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Are they really on tin?

Tintype is one of the oldest photographic processes on the planet — dating back to the early 1850s. Each portrait is made by coating chemicals on a thin sheet of metal and exposing it to light while still wet.

The same process is still done today by photographers all over the world. And yes — I do it right here in my studio. 🖤

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Most sessions run 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many portraits you're booking. The exposure itself is instant — you only need to hold your pose for 3 to 5 seconds. You will need to stay in place for up to 6 minutes while the film is being prepared, but you can relax and breathe. Just no big movements.

DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?

Yes. The studio is by appointment only. The exception is pop-up events — those are first come, first served. Follow along on Instagram to catch the next one. 🖤

CAN WE BOOK THE WHOLE FAMILY?

Up to 2 people per tin. That's the max. Our historical equipment has an extremely shallow depth of field — the more people in the frame, the more the quality and sharpness suffer. It's not something we're willing to compromise on. Our suggestion? Book a package and split into groups. Displayed side by side they look incredible.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

Anything you want. Modern, casual, dramatic, themed — all of it works. A few things to know: Texture and pattern photograph beautifully. Hats, statement jewelry and props are always a good idea. Red tones photograph very dark — almost black. Blues photograph very light — almost white. Keep that in mind when picking your outfit. Text, logos and badges will show up backwards — our historic camera flips images horizontally. If that bothers you, avoid them. We strongly encourage removing glasses. Reflections, UV coatings and blue light blockers can all cause issues with the final image. Skip the sunscreen on session day. It reacts with the chemistry and can affect your tin. Moisturizer is fine — just no SPF. One more thing — red lipstick will photograph very dark. A lot of people love that look but we want you to know going in. 🖤

WHAT SIZE IS IT & WHEN DO I TAKE IT HOME?

I now offer three sizes — 4×5, 5×7 and 8×10. You won't be able to take your tin home the same day. Here's why: Every tin is photographed with my professional portrait camera and your digital download is emailed to you typically within 48 hours. This also gives you the option to order a metal print in any size for your walls. After that each tin is sealed with a protective coating to keep the silver from scratching. Done right, your portrait will last hundreds of years — just like the ones your ancestors sat for. 🖤 Tins are available for studio pickup or can be mailed directly to you.

HOW DOES THE TINTYPE PROCESS WORK?

When you arrive we'll walk through the process together and answer any questions. I'll pose you, adjust the lighting and get the camera into focus. Then I head to the darkroom to prepare the film — this takes up to 6 minutes. You can relax during this time, just stay in place and don't make any large movements. I'll bring out the freshly coated plate, focus one more time, count to three — and flash. Fair warning: it is shockingly bright. 😄 After that your work is done. I take the plate back to the darkroom to develop for 2 to 3 minutes. Then I bring it out and you get to watch the magic happen — the negative turns into a positive right in front of your eyes. Feel free to record this part. 🖤

GOLD PLATE TINTYPES!

 

In four years of doing this I have come across exactly one other tintype photographer offering GOLD plates.

One.

That kind of rare gets our attention. 🖤✨

The GOLD plate tintype is the same historic wet plate collodion process — hand poured, made on metal, completely one of a kind. The difference is the plate itself. Instead of the traditional black tin the image lives on a warm gold surface and the result is something you truly have to see in person.

It is stunning. We are obsessed. And we are so excited to be able to offer this.

Original Black Plates:
4×5 — $80
5×7 — $120
8×10 — $150

Gold Plates — Premium:
4×5 Gold — $100
5×7 Gold — $150
8×10 Gold — $200

Digital download included with every tin. 🖤

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