Sessions are typically 30 to 90 minutes. It depends on many images we want to produce. Each image will take about 20 minutes total time so we can around 3 images per hour. Also, because of the randomness of the collodion process the first image of the day might need to be redone.

No! The actual posing time is less than 10 seconds. The rest of the time is spend preparing the plate and developing it after exposure.

The group size depends on the plate size. 5×7 = 1-2 people, 8×10 = 1-4 people. It is possible to photograph large groups but be aware that it is nearly impossible to get everyone to hold still and be in focus! Large groups need to be outdoors to have good light and enough space to get everyone in the frame. The exposure can last from 3 to 10 seconds so it is important that everyone hold as still as possible or they will be blurry. Very young children can be lots of fun!

My preference is to use natural light for portraits. I think it is the most flattering. But I can use flash photography if there is no sun or we are shooting indoors. The good thing about flash is you don’t have to hold still for very long, but the flash is very bright!

Anything you want! You just have to consider how the special nature of collodion impacts how your cloths will look in the final image. Colors might change and writing will be backwards on tintypes (images on glass will be correct). Sometimes people like to wear period clothing to keep the “antique” vibe. While others go for a more casual style. But anything that makes you feel special is great. Generally it is better to avoid busy patterns in portraits as they can be distracting.

Modern eyeglasses often have UV coatings. Great for your eyes but these coatings turn black in wet plate portraits. We can test for UV coatings using a flashlight and a $20 bill. If you glasses have UV coatings our options are ) Don’t wear glasses, or 2) Wear them and have a sunglasses look in your portrait, 3) Bring an old pair of glasses without lenses.

Colors will show different in collodion – see the question below. So makeup selection should reflect the potential changes. Blue can turn white and red or yellow will be darker. Medium to dark red lipstick is fine because lips tend to be bright.

I welcome pets and love working with animals. Results will vary depending on if your pet can hold still for 3 to 10 seconds!

Collodion is a black & white process (monochrome). So colors come out in special ways. Here is a handy guide:

White looks white
Black looks black
Blue comes out white to light grey
Green will turn out dark grey to black
Red is dark grey
Orange is the new black

Here is a color wheel showing how colors come out in collodion

Tintypes are handcrafted images and can have spots, lines, marks or other imperfections. There is no editing, Photoshop or filters so the image is a pure reflection of both you and the maker; it is honest and real. If I make a massive mistake (and I sometimes do) we will redo the image of course. But all tintypes will have some level of “character” and you should expect and embrace that!

We will set up the location and poses

I will get the camera adjusted and focused

You get to chill for about 5-6 minutes while I go into the darkroom to get a plate ready

Pose and check focus

It will take 3-5 seconds to get the picture so you will need to hold as still as possible for this time!

Back to the dark room to develop the picture – less than 5 minutes

I will bring the picture out into the light and you can watch the image emerge in the “fixing” bath

The picture goes into the rinse and we can setup for another picture!

It depends on the situation and if you are unhappy with your hair, clothing or pose/expression we can do another image for a $50 charge (or standard 2nd plate cost for Ambrotypes & large plates). Of course, if I have a chemistry problem or just make a big mistake (and I do sometimes!) the image will be redone free of charge.

The plate will need to be varnished and mounted (if you ask for framing). Often your finished plate will be ready the next day and never more than 2-3 days. I always varnish the plates to protect them. My current varnish is a mixture of Frankincense and lavender oil and this requires a bit of time to cure and harden. If you are not local to pickup, I will ship the final plates USPS or UPS.

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