Tintype Studio
Tintypes by Jolene Lupo
Available for the First Time in 150 Years: Mail-Order Spirit Tintypes!
Inspired by the pioneering work of 19th-century spirit photographer William Mumler, this service brings back a mystical tradition not seen since the 1870s.
Send us a photo you'd like to feature, along with the spirit you wish to appear and we'll conjure a custom tintype to be delivered right to your door. Spirit tintypes offer a unique way to honor the memory of a lost family member or pet, creating a visual symbol of their enduring presence.
Mumler’s spirit photographs were incredibly popular in the 1860's, including prominent figures like Mary Todd Lincoln. Eventually, he expanded his practice by offering a mail-order service for those unable to visit his Boston studio, like the ones featured here.
Price includes NYS Sales Tax.
Image 1: Jolene Lupo, "Kelsey with the ghost of Falcor"
Images 2-6: William Mumler/J. Paul Getty Museum/Courtesy of the Getty’s Open Content Program
TIntype StUDIO
With over 15 years of experience in wet plate collodion, Jolene Lupo creates timeless tintype portraits. She brings a patient, meticulous approach to every session, ensuring beautiful, lasting images of you, your loved ones, and even your beloved pets.
1717 Troutman Street. Ridgewood, NY 11385
Jolene.Lupo@gmail.com
What is a tintype?
A tintype is an image created directly onto a blackened sheet of metal using hand-poured chemistry. This historic process, dating back to the 1860s, is a form of the wet plate collodion process. It's called "wet plate" because the collodion used to form the image must remain wet throughout the entire photographic process.
This means there's a limited window—about 15 minutes—to expose and develop the plate before it dries. Because of this, the darkroom is always close by, whether in the studio or on location. The resulting images are beautifully haunting, with a depth and quality unlike anything else.
More than just a photograph, a tintype becomes a tangible, archival object—a lasting keepsake. We still have vintage tintypes from the 19th century in near perfect condition. I mean, who wants to inherit Grandma's hard drives anyway?
Booking
The studio is currently open with limited weekend availability. Please contact me directly to discuss scheduling or inquire about additional dates.
Gift a distinctive work of art with a Tintype Studio Gift Card. This card provides the opportunity to commission a handcrafted tintype portrait for your loved one.
Gift cards are redeemable for any good or service available on my site.Physical copies are also available upon request.