Book your very own Tintype Portrait

General Information & FAQ

What is a tintype?

A tintype is a picture taken directly onto a sheet of aluminum using the historic wet plate collodion process from the 1800s. Each tintype is one of a kind, and crafted with care and intention from hand-coating, sensitizing in a silver bath, composing, developing and fixing before your eyes!

How much does it cost?

My base pricing is sliding scale, pay-what-you-can between 80-120; I like to keep price as approachable as I can while covering my chemistry costs, but anything more is always appreciated! Local pickup is free, and shipping is an additional 10. High resolution scans are an additional 10. While supplies last, decorative tintype sleeves are available for an additional 5. Shadowbox framing is available for 75.

How long does it take?

From start to finish, it takes as little as 10-15 minutes to see your portrait. For events, each session is either 20 or 30 minutes long to ensure time to compose, develop and fix your tintype. Following your image fixing, it needs to be thoroughly washed, dried and varnished to preserve it for years to come. Generally, after events, your tintype will either be delivered back to the hosting business within a few days, or shipped to you for an additional cost.

Can I take photos or videos of my tintype?

Absolutely! You are encouraged to capture your tintype through photo or video, especially during the fixing process when you get to see your image change from a negative to a positive; it’s a beautiful process and I thoroughly enjoy sharing it, and I hope you feel the same! For most events, I also offer high resolution scanning for an additional cost; this would be a large file that you are welcome to share (or if you would like to print your image from the scan, that is okay with me)

What should I wear?

For image creation, neutral or lighter colors tend to render best (or the color blue; fun fact: collodion is sensitive to it, and it will appear lighter in tintypes than a normal black and white image!), and patterned or textured fabrics like lace or fur also make images pop! Regardless, I always encourage self expression through fashion, and above all recommend wearing what you feel best in! A small note on glasses: as previously stated, above all else, I want you to feel comfortable, and if you wear glasses all the time, please feel welcome to do so. However, if your glasses have UV coating added to lenses, they will appear as sunglasses in your tintype (another fun fact: collodion is also sensitive to UV like lens coatings or even sun damage on skin)

Can I walk in for an event or should I book an appointment?

The only way to guarantee your appointment is by booking online! Some events are appointment-only, and others, I can try my best to accommodate walk-ins, but I can’t make any promises!

Can my pet be in my tintype?

Please reach out to confirm before the event! So long as animals are allowed in the venues I will be photographing in, I can certainly try my best! For indoor events using a flash system, this tends to better ensure a sharp, non-blurry image. Please be aware that the flash is bright! While it is not always the case, sometimes this can be startling to your pet. While I trust your judgement when photographing your pet, if they are clearly upset or very nervous in this environment, I may decline including them. Outdoors using natural light, while it may be more comfortable for your pet, can be a more difficult to get a sharp image since the exposure times increase, likely to multiple seconds.

How many people can be in each tintype?

For indoor events, I can ensure flash coverage on 2-3 people maximum. If your desired image includes more than this, please reach out and be sure to book during daylight hours as using natural light will be necessary. For natural light events, I can accommodate many more folks!

I would like to book a tintype appointment, but seem to miss the pop-up dates!

I can accommodate private bookings for tintypes! These are a wonderful option for those looking for a more in-depth session where we can create your image without rush or distraction. Most sessions are hosted at my home studio which has option for outdoor natural light sessions in the woods, field or pond close by my property, or inside using a flash system. All home sessions also come with a pot of tea from my extensive collection. I can also travel to you! I currently have Mondays Tuesdays and Wednesdays open for private sessions. If there is a particular date or time outside of this window, please contact me or fill out a booking request below.

Natural Light Tintypes at Wild Heart Herb House

New Bedford, MA

Tintype Sessions at Circa Vintage Wear

New Bedford, MA

Where should I pop up next?

Rates & Packages

The Everyday Package ~ 500

• Travel within 50 miles of New Bedford MA (I am entirely open to traveling any distance for an additional fee)

• 2 rolls of medium format film

• Hand development and processing

• 20 finished film images with high-resolution scans as well as sharable files

The Tintype Package ~ 700

• Travel within 50 miles of New Bedford MA (I am entirely open to traveling any distance for an additional fee)

• 5 historic tintypes (4x5 format) photographed, processed and varnished to preserve for a lifetime

• High resolution scans of each plate as well as sharable files

The Large Format Package ~ 1000

• Travel within 50 miles of New Bedford MA (I am entirely open to traveling any distance for an additional fee)

• 5 historic 4x5 tintypes

• 5 4x5 large format photographs (on black and white film; color available for $20 extra per exposure)

• High resolution scans of each plate and negative as well as sharable files

Event and wedding photography is calculated on an individual basis, and dependent upon your needs. Please fill out a booking request with as much detail as possible for consideration!