Tintype Info
Tintype, a wet plate collodion positive on metal, is a historic photographic process originating in the 1850s and most associated with Civil War era America and one-of-a-kind keepsake photographs. Gaining interest again in recent years, the tintype process involves creating your own film by coating an aluminum plate in collodion and light sensitive chemistry, which must be shot in camera and developed on the spot before the chemistry dries.
I learned the wet plate process in late 2013, and in 2020 assembled a mobile darkroom to continue utilizing this process on my own. I currently offer commissions for individuals as well as families, couples, and pet portraits. I can also discuss possibilities for groups and businesses including events, weddings, and pop-ups on a case-by-case basis.
I also offer instruction in the wet plate process, and am available for small group workshops at arts and education organizations, as well as private instruction.
To book a session please email me: elfennelly@gmail.com
Please reach out to me via email with any questions or booking inquiries.
I am always available for commissions, collaborations, workshops, and instruction opportunities. Hourly pricing available for events and instruction.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Pricing & Terms:
Weather permitting, I am currently offering natural-light sessions outdoors near where I am based in Portland, OR. I can accommodate clients in my own backyard and home studio space, now also including the option of an indoor studio session with studio lighting. For a travel feel, I can also come to your home and photograph you on your porch or in your backyard. We can also discuss another outdoor location, such as a park or somewhere a little further and more scenic depending on what you are looking for.
I am currently offering two size options:
4x5: $50 each with a minimum of 2 tintypes per session. Only for images of up to 2 people.
5x7: $75 each with a minimum of 2 tintypes per session. Required size for images of 3+ people or 2 people and a pet.
8x10 possible by request
Travel fee: $30 for within 20 miles of the Portland-metro area. There may be additional fees for further distances.
*Pricing may vary for events
Please anticipate 1.5-2 hours for a session of 2-4 tintypes.
Now offering Spirit Photographs in Tintype!
Spirit Photograph 4x5: $60 (up to 2 people including spirit)
Sprit Photograph 5x7: $85 (up to 3 people including spirit)
All purchases of physical tintypes will include digital hi-res scans as well. Because exposure cannot be accurately measured for wet plate, the first exposure is typically a test plate which will not be included in any charges, unless selected as a final. Clients are only charged for final products.
Chemical anomalies are common in the tintype process, and because exposures tend to be longer (typically ranging from 3-20 seconds) there can be the possibility of some motion blur as well (especially when photographing multiple people in one image, pets, and children). This is par for the course and will not result in a re-shoot of the image unless the chemical anomaly is a significant issue, or the image is out of focus in camera. Tintypes can be re-shot on request for the additional cost.
All digital scans will be delivered within approximately 1 week, and physical plates (after being scanned and varnished for archival longevity) will be delivered within 2 weeks.
Important Tintype Info:
Highly insensitive to light (and only UV light) resulting in slightly longer exposure times usually ranging from 3-20 seconds in daylight.
Sensitive to blue spectrum light and not red (meaning blue sky, clothes, and objects will photograph lighter and red lipstick, hair, clothes will photograph very dark).
Must be shot and developed on-site before the chemistry dries and becomes inert (about a 5-15 minute window depending on weather conditions).
Typically takes about 20 minutes to produce 1 tintype from start to finish.
