Pricing
$60 per tintype. We offer some upgrades such as clear glass (+$10) and black glass (+$20). We’re also in the process of refinishing a full plate camera (6.5”x8.5”) and will be offering that size with upgrades soon (pricing TBD).
The Process
The wet plate collodion process is the predecessor to the daguerrotype and was widely used during the Civil War. As the name implies, everything must be done start to finish while the plate is wet, making it an arduous process since all of the chemistry must travel with the photographer.
First, the collodion is poured onto the plate, which acts as a form of glue to retain the silver. It is then entered into a silver bath for three minutes. The silver adheres to the collodion and only now becomes light sensitive. It is then loaded into the plate holder and must be shot in a 5-10 minute time span depending on the weather, humidity, etc. before it dries out. After the photographer gets the focus by looking through the back of the camera, the holder is loaded into the camera and the dark slide is removed. Light traveling through the lens transforms the silver halide into metallic silver. The dark slide is replaced, the holder taken out of the camera and back into the darkroom, and the plate is developed using an iron and acetic acid (strong vinegar) mixture. Water is poured over the plate to stop the development process and at this point the plate is no longer light sensitive and can be brought out into the light. The plate is put into a fixer bath which removes the unexposed silver, leaving behind the metallic silver that makes the image.
After a thorough washing for about 30 minutes to remove all of the fixer, the plate dries on a rack. It is then varnished with a gum sandarac or a shellac mixture. Each mixture has a hint of lavender, making the plate smell wonderful!
Sitting for a Portrait
Wet plate is a special process, and has a unique temperament. Because of this, there are some limiting factors to consider.
Wet plate is sensitive to blue light and UV light. That means anything blue will lighten considerably. Blue eyes might go white, or they might not!
Because of the UV sensitivity, glasses with UV protection tend to go dark. If you do not like the “sunglasses” look, we recommend taking off your glasses for your portrait.
Conversely, because the process is not sensitive to red, red or orange or even people with more red in their skin tone will go dark. Keep this in mind when choosing clothing. I tend to think that medium toned or lighter colored clothing looks nice and allows for more detail to be retained. Patterns always add a bit of flair and are highly encouraged, as well.
Tattoos may or may not be visible, and some tattoos react differently than other.
We can only shoot 1-2 people per plate.
Even though we do use a strobe and the actual picture being taken is quick, due to the slow nature of the process, it is incredibly hard to shoot children and pets as they must sit still while the photographer focuses, loads the plate holder into the camera, and takes the picture. Therefore, we will not shoot children under five or pets without prior approval. It can be done, but we just want it to be understood that it is very complicated.
There may be artifacts, streaks, dots, and whatever else on your plate. This is a historical and very temperamental process, so please understand that these things do happen but think of them as adding character to your already unique plate. If any of these features detract from the overall image such as covering your face, etc. we will be more than happy to re-shoot your portrait at no cost. Just let us know at the time the photo is taken.
What’s next? After your portrait is completed, we will take the plate home with us to give it a thorough washing. After the plate dries we will then scan it to provide you with a digital copy (share with your friends on all your favorite social media accounts and tag us!), and varnish the plate to prevent the silver from oxidizing and to create a more finished product that will be protected for generations to come. The plate will be sent out via USPS (unless other arrangements are made) within two weeks of the shoot!