Hosting a Tintype Pop-Up

Location Requirements

Bringing wet plate photography on location requires considerably more equipment and space than a conventional portrait setup. Here's what I need to work safely and reliably at your location.

Space: A 10' × 10' shooting area is about the smallest space I can comfortably work in. A larger area gives me more flexibility with composition and allows me to photograph larger groups.

In addition to the shooting area, I need space to prepare and develop the tintypes. A folding table or two is generally enough for my darkroom box, chemistry and trays where the finished plates can rinse. This can be located alongside the shooting area or in a separate nearby space.

Safety: Wet plate collodion uses chemicals that require careful handling and produce noticeable solvent odours. When not in use, the chemistry is kept in closed containers, but some odour should be expected around the working area.

Collodion contains ether, which has a strong solvent smell, so I prefer to pour plates just outside or at the threshold of a doorway when possible. The developer also produces a faint vinegar smell.

The darkroom can be located outside, provided the area is secure and the temperature is reasonably controlled. The chemistry is temperature-sensitive and works best between approximately 12°C and 22°C.

Light stands, tripods and flash cords can all create tripping hazards, so the shooting area needs to be away from normal guest or customer traffic. I also have a vested interest in nobody knocking over my 100-year-old camera.

Power: Indoor tintype portraits require a considerable amount of light. My flash system can use up to four flash heads and requires access to a standard 120V outlet. If two power packs are required, access to separate circuits is preferable because of the power draw.

Water: Access to running water is preferable, but I can operate with jugs of distilled water when necessary. For outdoor setups, access to a hose works well.

Outside: I can also set up in a parking lot, side yard or another suitable outdoor space near your building. Open shade is ideal, and I will generally still supplement it with flash. If shade isn't available, I have a 10' × 10' market tent. I will still require access to power via extension cord for the lighting system.

Format

We can tailor the format to suit the event, whether that means pre-booked sessions, walk-ins or a combination of the two.

Timing: A session is typically 20 to 30 minutes for a single plate. During that time, the plate is prepared, photographed and developed on site. I retain the finished plates after the event so they can be properly scanned and varnished.

Deliverables: Finished tintypes can either be mailed directly to each sitter or returned to your location for pickup. For businesses hosting a public pop-up, the pickup option also gives participants a reason to return to your location.

When plates are being mailed, the varnish needs approximately 14 days to cure before they can be safely packaged.

Pricing & Event Fees

Tintype pricing is based on plate size and includes a digital copy:

4 × 5" — $100
5 × 7" — $165
8 × 10" — $315

Markets & Public Pop-Ups: If you're providing space at your business, market, festival or other public event and attendees are purchasing their own portraits, there is no event fee. I handle client bookings through my website, and the host receives a complimentary tintype portrait.

These events are arranged on a no-fee basis, meaning I don't pay a vendor or booth fee to participate.

Private & Commissioned Events: For weddings, corporate events, private parties and other commissioned events within Calgary, an $800 event fee applies in addition to the cost of the tintypes made during the event. The event fee covers bringing and setting up my mobile wet plate studio, reserving the date for your event, and teardown afterwards.

Events outside Calgary are quoted individually based on location, travel and accommodation requirements.

Insurance: I carry commercial liability insurance and can provide a certificate of insurance specific to your location and event dates.