Over 170 years ago, photography was just in its infancy. The very first photographs were expensive, rare, and faded over time. In 1850 a breakthrough was made; a method that was not only lasting, but more affordable. This process, known as collodion wet plate, became wildly popular and thrusted the world forward into a new era. No longer were portraits time consuming, expensive, and limited to the wealthy class. Today the craft is considered a rare alternative process that few photographers offer.

How does it work? A layer of liquefied cotton aka collodion, is poured over a clean + polished plate of glass. The plate now with a tacky thin layer of cotton clear film that resembles cellophane, is  submerged in a bath of silver nitrate where-in  a crystallization process takes place; resulting in a surface covered in millions of tiny silver halide crystals. These crystals are the “grain” of the film similar to “pixels” in today’s digital world. Placed in a camera dripping wet the image is recorded in a field of energy absorbing crystals producing brilliant silver tones.

The original wet plates, made on polished clear glass can be compared to a glass negative; when placed on a photo-sensitive surface, a photo-copy can be rendered. However, when the glass plate is 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.

In the 1860s photographers began coating plates of blackened iron with a liquified cotton mixture known as collodion. The coated plate is submerged in a bath of silver nitrate where a crystallization process takes place same as the glass plates. The difference being a single positive image is rendered.

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.

Whether on metal or glass collodion wet plate photographs are precious keepsakes; instant heirlooms. Cherish your very own portrait and book with us today!