Tintype
Essay:
A tintype, also called a melainotype or ferrotype, is a type of photograph that's made from a direct positive on a thin sheet of metal coated with dark enamel. It was most widely used in the 1860's and 70's, capturing the eras of the Wild West and the Civil War, but use declined in the early 20th century and became a novelty in the 21st century.
Tintypes used to be reproduced on metals, which made it quite cheap and easily widespread for American citizens. The tintype is a positive picture on a metal plate. Photographic white paper will be the highlights of the image, and the silver will visualize the differing shades of black in the photo. Since the emulsion has a yellow tone, the contrast within the photo is not as distinct compared to conventional photography. As a result, the image will become faded and antique-y. However, photographers utilize tintypes for this exact reason. Sometimes, the yellow emulsion morphs into different colors ranging from red brown to green and blue, which can produce a beautiful product.
The modern tintype is a light liquid process that comes in a kit. It is much more safe and simple than the classic process, making it more suitable for beginners. To create a tintype, you can use a variety of metals. For instance, stainless steel and aluminum are acceptable metals to use. The metal should have a certain amount of thickness that makes the individuals plates lay completely flat. If they don’t lie flat, the emulsion will run off the edges or concentrate in the center of the plate. You can also create a couple of test strips to ensure that you’re doing it properly.
In order for an image to show up, the plates have to be black. If you use matte spray paint, your photo will be matte. The same goes with glossy spray paint. Enamel spray paint works best. Afterwards, you have to coat the plates. Coating must be completed in the darkroom under red safelight. The emulsion must be a soft gel at room temperature. While you are coating, the last thing you want is the emulsion to go back to a gel. Afterwards, you dry the plates in a safe storage area for a few hours. After exposing the plates and putting them through a developer, you’re done.
Examples:
I love this image so much. It's simplistic, with black and white solid colors and clothes, but the small addition of the Aviator goggles completely makes the photo. I also love Jason Schwartzman!
This photo is really striking due to her pose, expression, dress, and the intense gradient around the photo. I love the effect of fabric on tintype and I think this photographer worked with it beautifully.
I love the pose in this photo and the plain black background that draws more attention to the subject.
Light eyes seem to come out very striking on tintype, and create a really amazing subject point for the photo.
The unique subject matter sets a captivating tone and is emphasized by the plain background, which just looks like a simple wall but is so charming on tintype.
I love the subject- I think older people's wrinkles and fine lines are so beautiful on camera and they add depth to the photo. The friendly smile and simple background emphasize the photo and make it so captivating.
This photo is obviously very old and dark, but I love the interesting portrait subject. Like the aviator goggles picture, simple props make the photo so much more interesting.
My Tintype
I'm going to shoot my friend Olivia Norman, who I've used for past assignments and has a very vintage beauty to her. I plan to shoot her in an either very light or dark silk dress with a silk or velvet background, with vintage jewelry and some sort of head accessory. I would use either a silk or velvet backdrop, because I want a lot of vintage and luscious looking textures.
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