It's all by done by hand! The trick is really the quality of the cutting tool. Watch to see just how easy it is to cut your own glass.
We are accepting sittings at our Chicago location for those wishing to have the in camera tintype experience. We shoot in two sizes, 5x7 & 8x10. On your next visit to Chicago, come and experience the wet plate collodion process first hand! Contact us for information on pricing and how to book your appointment.
Ruth, age 4. The scarf belonged to Ruth's grandmother, and the dress was a gift from her great aunt. The precious face is all Ruthie!
We love tintypes! It seems that we are not alone in our love of everything tintype. Have you seen the Tintype Snappak from Hipstamatic? It is a plug in for the Hipstamatic app that allows you to take a photograph with the look of a tintype filter. It seems the filter mimics a Petzval lens and collodion pour off marks. It is a go to on my iphone for when I want to snap a fun photo and post to instagram. Why not also upload these fun tintypes to make a real deal tintype you can hold in your hand not just swipe on your phone? Our 2.5 x 2.5" tintype is the perfect size for these fun Hipstamatic tintypes. Upload your favorite digital tintypes, get started here.
the 'tintype' from the Hipstamatic app
an actual tintype made from a Hipstamatic digital file
We offer two unique ways to create special wet plate collodion photographs from your digital images. Wet plate collodion photography began in the 1850's and was especially in use during the civil war when Matthew Brady produced thousands of glass plate (ambrotype) photographs as he captured moments instantly that have become a lasting part in the collection of our photographic history. We create ambrotypes like those of Brady's time, using similar chemical formulas to expose all types of images to glass plates. These ambrotypes are available in three different color styles, ruby red, cobalt blue, and opaque black. Tintypes are wet plate collodion images exposed to metal sheets. Traditionally, tintypes were exposed to black metal sheets. We offer a twist on the traditional tintype and expose plates in four different metal styles, black, brown, high polish silver, and rose gold.
Ruby red, opaque black, and cobalt blue ambrotypes made from digital files.
We often get asked the best way to prepare your digital files for upload. If you are able to edit your images with Photoshop, or a similar photo editing software, there are a few short steps to prepare your digital photographs for best plating. It is a good idea to take a look at the histogram and see the levels for the highlights and shadows. Here is an example of an ideal histogram. The image has a true white point as well as a true black point, with strong mid tones throughout.
We do give each image a once over to check the levels, so if you are uploading a camera phone photograph we will edit the levels slightly as needed. Contact us if you have any questions about file preparation.
We are now booking in camera tintype sittings! Our sittings are by appointment only and are offered in three sitting sizes. We create a 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 tintypes from our Chicago studio. If you are going to be in the Chicago area and would like to book a sitting, contact us to book you sitting time! digitaltintypes@gmail.com
Below are written reviews from our clients about what they think of our work:
I recently purchased a tintype photo for my wife for our tenth wedding anniversary. She loved it, and especially appreciated that it came matted and ready to frame. She framed it right away and it is hanging in our living room. The instructions for caring for and framing the picture were very helpful. I look forward to having this tintype for the rest of our lives.
What a great experience and the photo turned out great! It made a lovely tin anniversary gift for my brother in law. Delivered on time and great service all the day around. Great with questions too!
I ordered a 5x7 as a gift for my sister. She was ecstatic upon receipt. Well done! Jen contacted me about a different ship to address i used and included a nice gift message for me, and mailed the invoice to me. Makes wonderful gifts! Highly recommended - this is my second order of more to come!
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