The tintype, or wet plate collodion process, is a photographic process that was first used in the mid-1800s. To create a tintype image, a metal plate is coated with a collodion solution and then sensitized with silver nitrate. The plate is then loaded into a camera and exposed to the subject, typically for several seconds if outdoors, or 1/60th second with powerful strobes. After exposure, the plate is developed and fixed on-site using a series of chemical solutions. The result is a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted image. The process is known for its ability to capture fine details and create images with a timeless quality.

You can wear whatever you want! You can dress up, wear a costume, hats, accessories, or dress as casually as you desire. As the image comes out flipped, it is suggested you don’t wear any clothing with text on it as it will come out backward. Some colors translate differently in tintype, such as blue turning light/white and red turning black/dark. High-contrast patterns and clothing with a distinct texture work well. I recommend if you have dark hair to wear a light shirt, and vice versa. Most prescription glasses have a UV coating on them, which comes through looking like sunglasses, so I would advise not to wear them.

Please note that skin tones can also look different using the wet plate collodion process. Folks with more melanin in their skin appear darker, and those who have freckles really get to see them pop.

I will need you to be still between 10-60 seconds to give meant enough time to both frame and maintain the focus of the image.

If you’re getting your portrait made in-studio/with strobe lights, the exposure time itself will be 1/60th of a second, which is a great option if you want children or pets photographed.

If you are being photographed outside, exposure times can be anywhere between 1 second - 8 seconds depending on the light conditions.

If you are considering having young children or pets part of your session, please refer further down the page to find more information.

I want you to feel great about your photo, so I offer a free reshoot if there are technical issues or significant chemical variations that affect the main subject. If you blink, I'll reshoot that too at no cost.

However, if you're not satisfied with how you look in the photo, I can reshoot it for a $25 material cost/fee at the time of the session. Please speak up if you would like to reshoot :)

You get to keep the plate you like the most out of the plates that have been re-shot. Please understand I will only re-shoot within reason depending on the circumstances.

Each image is handmade and naturally imperfect, which makes it unique and special. I will do my best to adjust the lighting and suggest poses and adjustments to make you look and feel your best. Let me know at the time of the session if you have any concerns or features you'd like to accentuate or diminish.

Currently, I am unable to accommodate group portraits of four or more adults in my studio or at indoor pop-ups using strobes. This is due to the limitations of the tintype process. Please understand that this is not because I do not want to create a beautiful image of your entire family together. The historical equipment produces images with a very shallow depth of field, which makes it difficult to maintain the quality and sharpness when more people are in the image.

To ensure that everyone in your group receives the attention and quality they deserve, I recommend purchasing multiple tintypes where you can frame or display the photos side by side, so everyone is still together. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Instances, where I can make large group photos, would be on-location shots outside, making it possible to make full-body photos. Keep in mind, on-location shooting with natural light means longer exposure times, so if you have young children you want to be photographed, please refer to the section below here on my FAQ page.

For the best results in photographing children, I suggest visiting the studio or attending a pop-up event where I use strobe lighting. Strobes provide a shorter exposure time, making it easier to prevent motion-blurring. Outdoor photo sessions usually require longer exposures, which can be challenging for pets and children to remain still during.

As a photographer, I absolutely love working with kids, whether they're on their own or with their parents. However, I must admit that it can be quite challenging to capture the perfect shot especially when dealing with little ones who tend to move around a lot. It takes time and some stillness to get sharp focus even when I’m using strobes.

To ensure that we get the best possible outcome, my approach is to let the child be themselves during the shoot. Unfortunately, I am unable to control their movements or keep them still while we're taking pictures. But don't worry, we can work together to find ways to make it easier, such as having you hold your child during the session (if they’re especially young). For best results, I get parents/caretakers to hold the child/children. If they are very young, or you are bringing more than one young child, note that it can be difficult, and if we have a limited about of time for our session, we might not be able to do re-shoots.

It's important to keep in mind that children are naturally wiggly and active, so if they're moving too much during the shoot, it can be distracting for both you and me. That's why I kindly suggest that if you think your child may struggle to stay still, it may be best not to book a session with them.

Lastly, I ask that you please refrain from coaching or directing your child on how to pose. Kids look their best when they're being themselves, and I promise to capture their unique personality and character in each portrait. Let's work together to create some beautiful memories that you'll cherish for years to come!

I suggest bringing along their favourite toy, a snack, and anything else they love that can help them get in the mood for a photo.

In regards to bringing your pet, all these things also apply. I recommend you only bring your pet if they can ‘stay’ for more than 60 seconds. Likewise, you can bring pet treats that I can use to direct where they are looking.

Yes! You get to keep the physical plate along with hi-resolution scans.

A tintype can last literally centuries as long as it’s not sitting out in the sun and exposed to the elements. Each tintype is varnished with a sandarac varnish with lavender oil, which is archival and protects the photograph.

You can expect to receive both your scans and varnished tintype(s) within a week max.

After we make your tintypes, I have to rinse them, let them dry, then scan them and varnish them. This can take a few days depending on my schedule.

Tintypes will either be available to pick up at my studio, a given location, or can be mailed out to you for a small fee.

The tintype brightens significantly when it dries after the first rinse and before I varnish it. That is why it is better to scan before varnish. When varnished, the image darkens a little, and this is a completely normal part of the process.

Prior to varnishing, the image is extremely delicate and can literally be wiped away. Varnishing ensures that your tintype will last the test of time.

Yes I do! Please check out my bookings page on the different types of offerings I have. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email.

Yes I do! You can purchase gift cards on my booking page.

if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance to be eligible for a deposit rollover or refund. Also, please keep in mind that your deposit/payment won't be automatically refunded - you'll need to reach out to us directly to initiate the process. Thanks for understanding!

Yes! When work is being used for commercial or editorial purposes, usage fees apply, and prices will vary depending on usage. This includes if you are wanting to use the tintype as a music album cover. Please email me for more information.