FAQ

What is a tintype?
A tintype is a photograph made using a 19th-century process called wet plate collodion. Each image starts with a hand-poured emulsion on a metal plate that’s made light-sensitive right before it’s exposed. The plate is developed by hand while it’s still wet, revealing an image made of pure silver — permanent, imperfect, and one of a kind. It’s slow work. Messy work. The result is something timeless and tangible — a portrait that feels rooted in history, but alive in the present.

How long will I have to sit still?
Most tintype exposures are between 2-5 seconds.

How long is the process?
The process itself is simple and slow in the best way. Once everything is set, making a tintype takes about ten minutes. Because of the nature of large format cameras, there’s a brief moment, about 10 seconds, where you’ll need to stay perfectly still while I focus and load the plate. Any small movement during that time softens the image, which can be beautiful in its own way. Before I ever pick up the plate, I like to spend time getting to know you — who you are, what brought you here, what kind of story you want to tell. Each portrait is made with intention, shaped around you, so the experience never feels rushed.

What should I wear?
Come as you are — the portraits I love most capture the truest, most authentic you. Skip “period-specific” clothing and choose timeless, simple pieces with texture: flannels, collared shirts, silk blouses, denim jackets. Mid-tones and textured fabrics photograph best; pure white or black can be distracting. Glasses can glare, so if possible, bring an old pair without lenses. For makeup, red lipstick reads bold and classic, while purples and pinks often appear pale. Most importantly, show up as yourself.

When do I get my tintype?
Your physical tintype ships after varnishing — usually within two weeks. I scan every plate after it’s washed and dried, and you’ll get your scans by email within 5 days. 

What is the difference between natural light and studio lit portraits?
Natural light portraits are more historically accurate and are great for environmental portraits  — beautifully capturing a family on their front porch, couples in their garden, an artist in their studio, or a small business owner in front of their shop. With no modern lights or technology used to create the tintype, natural light portraits can be softer in focus.
Studio portraits use powerful strobe lighting to replicate sunlight in an instant. This makes them ideal for wiggly subjects — babies, kids, and pets —while creating sharp, high-contrast images full of detail.

How many people can you shoot at once?
The number of subjects in a portrait depends on the size of the frame. As a guideline: 1–3 people for a 4x5, or 2–4 for a 5x7 or 8.5x6.5. More faces make each subject smaller, so there’s some flexibility. Portraits with more than two faces (plus up to two small children who can be held) are an additional $20 per extra face.

Pets?
Absolutely! Pets are welcome in both studio and outdoor/porch sessions.

Do you sell gift cards?
Yes!

Where is your studio?
460 West 3rd Street Winona, MN 55987 - West building entrance. I share a building with Pillbox Bat Co. and share a room with HVRNT Studio.