• 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.

• Did my tintype get darker?

  • Tintypes use a black metal base for the dark tones, and pure silver for the bright and mid tones.

  • This gives a uniquely desirable appearance when light reflects on the surface.

  • Without sufficient light, tintypes can appear quite dim. It is important to display your tintype in a bright area

  • Track lighting aimed and focused above the tintype is ideal.

• How do I frame my tintype?

  • I am working to locally source custom frames specifically designed to display and light your tintypes. I’m hoping to have some available for sale later this year.

  • Do not frame your tintype in a way where it makes contact with glass.

  • A shadow box looks best in my opinion.

  • A thick mat can really punctuate the image.

  • Be sure to use mid-toned colors or darker for the mat. Grey, Forrest green, or a deep red are my personal favorites.

  • You don’t want the mat to be brighter than the image!

• What are digital files?

  • Having a tintype portrait made is as much an experience as it is a keepsake

  • When you add the digital files to your session you receive a Dropbox folder full of goodies:

    • Ultra High Resolution scan of each tintype

    • Witnessing a tintype develop is pure magic! I film the transformation from negative to positive in 4K.

    • All behind the scenes footage

  • I’ve scanned and digitally archived most of my tintype. If you’d like the digital files from a previous session email me.

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.

My studio is located at

THE GALA
412 S 700 W #120
SLC UT 84104

1. Be sure to use a GPS to get to my studio, it’s sandwiched between the interstate and the train tracks. Routes can be quirky. 

2. Park in the gravel lot behind the building close to the patio by the big windows.

3. Enter the building through the grey door with the big “G” that says GALA.

4. Once inside the building, head to the back of the space where the window says “TINTYPE PORTRAITS”

Once you have received an email notification that your tintype is ready for pickup, your tintype will be located on the pickup table right outside my studio at:

THE GALA
412 S 700 W #120
SLC UT 84104

Open Hours:
Thursday - Saturday
10AM - 5PM