• I offer two different kinds of sessions — private studio sessions and open studio days

• Private Studio Sessions

  • These sessions are longer and give us more creative time to curate, stage, light, and compose a scene

  • Plan for one hour or more

  • Additionally tintypes can easily be created

  • Sometimes we will need to create a test plate

• Open Studio Days & Pop-ups

  • These sessions are offered at a discounted rate to make the art of tintype accessible to everyone

  • 10-20 minute sessions

  • Due to time constraints, lighting and poses are limited

  • These events involve making 30-60 tintypes in a day — I’m usually punctual about my appointments but delays can occur

• Arrive on time! Especially for open studio days and pop-ups where the sessions are only 10-20 minutes

• Each tintype is made by hand and takes about 10 minutes to make, shoot, and develop — all before it dries out

• Your portrait session will involve

  • A discussion about what kind of portrait we want to make

  • Posing and holding still in front of the camera — don’t worry, I’ll give you lots of direction

  • Capturing the image involves a brief but intense flash of light

  • After a quick stop in the darkroom you’ll get to see the tintype develop in front of your eyes

BASIC TINTYPE SESSION INFO

• Ask as many questions and take as many photos and videos as you’d like

• Each tintype has to be varnished for archival preservation — they can be picked up at a later date or shipped to you for $5 — usually available in 2 weeks

• Tintypes can be really difficult to photograph — digital files are available to purchase for $25 per tintype, including a high resolution scan and a video of the development process

• Additional plates shot during the session are available for purchase at $100 each

• Prints are available to purchase

• WARNING: Eye glasses often come out as sunglasses on Tintypes

• Contact lenses can also tint your eyes a darker shade — wear at your discretion

• Avoid large lettering on clothes like graphic tees — the image is mirrored and can be distracting

• All black or all white won’t show up that well but when used sparingly can look stunning

• Chunky textures and patterns work well — much of the photo will be out of focus

• Necklines are a good detail to focus on —layering or flowy fabrics are good options

• Most importantly is to dress how you want to represent yourself in the image

• WARNING: Avoid wearing foundation it can appear much lighter than your skin tone on tintype

• Hats are fun, but not necessary — we can wok with any size or stye hat

• Same with jewelry and makeup. Less is more. Think of the ensemble as a whole rather than itemizing

• Too much hair the around the face and neck can cast a lot of dark, high contrast shadows

• Updos are my personal favorite and look really nice on tintype

• Hair & Makeup Artists can be available for longer session — message me about stylist recommendations and pricing

• Think about how you want to pose for your portrait. You’ll have to hold the pose VERY still for a few moments so consider stable poses rather than dynamic ones.

• Know your angles. What side of your face do you prefer?

• From what angle do you like the looker to view your face? From above? From below?

• Portray a personality or character. Or embody your professional identity, romantic identity, or you’re-traveling-to-a-posh-destination-to-meet-up-with-some-fabulous-fiends identity.

• It’s usually only upper body so don’t stress too much on shoes or pants.

• Hands can be fun to incorporate but hand modeling is much harder than people give it credit.

  MOST IMPORTANTLY

• Think about your expression. Be deliberate. You will have to hold the pose for a few moments. Again think static instead of dynamic. Gaze into the eyes of the camera. Or consider what direction you want to look.

• Smiles are nice but can look inauthentic when held for too long.

Tintypes are a historic, handmade, photographic print and the medium is inherently flawed. I do my best to make a great picture within the time available. Ruined images will be reshot for free. All other reshoots are available for half-price.