T
Historic Wet Plate Collodion
Made Once.
Made to Last.
A tintype isn’t just a photograph.
Most photographs are made to be shared.
A tintype is made to be kept.
Every tintype begins with a single piece of metal. It is coated, sensitized, exposed, and developed entirely by hand. The photograph is made directly on the plate, creating something that exists only once.
While the process dates back more than 170 years, this is not about recreating the past. It is about creating something worth keeping today.
One Plate at a Time
Created by Hand
Every tintype begins with a clean metal plate. From there, each step is done by hand, from pouring the collodion to developing the image only moments after the exposure.
The process is slow by modern standards, but that is part of what makes it special. Each plate is prepared, exposed, and finished individually. The small variations that appear along the way become part of the finished photograph.
Some things are worth slowing down for.
Your Session
The Sitting
You don’t need to know anything about tintypes before you arrive.
We’ll talk through the process together, choose a pose, and make adjustments until everything feels right. When it’s time for the exposure, I’ll guide you through exactly what to do.
Most exposures last only a few seconds, though they can be longer depending on the light. The only thing I ask is that you stay as still as you comfortably can. After that, we’ll head to the darkroom while your portrait comes to life.
Portraits with Meaning
What Matters to You
The most meaningful portraits are rarely just about a face.
They are about the people, places, and objects that become part of our lives. A favorite motorcycle. The truck you’ve spent years restoring. An airplane, a family farm, or simply the people you love most.
Every session is different because every story is different. Whether you come alone or bring the people and things that mean the most to you, we’ll create a portrait that feels honest, personal, and unmistakably yours.
Signature Work
Where History Meets Your Story
Most tintypes are made on black aluminum. I offer those as well, but many of my favorite plates begin long before the camera comes out.
Old oil cans, vintage automotive sheet metal, weathered signs, and forgotten pieces of industrial history become the foundation for a new portrait.
Every scratch, dent, and layer of worn paint becomes part of the finished piece. The material already has a story. Your portrait simply adds another chapter.
No two reclaimed plates are ever alike, making every finished tintype as unique as the history beneath it.
Selected Wet Plate Work
Each Plate Finds Its Own Character
The marks, edges, tones, and small variations are part of the process. Each plate carries something of the subject, the material, and the moment in which it was made.
Sizes & Pricing
Choose Your Plate
Every session includes one handcrafted tintype. Additional plates can be created during your session if time allows.
4 × 5
A wonderful introduction to wet plate photography. Small enough to display almost anywhere while preserving all the character of the process.
5 × 7
Our most popular size. Large enough to appreciate every detail while remaining easy to frame, display, and enjoy for years to come.
8 × 10
A striking statement piece with room for every detail the process has to offer. Perfect when you want a portrait that naturally becomes the centerpiece of a room.
Signature Reclaimed Metal
Created on vintage oil cans, reclaimed automotive sheet metal, and other historic materials when available. Each reclaimed piece carries its own history before your portrait is ever made.
- 4 × 5 $150
- 5 × 7 $240
- 8 × 10 Available by Commission
Before Your Session
A Few Common Questions
You do not need any experience in front of a camera. I will guide you through the process and make sure you know what to expect.
How still do I need to remain?
Exposure times vary with the light and the plate size. Many portraits require only a few seconds, although some may take longer. I will help you find a comfortable position and let you know exactly when the exposure begins and ends.
Can you photograph couples, families, or groups?
Yes. Individuals, couples, families, and small groups are all welcome. Larger groups may require a larger plate, additional lighting, or a little more time to arrange comfortably.
Can I include my car, motorcycle, airplane, or another meaningful object?
Absolutely. Portraits with vehicles, machines, instruments, family heirlooms, and other meaningful objects are an important part of my work. We can discuss the location, composition, and practical details before your session.
Do I have to choose reclaimed metal?
No. Traditional black aluminum plates are available in every standard size. Reclaimed metal is a signature option for clients who want the scratches, paint, lettering, and history of the original material to become part of the finished piece.
What happens if a plate does not turn out?
Wet plate photography can be unpredictable. If a plate fails because of the process, I will remake it at no additional charge. Small marks, edge effects, and variations are normal and are part of what makes each plate unique.
When will I receive my finished tintype?
The plate can be viewed shortly after it is developed, but it still needs to be washed, dried, and varnished. Depending on the session and location, you may be able to collect it later that day, or I can carefully package and mail it after the varnish has cured. A digital scan is also included.
Tintype Sessions in Central Ohio
Let’s Make Something Worth Keeping.
Whether you arrive by yourself, with the people you love, or beside the machine that has become part of your story, we will create a portrait that belongs only to you.
Book a Tintype SessionQuestions before booking? You are always welcome to get in touch.