"Why Would I Want to Get a Tintype Portrait Made?"
NOVEMBER 21, 2024
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This post is dedicated to Angie and her father, John, who passed away in September.
Someone recently asked me, “Why should I get a tintype portrait made?” I struggled to find an answer immediately, after all, no one ‘needs’ a tintype. Since then I’ve had some time to reflect on the question, and this is my response.We live in a world where you can snap a photo in seconds - or generate one using AI, and swipe through hundreds of images in a day. A tintype or ambrotype portrait is different. It’s more than just another image, its an invitation to slow down and reflect—both for the subject and the photographer.
A Mindful Experience
Sitting for a tintype portrait isn’t like any other photo experience. There’s no rush, at least there shouldn't be. It’s a slow, deliberate process that asks you to be fully present. In fact, I often tell my sitters that I’m simply the facilitator, bringing them together with the camera, what happens from the time the shutter opens until it closes is between sitter, camera, and chemistry. The energy you bring into the session—whether calm, contemplative, or otherwise—will show up on the plate.For me, there is meditative quality in the process and it can’t be rushed. For a few moments, everything else fades away, and the focus is on capturing something real and honest. Tintypes require patience. There’s no instant result—just the gradual revealing of an image that feels as much like an introspective journey as it does a portrait session. That slowness, that pause in time, is what gives the image its depth and soul.
A Physical Object, A Connection
While digital images live on screens and are seldom printed, a tintype is a tangible, lasting object. You can hold it in your hands and feel its weight, there is even a faint scent of lavender from the varnish to add another layer of tangibility. There's something grounding about that, something that brings a sense of importance to the moment captured.But it’s more than just the object itself—it’s the connection. The interaction between us as photographer and sitter is what truly defines the portrait. It’s not about posing for the camera. It’s about bringing your true self to that moment, knowing that the energy you bring will be reflected in the final image. It’s that connection—between you, me, and the medium—that makes a tintype special.
Value and Craftsmanship
Tintype photography isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s a process that requires dedication, both from me as the photographer and from you as the subject. But that’s where the value comes from.Each plate is handcrafted with precision, care, and experience. When you sit for a tintype portrait with me, you’re getting more than just an image—you’re getting the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. In fact, I only offer a limited number of sittings per month, making each session an exclusive experience. During each session, we create 3 to 5 plates, giving you a selection of images to cherish, each one uniquely different.The equipment, the materials, and the skill involved set this kind of photography apart. The tintype we create together is a piece of art, made with intention and expertise. Additionally, fine art prints on archival watercolour paper of various sizes are available from these portrait sessions, allowing you to enjoy and share your unique images in a tangible form that enhances their artistic value. Of course, because we do live in the digital age, digital files are also created for you to share on all your social media platforms.
Film, Digital, or Wet Plate
All that said, I understand wet plate photography isn’t for everyone, or may not meet the needs you have for images at the moment. Some prefer the tones and relative ease of black and white film, while others may enjoy the convenience and precision of digital photography. I work in those mediums as well, and they each have their strengths and appeal.But if you’re drawn to the contemplative, to the physicality of the process, to something that feels more like an exchange than just a snapshot, then a tintype portrait is worth exploring. It’s more than an image—it’s a reflection of a shared moment, one that exists outside the fast pace of modern life.
