Tintypes
Tintypes, also called ferrotypes, were invented by Adolphe-Alexandra Martin (in France) in the 1850's and mainly lasted until the 1930's. The photos were normally small dimensions like 2.5" x 3.5" or smaller. The tintype photos had a thin metal plate that had been coated with wet collodion emulsion, a mixture including iodine and cellulose nitrate. Once the photos had shown sharp detail on a background with different grays, the photo is considered to be developed. After the photos are developed, the edges of the photo had pressed metal edges and they were presented in "ornate cases" (frames with an extravagant design). If the tintype photos are handled with carelessness, they are easily scratched due to the coating of the mixture on top the thin layer of metal used to produce the tintype.
Tintypes are portrait photography, meaning they were of pictures of people posing. Because this type of photography started in the 1850's, Civil War soldiers and immigrants were popular to have these photos. The tintypes are durable, cheap (cost effective) and they were/are easy to make. In the 20th century, they were used in parks, beaches, and fairs by sidewalk portraitists. Tintypes also had two other names it was called before being called tintypes, one being melainotype and the other being ferrotype. The three names described the process and result of the photograph. Tintype photos are similar to ambrotype, although ambrotype uses glass instead of metal and tintypes were the most common photographic process until what we use now-maybe not as often these modern days-a gelatin based process.
The thin metal used in tintypes normally are darker, they also were used to reduce cost and be more durable. Because the image used to become a ferrotype was underexposed and on a dark metal, the image came out as a positive-meaning that it looked sharp and lighter. Although the photo looks good, most of them came out reverse like a mirror because ferrotypes is a kind of final printing process. Fun fact: Some cameras made after the invention of ferrotypes were made with a 45 degree prism to correct the mirror effect so the photo came out normal.
For my tintype photo, I want my friend Levi to be my model. He has a very serious expression and because tintypes were popular for soldiers going into war (at the time), they also look very staged. I think his expression is very fitting for those kinds of photos. I don't want him to look like a soldier, I'm thinking more along the lines of a murderer or a victim. That sounds bad, but the way levi expresses himself, its very dramatic normally and has this sense of darkness like someone involved in a crime scene somehow-if that makes sense. He would wear something rugged or torn.
Tintypes are portrait photography, meaning they were of pictures of people posing. Because this type of photography started in the 1850's, Civil War soldiers and immigrants were popular to have these photos. The tintypes are durable, cheap (cost effective) and they were/are easy to make. In the 20th century, they were used in parks, beaches, and fairs by sidewalk portraitists. Tintypes also had two other names it was called before being called tintypes, one being melainotype and the other being ferrotype. The three names described the process and result of the photograph. Tintype photos are similar to ambrotype, although ambrotype uses glass instead of metal and tintypes were the most common photographic process until what we use now-maybe not as often these modern days-a gelatin based process.
The thin metal used in tintypes normally are darker, they also were used to reduce cost and be more durable. Because the image used to become a ferrotype was underexposed and on a dark metal, the image came out as a positive-meaning that it looked sharp and lighter. Although the photo looks good, most of them came out reverse like a mirror because ferrotypes is a kind of final printing process. Fun fact: Some cameras made after the invention of ferrotypes were made with a 45 degree prism to correct the mirror effect so the photo came out normal.
For my tintype photo, I want my friend Levi to be my model. He has a very serious expression and because tintypes were popular for soldiers going into war (at the time), they also look very staged. I think his expression is very fitting for those kinds of photos. I don't want him to look like a soldier, I'm thinking more along the lines of a murderer or a victim. That sounds bad, but the way levi expresses himself, its very dramatic normally and has this sense of darkness like someone involved in a crime scene somehow-if that makes sense. He would wear something rugged or torn.
I like how the model is up close and it shows the detail in his skin/face plus the shadows. It's dramatic and interesting.
This photo shows the seriousness of a soldier going to protect his country, its fitting and shows how a loved one (of the model) can hold onto the photo.
This photo also has the very serious look, two (assuringly) brothers posing for a family photo. Also something else that a loved one can hold onto.
I love how this tintype is of a baby. It shows contrast to the other 9 photos, its cute yet and lovable(if that makes sense).
This photo looks like theres a fashion model who also has that some-what serious expression. It's interesting, not necessarily staged, and well done. (It caught my eye)
I love how this photo is so staged and looks dated. The man is well dressed, leaning up against what looks like a concrete block, and his holding is beer.
This photo also has the staged & dated look. I found it interesting that its in a natural setting rather than in a building or a studio.
This photo is like the first, model unclose, you can see the light in her eyes, but its a child. I love the fact that tintypes can be of children, its dramatic and great.
Two little brothers posing for (assumingly) a family shoot. It has the very staged appeal that I'm going for (subtly).
I love how this photo has what looks like an injured man. That may sound dark, but I picked this one because it may be close to what I end up doing for my tintype photo.
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