FAQ:

So...What is a tintype?

A tintype is a wetplate photo process dating back to the Civil War era. Historically made on enamel-coated tin (or iron), the modern day tintype starts out on a piece of aluminum. Collodion is flowed on the plate’s surface to act as an emulsion, and then placed in a tank with a silver nitrate solution to become sensitive to light. Once it has become sensitized, and while the plate is still wet, it is shot with a tremendous amount of light, and then brought back into the dark to be developed and processed right away. Once the plate’s development has been stopped with water, it can be brought out into the light and placed in a solution that fixes the image and makes it appear to turn positive, as if coming through a fog. Once washed and dried, the plate is coated with a layer of shellac and is ready to be taken home. The result is a hyper unique, handmade image that will last several generations. We are still finding tintypes from the 1800’s that are in incredible condition, and the modern day tintype has just as much staying power. 

How many photos do you take? Do I get to pick which one goes on the tintype?

This is a one shot deal!

During a scheduled session (wether in the studio or on location) I will always re-shoot a portrait if you blink or if there is a chemical anomaly in the focal point of the image. If you don’t like your portrait for aesthetic reasons, I’ll re-shoot it once free of charge, but anything after that is $25 to cover chemical costs.

At pop-ups, since they are typically walk in only and I can have people waiting back to back, I always charge for re-shoots (again, $25) for aesthetic reasons, but will re-shoot for free for the same reasons listed above.

How long does it take? Do I have to hold still?

Depends on the type of tintype session. If I am using studio lights the whole process of having your photo taken and then seeing the resulting image takes about 5-10 minutes. You don't have to hold still per-se, but you do have to stay mostly in one spot for a few minutes. I use a high powered strobe, so whatever is happening in front of the camera will be frozen on the tintype, wether you were moving or not! That being said, the depth of field (so the area that is sharp and in focus) on the lenses I use are VERY shallow, so a movement backwards or forwards after I've set the focus could make you a little soft, so sit as still as you can!

If its a natural light session, yes, you will need to hold still for anywhere between 2-10 seconds for the actual exposure. Any movement makes the final image blurry, so I even ask that people hold their breath for the duration! This is not a great option for wiggly children or animals, but isn’t impossible, just will need to be more open to imperfections.

At events, its take roughly about an hour after shooting to take your plate home (we wash the plate and then shellac the surface so it doesn't get damaged). At a studio session it takes roughly about two weeks to prepare the plates and get them into your hands. If you need a quicker turn around time for tintypes made in the studio talk to me and we can figure something out.

Can you take a tintype of my infant/toddler/dog/cat/ etc?

Short Answer: Yes.

Long Answer: Results may very on the subject in question. I've had some luck with babies looking in the right direction at the right moment as I pulse the strobe, but I've also had toddlers REFUSE to sit still and end up just being blurry face in the corner of the image. Also I find the kids ages 6-10 (and dogs) HATE the strobe, and after the first tintype is taken devolve into a puddle of tears and refuse to continue with the shoot. It depends on your munchkin, wether they are a real baby or a fur baby. Can your dog hold a good sit/stay? Or can you hold your dog/cat/baby/toddler? That helps make it easier. Also, though I will always try at an event/pop-up, I usually recommend booking a session in studio if you want to take a picture with your small child or animal so we have more time, less distractions, and an opportunity to re-shoot if they did peace out of the tintype at the last second.

Again, I will always try! But if the final tintype is unsatisfactory to you (due to your child or animal being blurry, making a bad face, etc) you must still purchase the tintype.

Do I get a scan of my tintype?

For portraits in studio or at pop-ups, yes, all tintypes come with a web ready scan for personal use (sharing online, facebook/tinder profile pics, linkdn, etc). If you are using the Your Photo to Tintype service, a digital scan is an add-on service.

I want to make prints/use my tintype for printed promotional materials/license the image so I can use it as I like, is that possible?

I am happy to make prints for you, please contact me with the number/size and I will get you a price quote. As for licensing, I retain all rights to the image but am happy to sell licensing rights to the image for commercial use. Email me and we can discuss pricing, etc.

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