Why I Choose Quiet Over Carnival: A Reflection on Tintype Photography
In the world of photography, there's a growing trend toward tintype pop-up events - vibrant gatherings where photographers set up shop in bustling markets, tattoo parlours, and at music events to quickly capture the likenesses of patrons at these venues. It's an exhilarating scene, filled with energy and excitement where people are hustled into a makeshift photo studio, hurriedly posed, and in seemingly no time at all they have a tintype in their hands. It's a great way to get a unique momento of a moment in time, but in over a decade of working with this historic photographic method, I have never enjoyed the flash, pop, and bang of these carnival-style events. I find that the way I work, and my style draws me to a much quieter approach.
The Quiet Approach: Prioritizing Meaningful Work
For me, tintype photography isn't just about capturing an image as quickly as possible and rushing through a queue of people to make as many plates as possible; it's about creating an experience and a lasting connection with the people that find themselves in front of my camera. That's why I prefer to work quietly, one-on-one, with each of my clients. There's something special about the intimacy of this process that needs to be honoured - this way we can truly collaborate to bring a vision to life, to really be thoughtful about the work we are creating together.
Quality over Quantity: Moving Beyond the Flash, Pop, and Bang
We are all obsessed with instant gratification, (I’m guilty of it myself at times), it can be easy to get caught up in the frenzy and excitement of the moment at a pop-up event. But I've always believed in the power of quality over quantity. By refraining from taking the pop-up carnival route, I'm able to devote more time and attention to carefully crafting each photograph, ensuring that it's a true work of art and not just a quick snapshot.
The Personal Touch: Building Lasting Relationships
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the relationships I build with my clients. When you work slowly and deliberately, one-on-one, you have the opportunity to truly get to know the person in front of the lens. You get to hear their story, see their environment and portray them in a relaxed and familiar place. This personal connection not only leads to better photographs but also to lasting friendships.
Conclusion: Emphasizing My Artistic Vision
So why do I choose quiet over carnival? Because, for me, tintype photography is more than just photography - it's a passion. And I believe that by working in this relaxed way, I can create truly meaningful work that speaks to the heart. So while you won't necessarily find me at pop-up event anytime soon, you can always reach out to me to arrange a quiet, hand-crafted tintype or ambrotype session that will tell your story for generations to come.
