Booking & FAQ
Do you have a private studio?
Yes! I am one of the 20 resident artist at The Temple (not the night club) located in the historic Five Points neighborhood in Denver, CO.
You can book a session with me 24/7, I just ask for at least 24-hours notice so I can prep chemicals for your appointment. If you need something day-of then please shoot me an email.
What events can I book you for?
I travel! Weddings, engagement sessions, private parties, flash days at tattoo shops, local markets, conventions, musician promo shoots, you name it I will work with you to see if I can be there!
You will have to communicate with me beforehand or book the service through my appointments page that will initiate me reaching out to you. If the service is not available then it is outside of the ‘Natural Light Session’ window. Please email me regardless, I will always try to make something work!
There are a few stipulations for having me travel to you:
Natural light tintype sessions are only bookable during the most temperamental weather months here in Colorado so May, June, July, September & October. Any month outside of that range is tricky but not completely out of the equation just shoot me an email!
If I am coming out to just make a single tintype there is a $100 setup fee for natural light and $175 fee for strobe lights. If you are able to coordinate other folks having a tintype made at the same time I will waive this fee.
I cannot shoot tintypes inside of your home. Modern day windows have a UV protection on them which blocks out the light needed for wet plate. Your home would have to be large enough for me to setup my full studio strobe lights.
At this time I cannot travel to you within a 48-hour notice so please book as far in advance that you can. Since I have to break down my studio to pack a bunch of equipment I normally block off my schedule the day before and the day after any travel session.
What should I wear to my session?
Can I have a tintype made with my pet? What about kids?
Absolutely! I have photographed many fur babies (and real babies!) with this process. I just ask that you communicate with me in your appointment notes if you are bringing kids or animals. I only ask to make sure that my waste buckets are covered and all glass is swept up and out of the way. I cut a lot of glass in my art studio and want to make sure your dog or cat doesn’t get any stuck in their paws.
My studio is small so there is a size limit: For animals to be photographed the trick is to have them in the same focal area as your face. If you are able to hold your pet then this is perfect! If you have a larger dog please make a note in the appointment notes so I can setup a table for them to sit on prior to your appointment. If you have one of the larger breeds such as a Great Dane or Newfoundland please contact me before booking so I can see if it will work within my studio or consider booking a “natural light” tintype session when they are offered.
If your dog has a lot of energy please consider taking them on a long walk before their session if you are able to.
I’m a big fan of textures and patterns. I also have a Pinterest board with tons of outfit inspiration, just reach out and ask for the link; if you book an appointment the link is in your confirmation email.
If you choose to wear black, mix it up with another layer like an undershirt, a flannel, or choose a black shirt that has texture like lace or puffy sleeves for an example. You do NOT have to wear “Victorian Era” clothing. Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable the most.
Once I varnish your tintype or ambrotype it is safe and sealed for the next 200 years. Nothing you need to do besides maybe frame and hang it on your wall to enjoy! I do recommend that you get a frame with glass to add that extra layer of protection.
I currently offer two size options, 5x7 and 8x10 so any photo frame of these sizes will house your tintype just fine. I have frame recommendations with price points that start at $30-$200 and I also have a knack for thrifting vintage frames.
If you take your tintype home right after your session I ask that you do not touch it for 3-5 days while the varnish fully cures. I reiterate this during your appointment as well.
How do I take care of my new heirloom?
I don’t like my photo, can we retake it?
Absolutely! If it’s technical error on my part I will 100% pour another plate or issue a refund if we run out of time.
However, the wet plate collodion process isn’t for everyone. It will find and reveal every freckle, wrinkle and blemish on your face but that’s what makes it so special and unique.
I always advise folks that wear makeup to avoid wearing sunscreen (this also includes makeup with sunscreen like tinted moisturizer), and “photo finish” makeup to your photo shoot as this process needs every little bit of UV light it can get. If you wear these things the tone of your face will be darker than the skin tone of your neck.
This also applies to glasses and contacts. If your wear either of these things and if they have UV protection, computer screen or “blue light” protection or are transitions your glasses will turn into sunglasses. I understand especially for glasses that they can sometimes be a prominent feature for a lot of folks. Just keep this in mind for your session or if you happen to have an old pair of frames laying around that you no longer use and don’t mind popping the lenses out that is an option, I’ve definitely had clients do this
If you ask for another image and it’s not a technical issue I charge a $25 re-pouring fee for tintytpes and $50 for ambrotype's.
“How long do I have to hold my pose? -&-
“Oh no! I blinked!!”
Exposure times vary between :01 second - :03. I strive for quick exposures so folks don’t have to worry about what the Victorian’s did.
If you blinked - that’s ok! 9/10 times you actually did not blink and I will let you know once in the darkroom and start the developing process. I usually yell out “all eyes are open and sharp!”
If you did blink and it shows on your image we will just retake it and I will not charge the re-pouring fee. I understand this process can be a little intense for some folks and my goal above everything is that you get a beautiful tintype to cherish forever.
How can we reach you?
Please submit a request through the form below to if you’re looking for information on weddings, events, or if you just have something on your mind!
If you’d like to book a private studio session please visit the “Book a Session” page to schedule at your leisure.