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.
Our shoots are fun! Whether we are making portraits of your family or images of your home and garden, we find our clients become fascinated by the process and truly enjoy the magical experience. We love sharing the process and the delight it brings to our clients.
The tin type process is refreshingly methodical — making one plate involves many steps and typically takes about 15 to 25 minutes. We shoot in studio in New York City, or we travel to your home or location. 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. When on location to shoot your home and garden we walk the property scouting and seeking your input on the most important and beautiful compositions.
In studio you may book a shoot for one hour, all day, or anything in between. Location shoots take between 1 and 3 days depending on the scale of the project. 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. Our large size prints and custom books make for beautiful conversation pieces. We pride ourselves on our ability to customize our shoots to our clients wishes.
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 number of people 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 ocasion. 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.