Portraits • Headshots • Plymouth, New Hampshire

Erin’s Tintype Portrait Session

In addition to the digital Portrait Experience and Headshot Sessions, I offer Tintype Sessions, resulting in one-of a-kind photographs made on metal plates.  Each tintype is handmade. Using the wet-plate collodion method invented in 1851, I create an original, unique, tintype portrait.

This kind of photo session is an especially rewarding experience for anyone who appreciates art, history, and photography.

For Erin’s session, we decided to make an 8×10 plate. She watched as I prepared the plate in my darkroom (an old bank vault!) Next, she sat in front of the camera, where I directed her and exposed the plate with a flash of light. Plates must be exposed and developed within a few minutes. I use an antique camera and a beautiful, antique, soft-focus lens to create these images.

We returned to the darkroom for the next steps (developing and stopping), and then out to the studio for the last few steps (fixing, rinsing, and drying).

The studio front door on Main Street in Plymouth, NH, and the tintype room
The studio front door on Main Street in Plymouth, NH, and the tintype room
Some steps in the tintype process: the preparation of the plate, photographing, and developing

This video shows two more steps in the process of hand-making a tintype portrait: fixing and rinsing.

Video music: “Air Symphony” by Bryan Chi

More steps in the tintype process:  rinsing and drying; a scan of the final image
More steps in the tintype process: rinsing and drying; a scan of the final image

“My tintype session with Maundy offered the perfect touch of glamour with a hint of history. There is a special type of excitement that comes with the entire process. You’ll be amazed at what the massive antique camera and Maundy can create together. It’s not often that photos we see today are unedited, even the ones we take of ourselves! It is a pleasant surprise to see yourself in such a way and feel good. From classic tintype to full on glamour shoots, Maundy has always made me feel so comfortable in my own skin. I highly recommend a tintype session to anyone, but especially to those looking for a truly unique and timeless portrait.” – Erin G.