Tintypes by Antonie Robertson

Tintypes by Antonie Robertson

Wetplate collodion photography or Tintype as it is more commonly known is a 150 year old process whereby a black anodised sheet of metal is coated with specially prepared collodion and then placed within a silver nitrate bath to sensitize the plate. The metal sheet (roughly 4 inches by 5 inches) is inserted into in a large-format view camera exposed to light for anywhere from 3 seconds to 9 seconds. The plate is then immediately hand processed with a specially mixed developer solution. This creates a reversed positive image which is a picture itself where no negative is created.

The learning curve is steep and the overall process needs the utmost accuracy with chemistry, exposure time, lens focus and processing. With those variables in mind, I have found that anything that can go wrong, inevitably will go wrong.

Every metal plate possesses a monetary value and the time to execute a proper portrait is lengthy. With average sessions lasting anything from 30 minutes to 2 hours. I’ve had to both learn and experiment in the same time. Finding a style has been difficult and lots of reflection is required to push ones vision forward.

The discipline and study of portraiture is unlike any other in photography. I’ve found working with Tintypes demands an even further investment of focus and attention to detail. The process not only entails knowledge of a photographer’s technical skills or proper lighting techniques but also the social elements of understanding how to approach and photograph people. Purely capturing the look of a visual person is not a sure fire recipe for a great portrait. Contemplating ones subject no matter who they might be and directing ones attention and experience into creating a portrait of that particular individual is what creates a notable images.

Photos and text by Antonie Robertson