tintype Portraits at maple grove

Step Back in Time: Historic Wet Plate Tintype Portraits One Final Session: Saturday, October 3

Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of welcoming guests to Maple Grove Cemetery to experience the 19th-century photographic process known as tintype. As Maple Grove’s 3rd Artist in Residence, my work here explores the deep history, craft, and tangible magic of early photography.

Because wet plate tintype requires a working darkroom, specialized chemistry, traditional studio lighting, and heavy antique gear, setting up a session is no small feat. However, so many of you reached out after our initial run that we’ve decided to set up the darkroom one last time for a final portrait session on Saturday, October 3.

What to Expect During Your Session

Tintype is a far cry from modern digital photography. Each portrait is crafted entirely by hand on a sheet of metal using the same techniques photographers used over a century ago.

• The Process: You’ll watch as I coat the plate, expose it through a large-format camera, and process it right in the darkroom.

• A Slower Pace: Preparing the chemical plate, posing, and developing each image takes deliberate time and care. Please allow for a relaxed pace during your 45 min-long slot—that intentional, hands-on process is what makes the experience so memorable.

• Special Exhibition: Photographs created during this residency will also be featured in an upcoming exhibition at Maple Grove celebrating early photographic artistry.

Reserve Your Time Slot

• Date: Saturday, October 3

• Duration: 45 min Time Slots (11:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

• Location: Maple Grove Cemetery

Select your preferred time slot below to reserve your portrait session. I look forward to creating something historic with you!