Book A Shoot
everything you need to know.
I live in West Cornwall in a cottage where the land meets the sea.
There are magical stories of Folklore and of Giants on this land of Gorse, Heather
Hawthorn and Bramble.
I would like to invite you to join me in experiencing this beautiful process in this landscape.
Please read below for more information if you would like find out more, book
a portrait shoot, purchase a gift voucher or are interested in a workshop.
Accommodation is also available if you need somewhere to stay.
.Please contact me if you would like to know more about this.
Portfolio Highlights
WHAT IS A TINTYPE ?
A Tintype is an heirloom photograph made on a thin sheet of metal. A timeless fusion of art, light and chemistry. Each image is handcrafted using a 19th Century process creating one of a kind portraits in silver.
WHAT IS A AMBROTYPE ?
An Ambrotype is a direct positive photograph created on glass using the same wet plate techniques and craftmanship.
The image shows as a negative and appears positive when viewed over black material such as card or black velvet.
FAQ
01. WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
A brief description...
Wet-Plate Photography is a Victorian photographic process invented in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer. It involves coating a sheet of glass ( Ambrotype) or metal plate (Tinytype) with a collodion solution and sensitising it in a silver nitrate bath, then exposing and developing the plate all while it's still wet. This method produces highly detailed heirloom images. As the plate must stay wet throughout the entire process it requires a darkroom. I use a portable darkroom when out on location.
The technique is known for its rich internal range and distinctive vintage aesthetic.
02. shoot location
Shoots take place out on location or at my home studio & garden.
I prefer to shoot in natural light, this is the old way and produces more ethereal looking images. I do have lights when the Uv drops, Wetplate Collodion requires Uv to work.
03. how long will it take ?
Please allow 2-3 hours for a portrait session.Longer for more creative shoots.
Wet Plate is an immersive slower experience.
The Process in brief...
We find a location a spot where the light is good. I will focus on you and then coat the plate in Collodion.I then sensitise the plate in a bath of Silver Nitrate which takes about 3 mins, load the plate into a dark slide in my darkroom, return, take the image and then develop in my darkroom and fix the image.
You will be able to see the image emerge through the fixer as this can be done outside of the darkroom.
04. what to wear
Please wear what makes you comfortable.Come as you are or in fancy dress the choice is yours....
Solid white and black will look very blocky so it's best to mix it up a bit. red will look black, cool colours like blue will appear lighter.
Please avoid logos and writing, on a tintype, these will appear backwards.
FAQ
05.Do you photograph
children?
Yes I love to photograph children. one child below the age of 8 years though please for this process.
Please bear in mind that if a young child is not able to sit still they will be blurred in the picture.
Exposure times vary depending on the amount of UV available and exposure times are typically between 1 - 10 seconds.
(For 15 years I specialised in photographing young children in nurseries and schools and was a partner in a successful nursery photography business.)
06. Do You photograph pets?
Yes I can photograph well behaved pets if they are able to hold still.
Exposure times will vary from 1 to approximately 10 seconds and only one pet per session.
07. dO YOU TRAVEL?
Yes I am mobile, Mileage will be charged after a 20 mile radius of my home in West Cornwall.
I have a mobile setup including a darkroom.
Please contact me to discuss the finer details...
.
.
FAQ
08.when will i receive my tintype?
Your Tintype or Ambrotype will be ready for you approximately 2 weeks after your shoot.
Your portrait will need to dry and then protected with varnish or wax..
09. I WOULD LIKE to come to cornwall for my shoot can you recommend any accommodation ?
If you would like to come to Cornwall for a portrait but need somewhere to stay I can provide accommodation for up to 2 people sharing.
Please ask for more details.
10. care of your heirloom portrait?
Tintypes and Ambrotypes are treasures and will last a lifetime if looked after. The image is made from silver so must be kept out of direct sunlight. A gentle dusting with a lint free cloth is all it needs.
11.Do you sell Gift Vouchers?
Yes I do, please go to Gift voucher section and contact me for more information.
please do...
Contact me for more information.