Portraiture

A tintype or Ambrotype is an image taken on a metal (tintype) or glass (Ambrotype) plate. Unlike Film or digital photos this is a custom process from creating the emulsion (the silver gelatin that will capture your image), pouring it by hand onto the plate and then developing either in the studio or on site using our traveling darkroom, so each picture is an original positive image. The handmade nature makes this an imperfect process and some imperfection is to be expected making each image one of a kind.

When they are dry, they can be scanned for sharing and making digital prints. Finally, the plates are varnished to make them archival. Tintypes, when coated with varnish, cured, and stored properly, have been known to last well over 100 years.

For one plate, it takes about 30 minutes but for two plates or more, you can expect a simple portrait session to last from 45 minutes to one hour and a half.

Due to the limitations and size restrictions, I can only shoot a max of 2 people for a 4x5 plate, 3 people for a 5x7 plate, and 4 people for an 8x10 plate. Since the depth of field is very shallow and small, the more difficult it is to attain a sharp focus on all subjects.

Below are some simple guidelines to keep in mind for your shoot:

Textures that work well for tintype: plaid, tweed, argyle, polka dot, gingham, animal prints, etc. The more contrast in your garment, the better. Jewelry and bling capture the light really as do sparkly garments. Fur/faux fur pieces also look great.

WHAT TO AVOID: Clothing with any sort of lettering (as they will appear backwards in the final photograph).

WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND: Anything red will appear black and blue garments will look white/light gray in color. So for example, wearing a black and red plaid shirt will mostly look black and wearing a blue shirt with a white jacket will look mostly white.

Most of the photos we shoot on site are usually torso length/head-shots. If we are doing a full body shot, plan on coordinating clothing and shoe options.

If you plan on wearing makeup, Apply it a little heavier than normal since the process is highly detailed. Freckles, sunspots, and scars are more pronounced in this process. You know the things that make us individuals

Can I wear glasses? It depends. There are a few issues with glasses -UV coatings, reflections from studio lights and Transition lenses, or photochromic lenses. While I do my best to pose carefully, reflections from studio lights can obscure your eyes and transition lenses WILL turn black with the flash. UV coated lenses can look smokey. I suggest either wearing frames with no lenses or going without glasses altogether if possible.

Feel free to wear a costume or dress up in your finest attire. Wear what you feel your absolute best in.

The emulsion used for tintypes is UV sensitive, in fact it really only sees UV so please check any cosmetics that you plan on wearing and make sure that they do not have SPF anything as they will cause you to look really old and splotchy… Unless that is how you want to look then let me know :)

Since this is a time intensive process, expect to hangout for close to an hour or more. Feel free to ask me anything about the process. Also, chill! Most people aren’t exactly comfortable in front of a camera. I will guide you in the posing process so you look your very best.

Upon your arrival we will take some time to chat with you about any of your needs/concerns, and go through the process with you. I will then pose you and adjust camera/lighting. I will ask you to sit still while I get the camera into focus. Finally I will load the plate coated in film, focus one more time, count to 3, and FLASH (oh yeah this is gonna be bright)

I will walk you through the process of creating a tintype portrait and will show you the final stage, or the fixing process. Where everything becomes clear :) Then I will take the plate home with me for varnishing and I will let it cure for a few days. I will send you a high resolution scan of your tintype in about a day or two after the shoot and then mail you your beautiful finished plate in a week.

Tintype/Ambrotype

Every Tintype (image on metal) or Ambrotype (image on glass) is priced per image - Catch me out and about at one of my pop up tintype photo events for discounted rates ;) Follow on Instagram to keep in the loop

4x5 - Tintype $95 Ambrotype $105

5x7 - Tintype $120 Ambrotype $130

8x10 - Tintype $160 Ambrotype $170

You will also get a high resolution scan of your tintype(s). All prices include taxes and domestic shipping within the US.

In a world where people are focused This is a one time deal. The cost is per plate and I shoot one plate at a time (it generally takes 20-30 minutes per plate). Once the strobe light goes off, the image is already fixed to the plate. No editing.

There are marks and spots on my image. Is that normal?

Yes. This is an imperfect process and due to the nature of the chemistry and everything being hand prepared, minor imperfections are normal with tintypes. Every image is unique and handled with care.

What if I’m not happy with how the image turned out? Will you re-shoot?

It depends on the situation. If you don’t like your face/your hair/ or if you are really particular, I can re-shoot for a $25 fee (per plate) to cover material costs and time. I will re-shoot at no extra cost if:

There is a chemical issue which affects the final quality of the image.

I really screwed up… it happens sometimes.

Due to the nature of this process and the chemicals, equipment and time involved, I DON’T OFFER REFUNDS. You will not be given a refund for simply not showing up for your scheduled appointment.

If you need to reschedule, it REQUIRES 24 HOURS NOTICE. If you notify me less than 24 hours from your scheduled appointment to reschedule, the amount you paid will be credited to your next appointment however you WILL be charged a 25% set up fee. I understand things happen but it takes up my time and energy to put together a shoot for someone who isn’t going to show up and that spot could’ve gone to another client ready to show up If something happens don’t be afraid to notify me. The more I know the better it is for the both of us :)

I don’t really want to, and do you want someone who doesn’t want to to do this?

Children over the age of 6, then yes! If under, it depends. Contact me and we can discuss.

Yup I can do that :) Email me at scthendersonphotography@gmail.com to discuss rates.

Yes you can! Email me at scthendersonphotography@gmail.com to discuss rates.

Absolutely! You can use your portrait for Christmas cards, personal prints for family members, and for anything that isn’t commercially reproduced.

With permission, yes. Contact me to discuss rates.