Tintype photography

TINTYPE HISTORY ESSAY

Dating back to the early 1850s, Tintype photography has been utilized for it’s signature retro look and “fast” results. This type of photography experienced the most use during the 1860s-70s, and less going into the 20th/21st century. This doesn’t mean that it was completely discontinued, this type of photography attracts many photographers due to the fact that it has an instant (as in 20 minutes) result of a print that the customer can purchase. This photography is accomplished through the collodion process, a form of developing pictures by adding a soluble iodide to a solution of collodion (cellulose nitrate) and coating a glass plate with the mixture. This process reduces exposure time and was significantly less costly than the previously used, daguerreotype process. The collodion process requires a metal plate that was covered with a black tar like substance, then the collodion chemical is poured all over the plate making a thin and even layer. The plate is then submerged into a tub of silver nitrate for about 3-5 minutes, making the plate sensitive to all light which will allow for the photograph to show up. Once the plate is done with the silver nitrate, the metal sheet is placed into a box that is then attached to the camera that you’re using. Once attached to the camera, the photographer removes the block, leaving the metal vulnerable to the exposure of the desired object. After the shutter is left open for the amount of time, depends on the photographer, the block is reattached and the box with the metal sheet is removed from the camera. Taking the metal sheet back to the dark room, the photographer proceeds to pour developing solution to the photo, only for about 10-15 seconds, then is quickly washed off with water so as to not over-develop the photo. Finally, the photographer has the finished product of their desired photograph. Although, this type of photography has a rather lengthy process, the product is very cool and creative and pays off.

I like this photograph because the depth of field directly brings focus to the little girl's unique freckles and light eyes. 

I like this portrait because of the use of the cloth so as to create a sense of minimalism while simultaneously being very interesting to look at. It appeals to my personal aesthetic. 

I like this portrait because of the anxious expression on the model's face.

I like this portrait because of the interesting use of lighting so as to highlight (quite literally) the man's rugged beard and wrinkles and the contrast that those features have on his soft eyes and likeable facial features.  

I like this portrait because his eyes look almost transparent, ghostly even.

I like this portrait because of the simplicity of it, the model's pose is unique but doesn't distract from her natural radiance. 

I like this portrait because of the wild tone that it portrays while also having a sense of class and simplicity. 

This portrait appealed to me because of the minimalist aesthetic that is portrayed through the model's straight brown hair and her white turtleneck sweater. The lipstick contrasts from the simplicity but instead of ruining the aesthetic, it enhances it. 

This image appealed to me because i really liked the way that the photograph complimented his thin beard and his wild strands of hair with the thin scarf. 

I liked this portrait because of the contrast that it makes of having a more modern subject with a more traditional type of photography. Also I love the way that the freckles show up on this type of print.  

WHAT I WANT MY PHOTOGRAPH TO LOOK LIKE

I would like to have a portrait of a person with really light eyes and lots of freckles, i dont know who yet. I was thinking of either Bella Luf. or Zack Walton? maybe? I'm not sure. If i choose Bella then i'd want to bring a veil so she can drape it over herself to add depth to the picture and make it more artistic.