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  • What is a tintype?
    Wet plate collodion photography (aka tintypes!) is an early photographic process from the mid 19th century where the final image is printed on a sheet of enameled metal. With this process, the photographer must coat, sensitize and develop the metal plate all while it remains wet, which requires a mobile darkroom. The immediate development process results in a couple of things; the ability to see the finished product in a matter of minutes, as well as a number of variables in the chemical process that create a unique and one-of-a-kind image.
  • What should I wear to my tintype portrait session?
    Anything! Feel free to dress up, or dress as casual as you'd like. Tintypes come out printed in reverse, so I recommend not wearing anything with text on it as it will be read backwards. I do not recommend wearing black or white. White can sometimes look a little blown out, while black can lose a lot of details. Mid tones are best. Patterns and textures always look great. The process translates color differently than regular photographs. Reds and warmer colors come out looking darker, closer to black, whereas blues and cooler colors come out looking lighter, closer to white. For example, if you have black hair and wear a red shirt, they will most likely blend into each other. Glasses are not recommended as most are coated and come out looking closer to sunglasses.
  • What if I blink or don't like my photo?
    This is an inherently unpredictable and imperfect process which is part of what makes it so special and unique. Please be understanding of chemical anomalies, softness or minor imperfections. This is a hand poured chemical process utilizing 100+ year old equipment. I include the option to reshoot a portrait if you are unhappy with it aesthetically, but only at the time of the session. The first reshoot is complimentary. After that, there is a $15 fee to reshoot a plate. I will always reshoot free of charge for blinks, my own errors, or chemical marks in the focal point of the image. We will only reshoot for chemical marks if they retract from the overall quality of the portrait.
  • Can I bring my pet for a portrait?
    I do natural light sessions with pets on a case by case basis. Please email me before booking a natural light session with a pet. Exposure times can vary from 2-10 seconds. Generally, 98% of pets are unable to sit completely still for that amount of time and will come out slightly blurry. Even if they can stay in one place for a few seconds, just the slight tilt of their head during the exposure will make the image blurry. I will do only one reshoot if the photo comes out blurry for a $15 reshoot fee to cover material costs. I cannot guarantee an un-blurry photo of pets, therefore if we are unable to get a sharp photo, full payment is still expected to cover the cost of materials and time. That said, some people are totally fine with their pets coming out a little blurry. It is up to you, but please check in before booking. Most of my events and studio sessions I cannot accommodate pets.
  • How long until I get my tintypes after our session?
    Your tintypes are scanned for your digital file, and then varnished, making an archival heirloom that will last for many years to come. You will receive your digital copy within 5-7 days, and the physical tintype will be mailed to you 2 weeks after your session.
  • Can I bring my young child for a portrait?
    Yes, but there are some things to be aware of. Studio sessions are typically a little easier for young children as the exposure times are less than a second long, so if they move a bit it's typically not a problem. For natural light sessions, exposure times can vary from 2-10 seconds(2-4 seconds on a sunny day). Your child will need to sit still for 30 seconds while the camera is focused, and 2-10 seconds while the plate is exposed. These longer exposures can be a little more complicated for the younger, wiggly ones. If your child is unable to sit still for the entire exposure, they may come out slightly blurry. For some, this is not an issue and adds a little life and character to the photograph. If the photo is blurry, I will do one reshoot if you wish. I cannot guarantee an unblurry photo of children, therefore if we are unable to get a sharp photo, full payment is still expected to cover the cost of materials and time.
  • Do you do private or public events?
    Yes! Please email me at hello@jess-buckley.com with some information about the event you are hosting and the date.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    Any cancellations later than 48 hours to your appointment cannot be refunded. If you need to cancel with less than 48 hours notice, you will have the option to reschedule. No call no shows will not be allowed to reschedule.
  • Can I use the photograph you took for commercial purposes?
    Yep, happily! But written consent from me is required as well usage fees pertaining to the project. Please email me to discuss.

© 2021-2025 by Jess Buckley.

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