History of Tintype Photography
As the first cameras were created, a primary issue was how to make photography accessible, portable, and affordable. Daguerreotype and other early forms of photography had drawbacks due to long exposure times (which required sitters to remain completely still) and complex developing methods.
Invented in 1853 France by Adolphe-Alexandre Martin, Tin Types made the first cameras more accessible, portable and affordable. The Tintype process shortened the exposure times so the subjects did not have to be still for several minutes as was common with the Daguerreotype. Photographers would hand the completed plate to their customers minutes after the image was exposed to the plate (originally made of iron).
The quick processing of tin types made them a new “instant photo” and photographers would sell tintype portraits at fairs and carnivals. The invention of tintype allowed Civil War photographers like Mathew Brady to take photos out in the field. The lightweight and unbreakable nature of the photographs meant that soldiers were also able to mail portraits back to their loved ones.
How are tintype photos created?
The original method for creating tintype photos is a wet collodion process. Collodion is a syrupy solution of cellulose nitrate in ether and alcohol. In the case of tintype, the wet collodion is applied to a thin iron plate and then covered in silver nitrate. The plate must then be loaded into a special camera in a darkroom, after which it’s ready for exposure.
After the plate is exposed, while still wet, it must be processed immediately. The resulting image is an underexposed negative coated with dark lacquer or enamel. Once processed, photographers would either mount them in a case or placed them in simple paper mats that were perfect for carrying.
There is also a dry method, which uses gelatin emulsion in place of collodion. The plates must be prepared well ahead of time, as they need to be dry prior to usage. Whether using the wet or dry technique, the end result remains the same.
If you want to see more historically significant examples of tine type, check these links:
If you’re interested in some contemporary photographers who I admire, check these sites: