The Wet Plate Collodion Process
Over 170 Years of History
My goal is to not only deliver excellent photos to you but to also provide an experience you won’t forget. I’ll gladly walk you through every step on the process, showing you exactly how you turn a blank piece of metal into a timeless portrait.
With 170 Years of history the Tin Type has proved it can last, with images from the 1850s Still looking almost brand new! It is truly the one way to get a portrait that will last forever.
What is a Tintype?
A Tintype is an image made using the “Wet Plate” photographic process on a sheet of metal, typically aluminum. This involves pouring a liquid adhesive (known as Collodion) onto the plate before “Sensitizing” it to light by placing it in a Silver-Nitrate bath. While the plate is still wet it is then placed in a specialized tray and inserted into the camera for the picture.
After this the image can be developed. This generally involved pouring an iron-based developer onto it under a red light for about 15 to 20 seconds. This creates the negative image that can then be placed in the “Fix Bath” which, after a few seconds, inverts the image into a positive like the one you see here!
Session & Pricing
Each tintype session will last around one hour. This is to give me plenty of time for set up and to ensure the plate turns out, while giving enough time for any potentially required reshoots in the case of a chemistry error. Any reshoots required due to such are done for free, my top priority is to produce a plate that you will enjoy for years to come.
I offer multiple plate sizes you can choose from, from the small 6th plate (2.75 inches x 3.25 inches) to the large 8x10. Their prices are as follows:
6th plate: $30/ea. Note: Must either be ordered with alongside another plate, whether that is another 6th plate or larger.
4 x 5 plate: $60
5x7 plate: $90
8 x 10 plate: $120
Any travel outside of Monroe or Pageland city limits will be subject to a $30 travel charge with an additional charge of $0.50 a mile after 30 miles one way.
Prices include the cost of postage and taxes.
