What is a tintype? What is tintype photography?
Can you create a tintype from an old photograph?
What are the different backing plates that I can choose for my image?
How long will it take to receive?
What kind of image works best?
How long will my Digital Tintype last?
Will it fade?
What is a tintype? What is tintype photography?
A tintype is a photograph made by exposing an image directly onto a sheet of metal that is blackened by painting, lacquering or enameling and is used as a support for a collodion photographic emulsion. Tintype photography began in the 1850's and requires the photographer to make an emulsion of collodion by hand to create the image. Traditionally, the image would have to be immediately exposed in camera to create a tintype. Our one of a kind process allows us to expose your digital image to a silver rich metal plate just as they were exposed in the 1850's, but with a modern twist! These one of a kind plates are hand crafted and made to be the finest heirloom we can create. Because this is a custom made process, our work is not able to be refunded. If there is any issue with our tintypes, please reach out to our staff to remedy.
What is a digital tintype?
An authentic digital tintype is a one-of-a-kind tintype made from a digital file. This process was trademarked by our founder in 2012.
Unfortunately we have to add the below additional remarks as there are now unaffiliated companies infringing on our trademark & intellectual property. These attempts to sell their product as our own has created some very unhappy people, and this is the opposite of why we founded our business. Our business was founded to breathe new life into long forgotten heirloom photographs, creating legitimate legacy images for families internationally. There is no other company in the world who crafts digital tintypes as we do, and we take family memories very seriously which is why we are so disturbed by the scam products mimicking our heirloom pieces. We wish the internet to just be a place of learning and creation, but we do have to let our clients know what is going on out there!!
*This process was trademarked by our founder in 2012, any other online services representing their products as 'digital tintypes' are not licensed, affiliated, or promoted by our company in any way. Any like named product offered on any other platform violates our trademark and dilutes our well established brand of heritage products. Our founder is known as a master printer and restoration artist and there is really no comparison, however, there are scam companies using our brand to promote their unlicensed product. Please know any digital tintype purchased from any other platform is not licensed by our company in any way and violates our trademark and intellectual property.’
Our one of a kind in the world tintypes are made by first converting a digital file into a photographic negative that is then exposed in an enlarger. We use the same collodion and varnishing formulas that were created in the 1850's to make our digital tintypes. It is with this technology that we are able to convert uploaded digital files into negatives and then expose them directly onto a collodion coated silver sensitized metal plate. We have spent years perfecting our techniques and are the only authentic digital to tintype studio in the world that exposes real film. While we can’t share the secrets to our business practices or recipe for our special photographic sauce, we are happy to share the results!
Can you create a tintype from an old photograph?
Yes! Simply upload a high resolution digital scan of your old photograph and we can turn that into a tintype.
What are the different backing plates that I can choose for my image?
We offer digital tintypes in two styles; black and rose gold. Here's a description.
How do I order?
It is simple! Start by selecting your size in our products section. We offer digital tintypes in three sizes, 4 x 5, 5 x 7, 8 x 10. From the product selection you will choose your plate style (black or rose gold). Proceed to check out! You will be prompted to upload your image upon checkout.
How will I upload my image?
After you select your size and place your order, you will upload your image on the confirmation page. Simply fill out the form as prompted and then attach your image. If you are uploading multiple images in a quantity order you will need to upload a zip file of all of your images. For example, you have selected 3 5x7 digital tintypes and have proceeded through the checkout. When uploading, you will be prompted to attach one file and will need to attach a zip file of all 3 image files for processing.
What do I get?
You will receive your digital tintype in the size and style you select delivered to the address provided boxed and ready to frame.
How long will it take to receive?
Because this is a handmade process, we make sure that each order is treated with the utmost care and hand each order one at a time. Your order will be delivered to you within 4-6 weeks of your purchase date, domestic shipping (US 48 Contiguous States) is free of charge for tintype orders without heavy framing. We also offer expedited service at an additional charge, you can choose this option at checkout. When you expedite your order it is processed and shipped to you in 5 business days (order on Monday before noon CST, receive the following Monday). If for unseen circumstances there is a delay in the rush shipping we will refund the rush charge and fulfill the order asap. We always strive to meet your deadline, and will communicate any expected delay.
What kind of image works best?
All types of images translate perfectly into a tintype image. If you are able to upload a file that is 600 dpi, that will make the best tintype possible. Upload a tif as a zip file for best quality. If there is a problem with the file you upload, our staff will contact you directly. Uploaded images will darken about 15% when plated. If you have access to Photoshop or a similar editing program that provides the ability to manipulate the histogram, the image below is a rough guide for what to prepare in your file. Providing an image with a true white point (highlight) and true black point (shadow) as shown below will create the best quality tintype.
How long will my Digital Tintype last?
Your digital tintype has been made to last generations. To properly preserve, your tintype should be framed behind glass with the glass not touching the tintype.
Will it fade?
As with all photographs, your digital tintype should not be placed directly in the sun. We recommend that you preserve your image by properly framing your digital tintype. This will insure that your image will last for generations.
Problem with your order?
Still have questions? Contact Us We'll be happy to answer any questions you have. If there is any issue with our tintypes, please reach out to our staff to remedy. We do not offer refunds on our customized tintype and ambrotypes, but our staff will work with you to create the perfect heirloom!
© 2025 Digital Tintypes
