In the 1800's. when a photographer came to town, people lined up for possibly the ONLY photo they would ever have taken of themselves. Hard to comprehend in today's world. Wet Plate Collodion, or Tintype, is the photo process invented in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer. Prior to that, photos were mostly done on glass. During the Civil War, soldiers were wanting to send their photos to their families, but the glass was breaking when en route.

Earlier photo processes could take hours and involved very dangerous chemistry. Tintype photography was the first time portraiture was more accessible with more realistic sitting times. Most of the photos you see of Abraham Lincoln, shot by photographer Matthew Brady, were done with this process and still exist today. This will be the most honest photo you have ever taken. No filters, no computers, just you and the silver.

HOW IT WORKS • Finished product is generally 4x5 inches. Larger sizes are available when set up allows up to 8x10 • The portrait is done using a high powered flash. • Tintypes must be washed, dried, heated and have lacquer applied, so plates are not usually available same day.• Plate shipping is an option for a $15 fee, or pick up/meet up is an option.• Children can be in the photos of course, but please know, that any quick movements can make a blurred image•. Finished image will last 8+ generations.