FAQ
What is a tin type or wet plate?
The tin type or wet plate collodion process was invented in the 1850s and continued to be used into the early 20th Century. The photographer creates a direct positive image on an iron or aluminum plate by hand pouring collodion onto the metal, and then moving into a darkroom where the plate is soaked in silver to make it sensitive to light. Still in the dark, the sensitized plate is loaded into a modified film holder and then brought out and placed into a view camera where it is exposed. The photographer then returns to the darkroom where the plate is developed and rinsed. Finally it is brought back out into the light and placed in a fixer bath, and together with the subject, the photographer watches as the chemistry clears and the image reveals itself. All these steps must be completed before the chemicals dry, thus the wet plate name. The tones and depth of the images created with this process are truly unique, mysterious, and beautiful. You may be familiar with tin types from Civil War photography, or maybe one has been handed down over the years as a cherished family heirloom.
We shoot in our Brooklyn studio, or we can travel to your home or location. Making one tin type typically takes about 15 minutes. We are both very accomplished portrait photographers with experience shooting a wide variety of people. You can be assured that we will work patiently and meticulously to find a great pose, angle, and lighting scheme for you in a welcoming, comfortable, and unrushed atmosphere. You may book a shoot for one hour, all day, or anything in between. In the week following your shoot we will varnish your plate with lavender saranac to make it archival, and you may pick it up or have it delivered. We also offer scanning and printing options. Large size prints make for beautiful conversation pieces. We pride ourselves on our ability to customize our shoots to our clients wishes and we truly enjoy the delight the tin type process brings them.
Can you shoot at my event or wedding?
Yes, we love sharing the tin type process at events and weddings. Because of the slowness of the process we usually shoot an agreed upon select few from your group, but we are able to scale up to shoot larger numbers of people as well. A wedding day tin type is a wonderful way to immortalize your momentous day. Guests and attendees get very excited about their tin types and the shoot often becomes a memorable part of the event experience. Contact us to discuss the particular details for your shoot.
How do I prepare for a shoot?
When you book a shoot we will answer any questions you may have and provide instructions regarding wardrobe, posing, etc.
How do I book a shoot and what does it cost?
As every shoot is different, we do not have a fixed price list. Click the Book a Sitting button above, tell us what you’d like, and ask us whatever questions you may have. We will reply and begin planning a shoot tailored to your needs.