Tintypes & Ambrotypes

Honest Portraits ~ Historic Methods

Services

I offer wet plate portrait sessions in the studio or on location, as well as workshops for those interested in learning the process. Corporate headshots and portraits of beloved pets are also available. Each session is approached with care and time for the process to unfold.

For commercial tintype projects, please get in touch to discuss the details and receive a quote.

If you are preparing for a tintype session, please visit the “Preparing for Your Session” page.

The Pendray House sessions offer a focused introduction to the wet plate collodion process. Made on 4×5 metal plates, theses tintypes produce a striking and immediate portrait record using the 19th-century wet collodion process.

The Pendray House Sessions

CAD $195 - CAD $295

Pricing

Tintype Session

1 hr$195

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A focused introduction to 1850's wet plate process

Includes one 4x5 tintype

Digital scan for sharing

Studio or outdoors on the Pendray property

1 hour session

Appointment subject to photographer approval.

Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.

$75 booking fee at time of approval.

Remainder amount $120 is due on the day of the shoot.

I acknowledge I am paying a non-refundable booking fee upon approval

Tintype Trio

3 hr$295

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3 4x5 tintype portraits

Digital scans included

Up to 2 hours

Outfit change optional

Studio or outdoors on the Pendray property

Appointment subject to photographer approval.

Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.

$145 booking fee at time of approval.

Remainder amount $150 is due on the day of the shoot.

I acknowledge I am paying a non-refundable booking fee upon approval

The '5x7 Silver Series' offers a commanding presence and refined detail. With a larger surface area, these plates allow for a more deliberate study of light and shadow, echoing the classic studio portraits of the 1800s. A true collector’s format for those who value the fine-art tradition.

5x7 Silver Series

CAD $275 - CAD $425

Pricing

5x7 Silver Edition Tintype - Single

1 hr 30 min$275

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One hand-crafted 5x7 physical plate

High-resolution digital scan included

Archival varnish for lifetime protection

Appointment subject to photographer approval.

Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.

$130 booking fee at time of approval.

Remainder $145 is due 1 day before shoot.

I acknowledge I am paying a non-refundable booking fee upon approval

5x7 Silver Edition Tintype - Duo

2 hr$425

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Two hand-crafted 5x7 tintypes

Two distinct poses or lighting setups

High-resolution digital scans of both

Archival varnish for lifetime protection

Clothing/ wardrobe change welcome

Perfect for a "study" of the subject

Appointment subject to photographer approval.

Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.

$200 booking fee at time of approval.

Remainder $225 is due 1 day before shoot.

I acknowledge I am paying a non-refundable booking fee upon approval

The '8x10 Legacy Series at Pendray House' The pinnacle of the medium. Using the 8x10 Century View or Burke & James studio cameras, these sessions are slow, intentional, and transformative. The result is a powerful, large scale artifact on metal (tintype) or premium glass (ambrotype) The 8x10 plate is a definitive piece of family history designed to endure for centuries.

8x10 Legacy Series at Pendray House

CAD $395 - CAD $495

Pricing

8x10 Legacy Portrait on Metal

2 hr$395

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One 8x10 Metal Plate (tintype) Portrait

High Resolution Digital Scans for your archive

Portraits in studio or on the Pendray Grounds

Best suited for individuals or couples

Children and pets welcome (details on request)

Appointment subject to photographer approval.

Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.

$245 booking fee at time of approval.

Remainder $150 is due 1 day before shoot.

I acknowledge I am paying a non-refundable booking fee upon approval

The 8x10 Legacy Portrait on Glass

2 hr$495

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One 8x10 Glass Plate Portrait

High Resolution Digital Scans for your archive

Portraits in studio or on the Pendray Grounds

Best suited for individuals or couples

Children and pets welcome (details on request)

Appointment subject to photographer approval.

Credit card will not be charged until appointment is approved.

$245 booking fee at time of approval.

Remainder $250 is due 1 day before shoot.

I acknowledge I am paying a non-refundable booking fee upon approval

Turning 60 is a milestone—a time to bridge the past with the future. '60, and Still...' is a private, unhurried space to document who you are in this moment. We begin with a recorded conversation—a 'life audit' of what has shaped you—followed by an 8x10 wet plate portrait. This isn't just a photograph; it is a legacy statement for yourself and those who follow.

60, and still...

CAD $500

Pricing

60, and still

4 hr$500

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Recorded and edited video conversation/life audit

8x10 wet plate portrait on metal

High-Resolution Digital Archiving

Refreshments

$175 booking fee at time of booking.

Remainder amount $325 is due on the day of the shoot.

I acknowledge I am paying a non-refundable booking fee upon approval

Artwork & Photograph Copy Service

Historic tintype copied and digitally restored

Have a cherished image or artwork you’d like to preserve or share?

I offer careful, high-quality digital copies of tintypes, antique photographs, paintings, drawings, and other flat artwork for show submission, publication or personal use.

How it works.

Bring your piece to the studio, and I’ll photograph it using the same High-Resolution Digital Archiving I use to archive my own plates. You’re welcome to wait while I make the copy so your original never leaves your hands. Digital files are delivered within 1–2 days, and prints are available upon request.

Respect for the Original

If you’re bringing a modern tintype or contemporary artwork, I like to be mindful of copying another artist’s work. Just let me know the origin, and we can make sure we’re handling things appropriately.

Retouching

Each copy includes light editing such as dust removal, minor scratch repair, basic tone correction. If the piece needs more extensive restoration, I’ll let you know what’s possible before doing any additional work.

Rates

Copy work starts at $60–$75 per piece, depending on size and condition. Print pricing varies by size and paper choice.

3D Art

I can also photograph your 3D artwork as well, contact me for a quote

The Artifact Portrait

"Every object has a story to tell—Grandma’s mixer, Grandpa’s handplane, the tools and treasures that shaped a life. I photograph these artifacts in a way that reveals their history and spirit, transforming them into wall art that keeps their story alive long after the object has been passed along.If you have an item whose story you’d like to preserve, I’d love to help—reach out to start the conversation."

Portraits for Artists and Brands

Environmental and studio portraits for artists, authors, and creative professionals.

A portrait is often the first introduction people have to you and your work. It should feel authentic and reflect the spirit of what you create.I work with artists, authors, musicians, and creative professionals who want something more thoughtful than a standard headshot. Whether the portrait is for your website, exhibition, grant submission, publication, or social media presence, we can create an image that feels true to who you are.I also work with small businesses and creative brands who want portraits that reflect the personality behind their work.With decades of experience in location photography and a wide range of photographic tools, I can work in several formats including 8x10, 4x5, medium format, and 35mm film, as well as wet collodion and digital capture. Each approach brings a different character to the final image.If you would like to discuss ideas for an artist or branding portrait, I would be happy to hear from you.

ask about Artist Portraits here

Custom Commissions & Field Work

For complex groupings, specific plate sizes, or location-based projects utilizing my mobile darkroom, please contact the studio directly. Custom work is quoted based on the technical requirements and scale of the project."

CONTACT KEN

Do you have any questions or just want to say hi?