Below are a few frequently asked questions about the tintype portrait experience. If there’s something I haven’t included, feel free to get in touch - happy to chat further.
What is a tintype? A tintype is a direct positive image, exposed through a wet chemical process directly onto a thin piece of metal. It is one of the earliest photographic methods, dating back to the 1850s. The large format camera and antique lens provides a romantic effect, while the characteristics of the chemical process add artifacts and uniqueness. The finished product is a tangible metal plate with the image composed of the contrast between the black metal, and the highlights made of pure metallic silver. The process is unique in many ways, but the greatest one is that it must be developed right after it is taken.The process requires that the whole process, from taking it to developing it, has to happen while the chemistry is wet on the plate. This means that anywhere the photographer wants to take a photograph, they must have a darkroom within walking distance in order to complete the process. This provides instant gratification-, in that you get to see the tintype right away after it's taken, since it takes only a minute to develop it. The plate then must be properly washed and varnished in order to protect it. This object is easily considered an heirloom, since lasts a very long time. The ones from the 1800s look beautiful to this day.
How much does the tintype cost? The cost of the porch session and the plate is $170 for an 8x10 tintype ($150 for studio portrait). 8x10 is the only size I offer for porch sessions. This includes the scan as well, so you also have a nice digital version of your image. I don’t take payment until we are done with the session, at which point I can swipe a card, take cash, or Venmo.
What should I wear? It’s important to be comfortable and to wear something that you feel represents who you are, but there are certain colors that develop best in portraits. Avoid wearing all white or all black- in between tones are best. Textures look great! The camera I use for outdoor shots is full-length, not close up, so don’t forget to wear pants! For those wondering about makeup, avoid purples and bright pink or fuchsia lipsticks - unfortunately, these show up white. True reds are an awesome alternative! Glasses don’t typically translate correctly. Most times, there’s a lot of glare or they look like sunglasses. You are welcome to wear your glasses but I will not retake if you don’t like how they turn out. Alternatively, you can pop the lenses out.
Can I dress up? Absolutely, but a lot of people wear what they feel represents them the best. If we’re in the studio, feel free to bring a few clothing options or ideas on how you’d like the tintype framed. For porch sessions, I do have to work quickly to keep on schedule, so please be ready to go when I arrive.
Am I standing still for a long time? Nope! Most shots only require you to hold steady for 2-6 seconds. It will be important to stay as still as possible during that time to ensure that your photos don’t develop blurry. In studio, I use a flash but I’ll still need you to hold as steady as possible to ensure a crisp photo.
Can I smile? Yes, I find that a relaxed smile with no teeth is really nice. A lot of people find that keeping a smile steady for a long exposure can be hard(er) but I want you to be you and if that means smiling, go for it!
What part of me is in the photo? Porch sessions are full-length, so make sure you’re set from tip to toe. In studio is more from the waist-up and thats due to lighting.
What’s the perfect weather for my porch session? We’ll want to avoid the hard, direct sun if it’s not a cloudy day so think about what time your tintype is scheduled and choose a location that gets shade during that time. If it’s really raining, we’ll need to reschedule, but a potential light drizzle is not a problem - and the lighting in that case is sometimes ideal.
Can my kids/pets be in the portrait? Of course. Sometimes younger children and pets may show up blurry due to the exposure time and lighting conditions but tintypes have a lot left to chance which is part of the magic. I try to wait for just the right moment but so long as you think they can hold steady for up to 6 seconds, and if you are okay with the possibility that they might show up blurry if they move, we should do it!
How long are the sessions? It takes a total of 20-25 mins from start to finish. The wetplate process is a lot slower than what we are used to with digital, but the results are well worth the time and care. In studio sessions tend to take between 1-2 hours for 1-2 tintypes. Porch sessions: Please be cognizant of your scheduled time as I may need to jet off to my next porch!
Can I get my tintype retaken? We’ll take our time because we only get one take. I will only retake the photo if there is something wrong with the exposure or the chemistry.
Do I get to keep my tintype the day of the session? No, but I will be developing on site (it’s a cool process, you can watch!) so you’ll get to see it right away. Then I’ll take it with me to the studio, scan and varnish it. You can expect a digital file within 1-3 days of your session and the physical plate within 10-15 days of your session.
How long will my tintype last? Tintypes are extremely unique photos due to the process and materials involved and can last 100 years+ making them incredible heirlooms. There are still tintypes around from the American Civil War!
Can I get more than one tintype? [In studio] Any additional shots after the first one are $20 off the original price. NOT $20 total, but $20 off of the full price.
Can I gift a tintype session? Yes! Check out my gift cards here. (hot tip: the 10 year anniversary material is tin!)
