tintype essay

Tintype photography consists of a thin sheet of metal coated with dark enamel. Although it was first conceived by Adolphe-Alexandre Martin in 1853, Fredrick Scott Archer invented the wet-plate collodion process that makes the magic happen. Tintypes were widely used in the 1860s and 1870s, mainly capturing scenes of the wild west and the civil war. The medium was widely neglected into the early 20th century, and now it has revived as a novelty. 

Tintypes used to be reproduced on metals, which made it quite cheap and easily widespread for American citizens. The tintype is a positive picture on a metal plate. Photographic white paper will be the highlights of the image, and the silver will visualize the differing shades of black in the photo. Since the emulsion has a yellow tone, the contrast within the photo is not as distinct compared to conventional photography. As a result, the image will become faded and antique-y. However, photographers utilize tintypes for this exact reason. Sometimes, the yellow emulsion morphs into different colors ranging from red brown to green and blue, which can produce a beautiful product.

The modern tintype is a light liquid process that comes in a kit. It is much more safe and simple than the classic process, making it more suitable for beginners. To create a tintype, you can use a variety of metals. For instance, stainless steel and aluminum are acceptable metals to use. The metal should have a certain amount of thickness that makes the individuals plates lay completely flat. If they don’t lie flat, the emulsion will run off the edges or concentrate in the center of the plate. You can also create a couple of test strips to ensure that you’re doing it properly.

            In order for an image to show up, the plates have to be black. If you use matte spray paint, your photo will be matte. The same goes with glossy spray paint. Enamel spray paint works best. Afterwards, you have to coat the plates. Coating must be completed in the darkroom under red safelight. The emulsion must be a soft gel at room temperature. While you are coating, the last thing you want is the emulsion to go back to a gel. Afterwards, you dry the plates in a safe storage area for a few hours. After exposing the plates and putting them through a developer, you’re done.

1.

I chose this image because I love the contrast and how his head sticks out from his body. Also, I like the smudges on the corners. 

 2.

I chose this image because I love how it looks cracked and burnt. It is also well composed. 

 3.

I chose this image because the shades are really beautiful and the subject is in a perfect pose. 

 4.

I chose this image because I love the victorian feel to it and how the light is in the shape of a circle.

5.

I chose this image because I love the composition and the white strokes in the background. 

 6.

I chose this image because it's very unique and sort of reminds me of an old horror film. 

 7.

I chose this image because I love the expressions on the girls' faces and the brown-ish hue.

 8.

I chose this image because the setting is beautiful and I love the creases on the top half. 

9.

I chose this image because I love the white streak across her face and the angle her face is positioned. 

10.

I chose this image because the different colors in the corners and the setting looks beautiful. It almost looks like a painting. 

For my tintype, I want my portrait to be of my friend Olivia in a Victorian gown. I want it to look burnt and crispy.