Session Info & Pricing
Tintype Portraits
4x5 $120
5x7 $150
8x10 $200
What even is a Tintype?
This historical photography process was developed in the 1850s, a technique called Wet Plate Collodion or more commonly, a tintype. This would be the photography your great-great-grandparents would have experienced. All of the chemistry used in the process is hand mixed for each session. The collodion is used to coat the metal plate and in the darkroom Silver Nitrate sensitizes it to light. Once light sensitive, the plate is enclosed in a light-secure plate holder and placed in the back of the camera to be exposed. Exposure times vary depending on amount of natural and/or studio lighting available. After exposure, the plate holder is removed from the camera and taken back into the darkroom to develop the image on the plate. When a negative image begins to appear, fixer is applied changing the image from a negative to a positive right before your eyes. During this whole process, chemistry must remain wet giving the photographer 10-15 minutes to create a one-of-a-kind photo. Once the plate is dry a special wax is used to coat the image, providing protection from the diminishing elements of time making this an heirloom to be passed on for generations.
This being the 21st century, I offer a digital scan of your image emailed to you giving the freedom to print and share to your heart's content.
Now, let’s go create something beautiful (or weird)!
What is Included
4X5 Tintype
This size is the most versatile for individuals, couples, or families with up to 5 faces, usually from waist up in studio.
Special pricing for purchase of 3+
within one session
Starting From
$ 120
5x7 Tintype
This size is best for 1-2 faces in traditional Portrait orientation or up to 4 faces in Landscape orientation.
Special Pricing for purchase of 3+
within one session
Starting From
$ 150
8x10 Tintype
This size is Largest I offer and best for 1-3 faces (or family of 4 with small children).
Special Pricing for purchase of 3+
within one session
Starting From
$ 200
Salvage Sparrow
SCheduling a Session
1.Fill out the form
Check out Studio availability and choose the date and time that works best for you. Be sure to include your contact info, how many folks in your portrait, if you would like more than one Tintype, and a little about the inspiration for your Tintype Portrait (ie: anniversary, engagement, family portrait and such…)
If you do not see availability listed on a preferred date, reach out and see what we can make happen!
2.Session Reservation
Once I receive your Session Request Form and Venmo deposit to reserve your session, you will receive an email confirmation within 24hours of your reservation along with our Studio Address in Comer, GA.
If you are unable to send deposit with Venmo, please reach out to discuss other options for payment.
3.Picture time
Once your session is reserved with your deposit, I mix the chemistry we will be using to create and develop your Tintype Portrait.
Each tintype will be completed within 10-15 minutes of the first chemistry poured. Realistically, we can make up to 2 tintypes in 30 minutes. Deposits include an hour of studio time with your portrait, unless noted otherwise. This gives time to discuss ideas, setup in front of the camera, and create multiple exposures.
The exposure time during this process has many variables including how many people will be in frame and the distance between subjects and camera. In natural light/shade, exposure times are usually between 1-45 seconds. Movement during natural light exposure can cause a face to be out of focus or ghost-like giving the genuine aesthetic of earliest tintypes. With studio lights we can expect somewhere between 5-15 seconds required exposure time for each image. Some small movements during this time are forgiven as long as it doesn't happen during the flash of the strobes. Studio lights are the best option when kids or pets are involved. Natural light sessions are an option when weather and temperatures allow which gives a wider range of exposure times determined by sun vs shade and will be discussed for individual appointments.
4.Delivering photos
After we have created your tintype(s), there are a few more steps to help ensure it can last generations.
A coat of wax is applied to your image once it is dry. I then scan all purchased tintypes creating a high resolution digital file that will be emailed to you. By this point, we'll have hopefully discussed the best option for receiving your tintype between local pick-up or mailing them to you. If you prefer tintypes be shipped, you can expect them to be on their way to you within 7-10 days of your session. Shipping services through USPS are included if necessary.
Tintype Portrait tips
What to wear?
Textures/Layers/Patterns add rich details to a portrait in this medium. Solid white clothing can reflect light and create a halo effect. Solid black clothing absorbs light making some exposures longer with more contrast in the image. Blues are rendered white and reds are rendered as black in this process due to the nature of it recording UltraViolet light.
Images will appear mirrored which means any words or logos within frame appear backwards.
Eye glasses add to expression and are encouraged if you normally wear them. We will work with avoiding studio light glare on the lens. Non-glare and transition lenses have been known to black out during a photo, making it appear like they are sunglasses due to the bright flash used during exposure. Some prefer to wear their glasses regardless for fear of not appearing as themselves if they go without them. I totally get it. If you have a pair of frames where the lenses can be removed, please consider bringing those if you are not sure which style lens your glasses carry and would rather not go without your specs in your portrait. If you know for sure you do not have non-glare lenses, we can give it a go and see what we get.
A tintype of your kids (furry ones too)?
Yes! because they are adorable and it's worth a try.
But, you know them better than I do. A few questions to consider when trying to decide if they could be a cooperative collaborator in this process:
1) Do they have the ability to sit (relatively) still for up to 60 seconds?
2) Can you bring food/toys that might help motivate that focus?
3) Will it bother you if their faces are blurry from moving during exposure? Small ones will move between set-up of portrait and actual exposure which can make them appear out of focus in the portrait.
4) Will bright studio lights and even brighter flash traumatize them (more than a treat can heal)?
*For families with ages 1-8 year olds : We usually get one shot with this age group. Once they experience the (studio) lights flash for the first portrait, requests for further participation in front of the camera for another try are largely rejected. The lights are bright and some children decide they would not like to experience it again. We support autonomy for all here. This is a space for practicing radical acceptance. All faces and all bodies welcome. Let’s have fun with the process of creation!
Need to reschedule / Cancel?
Stuff comes up! I get it.
Reschedule or Cancel requests made 48 hours or more prior to your session date transfers deposit in full to a later date, within 20 days of original session to use chemistry that was mixed for your portrait(s) before expiration.
If request to cancel is within 48 hours of your appointment date, 50% fee will be retained to cover chemistry and prep time and/or rescheduling past your chemistry's expiration.
Thanks for your understanding!
Preserving moments with silver and light...
I hope to see you.
