Tin Type Wet Plate Portraits in Lancaster, PA PhotOle Photography studio
A tintype, also known as a melainotype or ferrotype, is a photograph made by creating a direct positive on a thin sheet of metal coated with a dark lacquer or enamel and used as the support for the photographic emulsion. Tintypes enjoyed their widest use during the 1860s and 1870s, but lesser use of the medium persisted into the early 20th century.
Would people still love my photos fifty years into the future? Did I take the best picture possible? Creating something new yet timeless is my mission. I'm always learning something new while applying my touch to every photo.
What We Offer
Tintype portraits are one-of-a-kind, handcrafted photographs created using a historic 19th-century process.
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Each portrait takes about 15 minutes per plate.
Sessions are by appointment only.
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Individual, couple, or family portrait options.
Fresh chemistry is used for the best quality and finish.
Relaxed, friendly, and professional environment.
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$150 for the first plate
$50 for each additional plate
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![Studio setup with professional cameras, lights, and equipment on a black and white checkered floor with a blue backdrop.]()
Photograph & Develop
Your portrait is captured and developed on the spot using a historic wet-plate tintype process. This step happens during your session and takes about 15 minutes per plate.
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![A black and white photograph of a woman with short hair, wearing jewelry and earrings, placed on a red plastic surface near a white wall.]()
Dry
After development, the plate is rinsed and allowed to fully dry. This is an essential step before any finishing work can be done.
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![A black and white portrait photograph of a woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing a dark, possibly lace, top, placed on a white surface against a plain wall.]()
Scan for Digital Copy
Once dry, the plate is professionally scanned to create a high-quality digital version of your tintype for viewing, sharing, or printing.
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![Black and white framed photograph of two women, one with shoulder-length hair wearing a dark lace dress, and the other with hair in a bun wearing a patterned dress with cutouts, against a cloudy background.]()
Varnish
The final step is varnishing the plate, which seals and protects the image, ensuring its longevity and giving it a finished appearance.
About
What do you make?
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I create one-of-a-kind tintype portraits made by hand, on location. Each image is crafted using a historic wet plate collodion process that dates back to the 1850s—producing a tangible, metal photograph that is completely unique and cannot be replicated.
Why is your product unique?
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Every tintype is a physical original. There are no negatives, no digital backups, no duplicates. The image is developed immediately on a metal plate while still wet, which means each portrait carries its own character—subtle imperfections, textures, and depth that digital photography simply cannot reproduce. It’s not just a photo; it’s a handcrafted artifact made in real time.
How would you describe yourself as a maker?
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I see myself as both a photographer and a craftsman. I work slowly and intentionally, embracing the chemistry, light, and unpredictability of the process. Setting up a mobile darkroom on location allows me to bring this historic craft directly to people, turning the portrait session into an experience—not just a transaction.
What passion drives your creativity?
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I’m driven by the desire to preserve moments in a way that feels permanent and meaningful. In a world where most images live on screens for a few seconds, tintypes endure for generations. I’m passionate about creating portraits that feel honest, timeless, and deeply personal.
Why should you choose me?
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Because I don’t just take portraits—I create heirlooms. My on-location tintype process transforms any space into a living 19th-century studio, offering your clients or guests an unforgettable experience and a piece of art they can hold in their hands. If you’re looking for something authentic, rare, and truly memorable, this is it.