Question 1

What is a tintype or ambrotype?

Accepted Answer

They're one-of-a-kind images made with the wet-plate collodion process. Tintypes are made on metal, ambrotypes on glass. Each plate is exposed and developed by hand during the session, resulting in a final object—not a print—that shows the marks and character of how it was made.

Question 2

How long does a session take?

Accepted Answer

A private session (mobile or in-studio) generally lasts 2-3 hours. I move at the pace the process requires. Overall time depends on how many total plates you want. Each one involves preparation, exposure, and developing in the darkroom. This rhythm—slow, attentive—tends to shape the experience. It’s less about efficiency, more about being present to what unfolds.

If you reserve a spot at a pop-up, we'll have 20 minutes together to create your tintype. We only have time for one plate so we'll use our time to orient you to the process and tailor the frame & lighting to suit you, or the two of you.

Question 3

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Fabrics, layers, textures and shapes tend to reveal unexpected nuances. Think of clothing as part of the collaboration rather than a performance.

In general: reds and reddish colors (yellow/orange/red) tend to appear darker with this process, and blues and bluish colors tend to appear lighter. Some might suggest avoiding wearing all-black or all-white, as black can soak up light, and white can bounce light around in an uncontrolled way. Rather than prescribe this, I'll name it. I've worked in both scenarios with fine results.

I always recommend bringing options that give us a different textures, tones, and shapes to work with––this can be especially helpful when there is more than one person in the image. If you're unsure where to start or have a question about a specific piece of clothing, reach out!

Question 4

Can I wear glasses?

Accepted Answer

Yes—though it depends on the lenses. Modern glasses often have UV or blue-light coatings that can appear opaque in tintypes, sometimes obscuring the eyes. If you have an older pair or non-coated lenses, those usually photograph best. Otherwise, you’re welcome to remove them for the exposure if you feel comfortable doing so.

Question 5

Can you make a copy of my tintype?

Accepted Answer

Each tintype is a singular object and cannot be duplicated. I do create and include high-resolution scans of the plates you take home. The tintype itself—the physical plate—is the true image: a piece of light and metal that exists only once.

Question 6

What happens if something goes “wrong”?

Accepted Answer

Imperfection is inherent to this medium, and often where its beauty lives. A chemical streak, a blur, a shift in exposure—all are part of the conversation between chance and intention. I don’t discard these moments; I let them speak. Sometimes the so-called “flaws” are the very heart of the image.

Question 7

Do you photograph children or pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes—with a bit of patience and flexibility. Tintypes require the subject to stay still for several seconds during exposure, so I approach sessions with kids/pets gently, allowing time for movement, curiosity, or rest. The goal isn’t strict stillness but a kind of shared attention. Sometimes the smallest gestures become the most memorable images.

Question 8

Do you photograph objects or materials, too?

Accepted Answer

Yes. My work extends beyond portraits into still life and material studies beyond the tintype—often using found or discarded objects as surfaces or subjects. These images explore transformation, memory, and the quiet mysticism of what’s been left behind.

Question 9

Can I commission a tintype or collaborative project?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I welcome commissions, both individual and collaborative. This might take the form of a portrait session, an installation, or an ongoing dialogue between materials, place, and image. Reach out with your idea, and we’ll find a shape that fits.

Question 10

Do you travel for sessions or projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Read the House Calls (https://www.redroomtintype.com/booking)section on my booking page. If you have a question or idea you're wondering about, feel free to reach out — I'm happy to discuss what's possible.

Question 11

How do I care for my tintype?

Accepted Answer

Handle your tintype gently, by the edges, and keep it out of direct sunlight. It’s best stored or displayed in a dry, stable environment. Like any metal object, it can age over time—an evolution I see as part of its life rather than a loss.

Question 12

Why tintypes?

Accepted Answer

Because the process slows me down. Because it invites presence, patience, and a kind of collaboration with light and matter. Because imperfection feels honest. Each plate is a small act of attention—a record of the moment as it really was.

Frequently Asked Questions