It's A Very Special Portrait Pop-up!
I'm so excited to be joining Vintage House for their Annual Holiday Market at Artifact Events. Come join me and have a one-of-a-kind portrait made, check out the other 70+ vendors, and grab refreshments at the bar or food trucks!
I will have some special holiday offerings and discounted pricing for this weekend only. Tintypes can make a wonderful gift, a unique Christmas card, or just a special treat for yourself. Please read on for pricing & reservation information. I hope to see you there!
What even is a wetplate photo anyway?
Wetplate is a photographic process that was invented and perfected before we figured out how to create film! The end photo is a direct exposure in camera - basically they are the OG Polaroids! If the base material you use is metal, it's called a tintype. If the base material is glass, it's called an ambrotype.
Here's a detailed explainer of the history and process from Getty Museum.
Do I have to hold still?
Yes, but only briefly! I will be using high powered strobes instead of sunlight, which cuts our exposure time down from a minute to just a fraction of a second!
What should I wear?
Wear what you feel good in, something that shows your personality!
Generally, go for interesting textures or patterns and avoid text. I encourage you to avoid white unless it is a garment with an interesting texture as it can be visually distracting.
An important thing to keep in mind is that colors will translate on collodion differently than you may expect. Check out the sample image at the bottom of this page created by Lund Photographics for a visual example. The left image is what our eyes see, and the right is how the wetplate camera (aka collodion) sees these colors.
Note on glasses: if you have transition lenses or UV & blue-light blocking lenses, your glasses may photograph slightly opaque (aka they look like sunglasses).
What's the process like? When do I get my tintypes?
Each photo is captured on a metal or glass plate that must be coated with collodion and sensitized in a bath of silver nitrate right before shooting. The whole process – from coating a plate to the final fix and wash – must be done before the collodion dries out. Hence the name, wetplate! This means I will work with you on posing and lighting adjustments before I prepare a plate.
After we capture your portrait, development takes only a few short minutes! Once they have been thoroughly washed and dried, each plate is digitized and varnished for archival longevity before being packaged up. You can pick up your photos the following day in person or have them sent via mail.
A social media ready (aka low resolution) digital copy is included with each session. If you would like to reprint your images larger than 4x5, a high resolution digital copy of your tintypes is available for $35. Digital copies are sent within 1 week.
Is there an admission cost to the Market?
Nope! The Market is totally free, but you are encouraged to RSVP (link here).
Sessions and Pricing
Single Tintype Portrait - $125 (normally $200)
This booking is for one 4x5 wetplate portrait on metal, with up to two subjects. Your session will take approx 30 min. Please arrive camera ready at least 5 min before your appointment time.
Single Ambrotype Portrait - $180 (normally $275)
This booking is for one 4x5 wetplate portrait on glass, with up to two subjects. Your session will take approx 30 min. Please arrive camera ready at least 5 min before your appointment time.
Double Tintype Portrait - $200 (normally $350)
Double the tintypes, double the fun! This booking includes two final 4x5 tintype portraits of up to two subjects. Your session will take approx 45 min. Please arrive camera ready at least 5 min before your appointment time.
Deposit Policy: A $75 deposit is required at booking. Balance is due at your appointment, and may be paid via zelle, venmo, or cash.
Deposits will be fully refunded if notified 24 hours before your session begins. No shows will forfeit their deposit.
Thank you for understanding.
Ready to book? Please fill out the appointment request form -> https://forms.gle/6ojAABX8amtiNZda6
More questions? Find me on instagram or shoot me a note!
