Where are you located?

We are located in Springfield, Missouri. However, we are a mobile studio and we are happy to come to you. There are no travel fees. Minimums may be applied depending on the distance.

How long do portrait sessions last?

On average a mobile portrait session lasts around an hour to an hour and a half. Popup event portrait sessions last 15 to 20 minutes.

How long are the exposure times?

Exposure times may vary depending on the lighting conditions. For natural light portraits, exposure times can be anywhere from one second to ten seconds. For studio lit portraits, exposure times will be around half of a second.

Will I have to sit very still?

Yes! It is part of the fun of the process. You have to sit as still as possible to ensure the image is not blurred by movement. However, micro-movements like blinking or breathing will not affect the image. It is important for us to make sure you feel very comfortable in the staging process, and that it is an easy pose for you to hold.

Can my children or pets be in the portrait?

Yes! We love photographing families and furry friends. Tintypes require long exposures, so both children and pets will have to remain very still during the exposure. If there is any movement in the image it can cause whoever moved to look blurred. It is important to note when having your children or pets photographed that there is a possibility they might not show up completely in focus. However, we will do our absolute best to make sure they are clear in the photo!

How does the chemical process work?

In short, we take a metal plate and make it photosensitive with chemicals that react to light. After the plate has been exposed to light, we process the plate similar to how you would process film. However, in the wet collodion method there are no negatives in the sense that you are able to make duplicates like in contemporary film. The image is a direct positive, meaning at one point in the process the image itself is a negative but is then converted into a positive with another chemical. You will be able to watch this transformation happen directly in front of you!

Do I get to take my plate home with me the same day as the portrait session?

You will not take your portrait home with you the same day as your session. The tintype process is a wet photographic process, which means it will need time to dry. Your plate will also need to be varnished before it finds its way back to you. On average it will take one to two weeks for you to receive your portrait. However, you will receive the archival film scan of your tintype one to two days after your session.

Can I have my tintype retaken?

Your portrait session includes one take. However, if there is an issue with the chemistry, the lighting, or we captured your blink (which is a very very rare occurrence) we will retake your tintype.

Can I smile in the portrait?

Yes! Though people most commonly prefer stoic expressions for tintype portraits, it is important to do what feels best for you. We find that the best portraits are taken whenever people feel completely comfortable.

What should I wear?

We suggest wearing whatever makes you feel the best about yourself, and it will look great in the photo! It should be noted that patterned clothing items have a tendency of looking distorted from their in person appearance due to the chemical process, and the bokeh from the 160 year old camera lens.

Can I wear my glasses in the tintype?

Ultimately, yes. It is your choice to wear glasses in your portrait. If you have selected a studio lit portrait it should be noted that the flash will most likely reflect in your lenses creating a glare where your eyes will not be visible in the tintype. If you understand this, and would still like to take your portrait with your glasses on then it should be noted we will be unable to retake your portrait if you are not happy with the way the glasses photographed. A way to mitigate this issue is to have your photo taken by natural light, which will aid in limiting the reflective nature of glass lenses. It is possible to still capture some reflection in the glasses, but natural light portraits significantly limit the likelihood of a glare occurring.

How should I display my tintype?

Like all artwork, tintypes should be kept out of direct sunlight. Well lit rooms are totally fine, we just want to make sure your portrait is not sitting in a beam of sunlight. We know tintypes can stand the test of time, since we still have portraits taken in the 1860s. Avoiding direct sunlight will aid in the longevity of your tintype. If you are planning on framing your portrait, make sure to use a matting so the plate is not directly touching the glass. Over time, if your tintype is touching the glass directly it will “off gas,” meaning your image will transfer to the glass.

Can I use my portrait on my website and post on social media?

Absolutely! We love when people share our work. If you wouldn’t mind letting people know we took the image, we would greatly appreciate it!