I’m Kyle McMillin, based in Seattle.

I work with the wet-plate collodion process.

I'm continually drawn to the possibilities each plate carries, the poured silver emulsions, the imperfections, and the way each image emerges through the materials.

I work with two substrates:

Tintypes are made on metal

(I use black-painted aluminum)

Ambrotypes are made on glass.

Each plate is poured, exposed, developed and fixed, all within about 15 minutes.

Each is a totally unique photographic object that will last for centuries.

What To Expect

I enjoy working in a patient and collaborative way:

I guide, you respond, and together we create each image.

This is a long exposure process, which means we pause and hold still for a few moments while the plate gathers light.

I'll guide you through it, and most people find it easier than they expect.

The plate is then developed right away, and the image takes shape in seconds.

Plates are scanned and varnished afterward, and you can pick it up or have it mailed.

I work with two substrates:

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Tintypes are made on metal

(I use black-painted aluminum)

​