Intro to Tintype Photography

In this two-day workshop, participants will explore the historic art of tintype photography, one of the earliest and most enduring photographic processes. Rooted in the wet-collodion technique, tintypes create images directly on enameled metal plates, producing one-of-a-kind, expressive, and lasting photographs.

Through a mix of demonstrations and guided hands-on practice, students will learn each step of the process: coating and sensitizing metal plates, exposing them in a view camera, developing and fixing in the darkroom, and varnishing the finished images. The class will also introduce the chemistry, equipment, and creative possibilities that make this 1850s-era process both magical and surprisingly relevant today.

Each participant will create and take home their own tintypes made during class. This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in historical photographic methods, alternative processes, or expanding their creative approach to image-making. No prior experience is required, and all materials and equipment are provided.

By the end of this workshop you will be able to:

• Prepare and sensitize metal plates for exposure
• Operate a large-format view camera for wet-collodion photography
• Develop and fix tintypes using traditional chemistry
• Apply protective varnish to finished plates
• Understand the materials, chemistry, and workflow behind the tintype process
• Experiment with composition, lighting, and exposure to create expressive portraits or still lifes
• Reflect on the historical and contemporary significance of the tintype process in photographic practice