What is a tintype?

Tintypes are made using a photographic process that was widely used in the late 1800’s. The process, called Wet Plate Collodion, requires the photographer to hand coat a sheet of metal (a plate) with light sensitive chemicals, shoot it as if it were a sheet of film, and then process it in an on-site darkroom. All of this must happen before the plate dries, which can take around 15 minutes if you aren’t trying to do this in Arizona. Out here in the desert that time is much shorter. When all is said and done, the resulting image is a one-of-a-kind photograph - a direct “positive”.

How long do I have to hold still?

If we’re using strobes in the studio, you only as long as it takes for me to focus the camera as the studio flashes make the exposure instantaneous. If we’re shooting natural light portraits, exposure times are usually 1-10 seconds.

Can I bring my pet or my children?

Sure. However, it’s important that they are well behaved and can take direction for the sake both the image we’re trying to create and for safety. Being able to sit still for long enough to focus the camera is a crucial part of making a tintype and the studio is full of expensive gear and potentially hazardous chemistry that is usually not dangerous, but a medley pet or child can change that quite quickly.

How many people can be in my photo?

The nature of the tintype process and the equipment necessary to use it make it very difficult to light and photograph more than 3 people in the studio, however I can happily photograph more than 3 people outdoors during a natural light session.

What if I don’t like my tintype?

Making a tintype is a complicated process and sometimes things go wrong. In the event that a tintype is less than satisfactory due to some technical or chemical mishap on my end, we will reshoot. This is of course assuming that whatever went wrong can be corrected. In the event that it can’t in the amount of time that we have scheduled, we’ll reschedule. It’s very unlikely that this will happen. In the event that you simply do not like your pose, your hair, etc etc… We can reshoot it for $20.

When do I get my tintype?

After we make your tintype, the plate needs to be fully washed, scanned, and then varnished to make sure that it will stand the test of time. This generally takes 10-14 business days but can sometimes take longer. The tintype will then be ready for pickup at my studio or I can mail it to you. You’ll receive your scans after you pickup your tintypes. If you have a strict deadline, please let me know in advance.

Where is your studio?

My tintype portrait studio is located in downtown Tucson, Arizona.