, sensitizing it in a silver nitrate bath, exposing it with a camera, developing it, and then fixing it. After the plate has been washed, it is dried and varnished to protect it from the elements. Each plate is a one-of-a-kind.
Together, we will make a 4”x 5” tintype in a studio setting. During the session, I will use strobe lights as wet plate collodion requires a lot of light to get an exposure. If you have epilepsy or are sensitive to strong light, please note this in your booking so we can find an accommodation that works best for you.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A TINTYPE?
Each session takes about 30 minutes to complete.
If you are adding plates to your session, each plate adds 10 minutes.
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO I RECEIVE IN EACH SESSION?
Each session includes one exposure/plate. I will re-shoot if there are chemical anomalies or blurs at the image's focal point. Anything beyond that is considered an extra plate, with a $20 charge per plate.
How much will it cost?
A $50 down payment will be collected at the time of booking. Each session starts at $100, and each additional plate costs $20.
If you’re interested in an on-location outdoor session, please contact me to discuss pricing and details.
WHEN WILL MY TINTYPE BE READY FOR PICKUP?
Tintypes will be available for pickup between 2 and 4 weeks after they are made.
What if i need to cancel/reschedule?
You have up to 48 hours to reschedule; after that window, if you cancel, you will forfeit your booking deposit.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I INCLUDE IN MY SESSION?
Each session is limited to 3 people per portrait because more than that can make it difficult to achieve proper lighting, detail, and focus in each plate.
what happens after I book a session?
After your session is booked, you will receive a confirmation email containing all the information you need for your upcoming session.
ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS?
Yes, I am. Please send me an email, and we can discuss details and pricing.
Anything else I should know?
Wet plate collodion is a very temperamental process that has a mind of its own, but even so, it is magical and one-of-a-kind. With that said, please be adaptable, as there will be imperfections, dust, and other elements that will make their way onto the plate; it is through these elements that the process gets its character.