Tintypes & Ambrotypes

Wet plate collodion is a 19th-century photographic process invented in the 1850s. Each image is hand-crafted on a piece of glass (ambrotype) or metal (tintype) using light-sensitive chemistry. The plate must be exposed and developed while still wet, which means each portrait is truly one of a kind, created entirely by hand.

I typically allow around two hours for a basic session. This allows time to discuss your portrait concept, set up lighting, create the plate, and view the finished image together once it’s developed.

Sessions with more plates, or more complicated poses or groupings can last longer.

Wear something that reflects you. Because wet plate photography sees light differently than modern cameras. Simple patterns and solid tones tend to work best. Avoid bright whites or neon colours.

Also see my 'Preparing For Your Session' page.

www.kenminer.ca/preparing-for-your-session

Absolutely. You’re welcome to bring a friend, partner, or family member. Duo portraits can be powerful on glass — just let me know in advance so we can plan for composition and timing.

Sessions take place at Pendray House in Colwood. The studio is equipped with 'modern day' strobe lighting for studio portraits, or we can take advantage of the large windows to use natural light.

Outdoor portraits on the surrounding waterfront grounds are also possible, depending on the weather and light.

The standard session is designed as a focused, one-on-one collaboration. It includes:

- A handmade 4x5 metal plate created during your sitting.

- High-resolution digital archive: A professional scan of your plate for sharing and archival records.

- A collaborative experience: A mindful, unhurried session where we explore the composition and character of the image together.

5x7 and 8x10 session are also available,

Yes — My personal work is primarily done on glass plates (ambrotype). I prefer glass for my project work because they can be read the right way around (not reversed like tintypes) and has a luminous, almost three-dimensional quality because you are looking through the glass at the image.

The fragility of glass adds to its beauty and uniqueness.

Additional fees apply for glass as the work involved in these plates is much more involved.

The process is unpredictable, and sometimes chemistry or timing introduces imperfections — but that’s part of its charm. If something truly doesn’t work, we’ll make another plate at no extra cost.

Every plate is handmade; the imperfections are part of what makes it real.

Yes. Additional plates can be made during your session for an added fee. Many clients like to have a small series exploring different expressions or poses.

I have different packages available.

Individual portrait sessions start at $195 and include one finished 4x5 glass plate.

Additional plates or scans can be added. Please contact me for detailed rates or to discuss custom sessions.

I do, with a bit of caution. Wet plate photography requires stillness during the exposure, and even small movements can create blur or cause the image to be out of focus. If you are comfortable with that possibility, I am happy to include pets or children in the session.

They must be well behaved in the studio, as there are light stands, equipment, and chemistry present that require care and attention.

Typically, I do not. Wet plate sessions are very personal experiences, and I want each person to come when they feel ready and engaged with the process. Because of that, I avoid holding open-ended vouchers or time-limited credits.

If you are hoping to give someone a session as a gift, feel free to reach out and we can discuss whether it is the right fit.

Come with an open mind and no rush in your day. This is a slow, reflective process. I’ll guide you through everything, but it helps to bring a sense of curiosity and presence — your energy will show in the plate.

Also, please check out my 'Preparing for Your Session' page.

Yes, I collaborate with artists, musicians, and brands who value authenticity and the handcrafted nature of this process. Please reach out with your idea.

I do not. Wet plate photography is a slow, intentional process, and I want every sitter to have the time and space needed to create thoughtful, well-crafted plates. Pop-ups are often rushed by nature, and I prefer to work in a way that allows for calm collaboration and the best possible results.

If you are interested in a session, I offer dedicated appointment times in the studio so we can focus fully on the experience and the work we create together.

Yes, I can. Wet plate photography is portable, but it does require a fair amount of equipment, chemistry, and a suitable working environment.

Because of that, travel sessions include additional costs for transportation, setup time, and location requirements such as access to water, power, and a space where I can safely work with the chemistry.

If you have a specific location in mind, feel free to get in touch and we can talk through what is needed and what the additional fees may be.

My work spans traditional portraits and more artistic explorations — including figurative studies, still-life, and conceptual pieces. Each session is a collaboration. Some people come simply to experience the process, others to express something deeper. Both are welcome.

That’s perfectly fine. Not everyone wants to be part of an art piece, and a straightforward portrait can still be powerful. You’ll still get a carefully crafted plate and the same attention to light, composition, and presence.

Yes. My personal work often explores form, light, and the human body — sometimes nude or partially clothed. These sessions are handled with the same care and respect as any portrait. If you’re interested in collaborating on something expressive or more conceptual, please mention that when you reach out.

If you’re curious about the process itself and want a keepsake, a portrait session is a great choice.
If you’re drawn to the emotional or artistic side of my work — the quietness, the light, the sense of story — we can design a session around that.

That’s normal. Most people do. We take our time — there’s no rush. The process is slow and grounding, and I’ll guide you through every step. You don’t need to perform; you just need to be.

Not necessarily. We’ll talk about what you want to express, and I’ll shape the light and composition around that. Whether it’s a simple portrait or something more symbolic, I help you find stillness and presence in front of the camera.

Never. It’s only part of the session if it feels right for you and serves the image. Many of my favorite plates are fully clothed but still intimate, emotional, and artistic.