Come as you are! Or, bring your alter ego. Wear something that makes you feel great. Tintypes can last over 100 years, so show up however you’d like to be remembered. One of the things I love about this process is how timeless the resulting images are, so classic pieces work really well. Layers and texture render beautifully. 

Some notes on color to keep in mind: the process is sensitive to the blue and UV end of the spectrum and blind to the red end of the spectrum, so red, orange, and yellow appear black or near black. The blue end of the spectrum appears white or near white.

DescripBecause the process is so sensitive to the ultraviolet (UV) end of the spectrum, please do not wear sunscreen or any makeup/cosmetics that block UV or has an SPF rating of any number. These products will make skin tones appear dark, splotchy, or uneven.tion text goes here

Due to the limitations and size restrictions, I can fit a max of 2 people on a 4x5 plate, and 3-4 people at most on a 5x7 plate. 

For one tintype, expect the session to last approximately 20-30 minutes.

Since this is a hand-made process, expect to hangout for 20 to 30 minutes. Upon your arrival we will take some time to discuss your needs or concerns, and I’ll explain the process and equipment. I will then pose you and adjust camera and lighting. I will ask you to remain still while I get the camera into focus. Finally I will get the coated tintype plated ready for the camera, focus one more time, count to 3, and fire the flash. (Yes, it will be bright.)

I then take the plate to my portable darkroom to develop it and will show you the final stage, called the fixing. In matter of seconds, you’ll see a pale blue-and-white negative image reverse itself and transform into a clear black-and-white tintype. Then I will take the plate home with me for varnishing and curing. You will receive a high-resolution scan of your tintype in about a day or two after the shoot. You will be able to pick up your tintype at an agreed upon location. Alternatively, I can send it to you by USPS Priority Mail for the cost of postage.   

Since this is a hand-made process, expect to hangout for 20 to 30 minutes. Upon your arrival we will take some time to discuss your needs or concerns, and I’ll explain the process and equipment. I will then pose you and adjust camera and lighting. I will ask you to remain still while I get the camera into focus. Finally I will get the coated tintype plated ready for the camera, focus one more time, count to 3, and fire the flash. (Yes, it will be bright.)

Yes. While I have been making tintypes since 2011 and take every effort to make a clean image each time, this is an imperfect process. Due to the nature of the chemistry and everything being hand-prepared, minor imperfections are normal with tintypes. Every image is unique and handled with care. 

I will recapture the plate if any of the following happens:

• Subjects are not within reasonable sharpness

• Chemical artifacts covering the face

• Exposure issues

However, if you simply dislike the plate for personal reasons, it is an additional $35 chemistry and materials fee to shoot another plate.

Yes! I provide a high-resolution scan of your tintype, allowing you to use your portrait for Christmas cards, personal prints for family members, and for any items that aren’t for commercial use.

With permission, yes. Please contact me to discuss rates.

Yes! Please contact me to discuss what you have in mind at drew@drewtanner.com.