A tintype is a handmade photograph created using a 19th-century process called wetplate collodion. Tintypes are made by hand-coating a metal plate with light-sensitive chemicals, exposing it in a large format camera while it's still wet, and developing it immediately in a darkroom or portable darkbox. The final image appears directly on the plate — there's no film or digital file involved. Each image is truly one of a kind, full of raw beauty and unfiltered life.

A little history…

Tintypes were first introduced in the 1850s and quickly became popular because they were faster and cheaper to produce than earlier photographic processes like daguerreotypes. Photographers could set up portable darkrooms in tents or wagons and make portraits for families on the spot. Tintypes were durable and affordable— the first form of photography for the masses.

They remained popular into the early 20th century, especially at fairs, carnivals, and on the street. Over time, the process faded out as faster and more convenient forms of photography emerged.

Today, tintype photography is experiencing a revival among artists who value its beauty, unpredictability, and hands-on nature.

A single tintype portrait takes about 20 minutes, including setup, posing, exposure, and development.

We'll start by posing you for the portrait. Think about how you would like your image to be composed beforehand- whether it's a full-body shot with background, a close-up of your face/upper body, or something else. Please feel welcome to bring your creative ideas!

Next, the plate is prepared in the darkroom by coating a piece of aluminum with collodion and soaking it in a bath of silver nitrate, making it sensitive to light.

Time to hold still for the exposure! You'll need to remain still for 1-6 seconds or so, depending on the sunlight. Blinking is okay but other movement will result in a blurred effect on the image.

After exposure, I develop the plate in the darkbox before bringing it out for it’s final chemical bath. This is the exciting moment when your final image emerges!

Finally, the tintype is taken back to the studio for washing and varnishing. Once this process is complete, your portrait will be mailed to you to enjoy for years to come! 

Tintype photography is a slower process that requires holding still for exposure times between 1-10 seconds. If you would like children or pets in your photo, please know that they will most likely be soft or blurry. The motion blur or imperfections that come with a wiggly subject often add to the charm and authenticity of a tintype — making it not just a portrait, but a little moment in time.

Please note, I cannot offer free reshoots for blurry subjects.

Children: Toddlers and older children who can follow gentle guidance may do well. Babies are tricky but can be photographed while being held by a parent when they’re calm and sleepy.

Pets: Well-trained pets do best. For dogs, I recommend bringing treats, a favorite toy, or an extra person they trust to help keep their attention focused. If you're unsure how your pet might handle the experience, feel free to reach out — we can talk through whether a session is a good fit.

Tintype photography sees the world differently than modern cameras — it reacts to light, texture, and contrast in ways that can make certain clothing and colors appear different on the plate.

Here are some tips to help you look your best in your portrait:

Colors

Tintypes are essentially monochrome (black and silver tones), but they respond to light in a way that’s different from black-and-white film. For example:

• Blues and whites appear very bright or blown out

• Reds, oranges, and yellows look much darker or even black

• Earth tones, denim, and natural fabrics show up beautifully

If you’re unsure, think medium contrast — avoiding all white or all black.

Textures and Layers

Fabrics like linen, wool, denim, corduroy, lace, and knits all photograph beautifully. Layers can add visual interest — scarves, jackets, vests, and accessories bring depth to the image.

Glasses

Eyeglasses will most often look like sunglasses in the final image. I recommend wearing them only if you are going for this effect.

Clothing with logos or lettering

Tintypes are direct positive images, which means words and logos will appear reversed. It’s up to you if you would like to wear something with lettering - just be aware of the final effect.

Please feel free to bring along accessories or props that feel meaningful to include in your tintype session.

Your tintype will be varnished, which helps protect the image over time. While this layer offers durability, tintypes are still delicate and should be handled with care.

Handling

Avoid touching the image surface with bare hands. Oils from your skin can leave fingerprints. Always handle your tintype by the edges.

Cleaning 

Only clean if absolutely necessary. To remove dust, use a soft, clean brush or microfiber cloth to gently sweep particles away. Do not rub the surface or use any cleaning solutions, as these can damage the varnish and the image.

Framing & Display

Framing is a great way to protect your tintype over time. I recommend using a mat or spacers to keep the glass from directly touching the surface of the tintype.