The Tintype Process : The process is called Wet Plate Collodion , It was invented in England by Frederick Scott Archer in the 1850’s. Before plastic and film, photographers would prepare a “Plate” in the darkroom (metal=Tintype, glass=Ambrotype) using chemicals to make the plate light sensitive. The plate is then inserted into a light proof holder, placed in the camera for exposure, then developed in the darkroom. The process takes about 10 minutes. If the plate dries before it is developed, it will not turn out. So all Tintypes must be created, exposed and developed fast before the plate dries. After the plate is washed and dried, it is varnished to protect the plate from tarnishing and/or damaging the silver. The end result is an photograph made of silver on tin that will last 100’s of years!

In the fall of 2019, Salida Tintype sold our downtown studio and moved just outside of downtown Salida to pursue Tim’s dream of creating a custom-built natural light tintype studio in a gorgeous, intimate mountain setting. We hope the studio will become a destination for locals and travelers alike, providing our visitors with a cherished portrait that will be sure to become a family heirloom.

We found an amazing property with incredible Colorado light just 2 miles from downtown Salida, on Methodist Mountain. The studio was completed in November 2021, and is only the second natural light studio of this size built in the USA in the past 120 years! Photos below, accompanied by a photograph of a natural light studio from the late 1800’s. (black and white photo)

What to expect: Our basic tintype package includes 2- 5x7 inch tintypes for $98.00 for up to 2 people in the tintype photograph.

$135.00 for 3 people

$175.00 for 4 people

$195.00 for 5 people

please contact us for groups large than 5

we also create 8x10 tintypes, for 8x10 pricing, please add $100 to the above fees

Each tintype takes about 8 minutes to create. The whole experience takes about an hour. Exposures are 2-6 seconds so being still is important to avoid blurry images. Keep that in mind if bringing children or pets. Speaking of pets, I get alot of requests but I cannot guarantee they will turn out in focus unless your pet can be very still and not move at all from a very specific location. Pets are an extra fee depending on the difficulty to tintype.

Pets - We occasionally receive requests for pet tintypes, mostly dogs. Due to the long exposures (2-3 seconds) we cannot guarantee that your pet will be in focus if the pet cannot be still during the exposure. Most of our pet tintypes turn out good. We charge the same as people as we do for pets, ie: if there are 2 people in the photo plus a dog, you will be charged the 3 person rate.

What to wear: Anything with words, letters, logos etc will come out backwards so that’s not recommended. My personal favorite is black or darker toned shirts. This helps draw the viewers eyes right to the eyes of the model with out distraction from busy or bright clothing. But I can work with any style of clothing, what’s important is that you feel good with what you're wearing, no matter what it is. Colors - the light sensitive silver see’s colors differently…anything blue or close to blue will turn out lighter, often white. Anything red or warmer will turn our darker, often black. This is the same with skin and eye colors.

Booking a session: For more info or to book please phone Tim at 719-221-1115. We like to consult about what to expect and the process. You can buy discounted gift certificates here… https://tim-brown-photography.square.site/ once you receive the gift certificate you may call to book anytime.

Studio Location : The address is 6395 Terrace Circle, Salida, CO 81201 GPS https://goo.gl/maps/7WAN5E4jVQ3YDPus9 Go south on County Road 107 off of Highway 50 at the lights at Highway 50 Burger Restaurant. Follow the road up the big hill on County Road 108… the at the top of the hill take your 3rd left, also called “Roys” Road. Follow Roys road where it will take a sharp left turn which begins Terrace Lane…follow Terrace lane approximately 1/4 mile where a slight left brings you to Terrace Circle which is a dead-end small Cul de Sac. (CR 106C) Our driveway is on the right…look for the sign of the vintage camera at the gate (pictured above). park on the right after the Tintype sign. Walk left to the front door of the house.