Handmade Tintype Portraits
Experience one of photography's oldest surviving processes.
I'm incredibly excited to bring handcrafted tintype portraits to Davis, West Virginia.
For years, I've been fascinated by the history of photography and the incredible craftsmanship behind the wet plate collodion process. After countless hours of learning, practicing, and perfecting this 170-year-old art form, I'm thrilled to now share it with my hometown and the surrounding mountain communities.
Every tintype I create is poured, exposed, and developed completely by hand in my Davis studio. No two plates are ever exactly alike. Each one carries its own character, imperfections, and timeless beauty, making it a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art.
Whether you're looking for a unique portrait of yourself, your family, or someone you love, I would be honored to create a handmade photograph that can be treasured for generations.
Thank you for supporting local art and for helping keep one of photography's oldest processes alive. I can't wait to make something special with you.
The Beauty of Imperfection
Tintypes are not meant to be flawless—they're meant to be authentic. The wet plate collodion process embraces imperfections that are impossible to recreate digitally. Tiny streaks, swirls, edge marks, and other blemishes are a natural part of creating each photograph by hand. While I strive to create the best possible portrait every time, no two plates will ever be exactly alike. That's the beauty of the process, and one of the reasons these handcrafted photographs have captivated people for more than 170 years.
Wedding Tintypes
Looking to add handcrafted tintype portraits to your wedding day?
Whether you'd like portraits of the bride and groom, your wedding party, or live tintype portraits during your reception, I'd love to talk with you.
Because every wedding is unique, wedding tintype coverage is quoted individually.
Please visit my Contact page to inquire about availability and custom wedding pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Plan on approximately 30–45 minutes depending on the type of session and number of plates.
-
All standard tintype sessions are created at my photography space in Davis, West Virginia. Natural Light Plates are done at select locations and can be arranged upon booking.
-
Absolutely. Additional handmade 4×5 tintypes are available for $100 each.
-
Simple clothing, natural textures, and solid colors photograph beautifully. Avoid clothing with large logos or busy patterns.