Highest Quality
Collodion Portraits
Have your authentic Tintype or Ambrotype portrait handmade utilizing 19th century process and equipment dating back over 170 years. An unforgettable experience comparable to traveling back in time. Visit us at our home studio in Little Rock, AR or catch us during a pop-up on the road. Interested in having our famous wet plate wagon at your event? Contact us for more information.
Explore our services
Ambrotype
Starting at $125
The original wet plates, made on polished clear glass, date back to 1851. Known as the first “lasting” photography method, the resulting image can be compared to a glass negative; however, when placed over any dark material such as black metal or fabric, the image appears as a positive. Glass plates come with a black aluminum backing. Optional case making and framing available.
Tintype
Starting at $75
Popular for their durability, reliability, and affordability, Tintypes are metal collodion wet plates; the legendary wet plate photography method performed on a sheet of metal was famously nicknamed “tintype” however tin was never used in the process. The reality is all collodion wet plates on metal are referred to as “tintypes”. Tintypes are notorious for their durability and for that reason are the most popular choice especially while traveling. Today we use an enamel coated aluminum similar to trophy plaques.
Stained Glass Ambrotypes
Starting at $125
A somewhat modern twist, the collodion wet plate process performed on stained glass produces vibrant, colorful images on luxurious stained glass. Both red and blue stained glass were common choices early in the ambrotypes history. Today we have a myriad of colors and textures to choose from. Perfect for those who want a little extra luxury. Each plate of this thicker glass is also hand-cut, polished, and prepared ahead of time. No two stained glass plates are exactly alike; instead they are each unique, one-of-a-kind surfaces. Their beauty lies within their imperfections.
Book your portrait session
Reserve your tintype or ambrotype session. Witness the rare process in person. Our home studio is located in the Historic Wright District in Little Rock, Arkansas. We also travel coast to coast for trade shows and public pop-up events. When selecting your booking be sure to confirm time and location match. If you have any questions or concerns ContactUs. Each plate is made to order. Chemistry is prepared prior to your booking however the plate itself is poured and sensitized in your view. The process takes about 10-15 min per image leaving opportunity for two captures in one 30-min session. No up front charge to reserve your session, you may request larger sizes day-of-shoot (inventory availability may vary).
Get to
know us
Wandering Wetplates is a traveling portrait studio specializing in the rare, victorian era photographic process known as collodion wet plate. In the spirit of the earliest photographers in the trade, we travel the country with our wet plate wagon / mobile dark room and portrait studio providing authentic, handmade collodion portraits on both metal and glass plates. Both performative, and scientific, this process is sure to captivate any participant no matter their age or background. Help us keep this tradition alive. Have your collodion wet plate portrait handmade and relive a magical experience that swept the world over 170 years ago.
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Contact Us
Interested in having your portrait made or hosting our traveling portrait studio at your business/event? Have questions or concerns? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!