Introducing “First Contact”: A Tintype Experience for the Curious

If you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized by the look of a tintype — that mysterious, timeless and tactile photograph, the imperfect edges, the feeling that it was pulled from some other time and world long since gone — you’re not alone. That’s how it started for me too. There is something about the process of making a photograph by hand, and that final image, well, it just hits different.

Lately, a few people have reached out saying, “I have no photography experience, but I’m fascinated by tintypes. Is there a way to try it out?” So with that in mind, I’ve created something just for you.

It’s called 'First Contact: Wet Plate Photography for the Curious' — it's a 2–3 hour session where you’ll get to see how it all works, from start to finish, with some hands on experience, too.

You don’t need to know anything about cameras or chemistry. This isn’t a full technical workshop — it’s a gentle introduction. A way to witness the process, ask questions, and see a tintype come to life right in front of you. And yes, you’ll get a tintype portrait of yourself — a one-of-a-kind object that captures you in this moment, through the eyes of a 160-year-old process.

The Details:

-No photography experience needed

- 2–3 hour session Includes one 4x5 tintype portrait $195 - This session may be enough to satisfy your curiosity, but If you decide you want more and take a full workshop later, $100 of this session fee will be applied toward that future workshop.

- Best suited for individual participants.

This is a perfect, low risk introduction to the process for the curious, the romantics and the ones who want to feel what it’s like to slow down and witness a bit of magic.

If that sounds like you, get in touch here or feel free to email me with questions. I'd love to show you what it's all about.

—Ken