FAQs

Thank you for your interest in the Penumbra Tintype Studio.

Below are a few things about the studio and process that are good to know before your session.

Images © Sam Dole, Penumbra Foundation

WHAT IS A TINTYPE?

Considered by many to be the Polaroid of the 19th century, the tintype is made almost instantaneously through a process that uses hand-poured chemicals on an enameled sheet of metal. Tintypes, often found today in near original condition, were passed down as family heirlooms and valued for their time-tested archival stability.

WHERE IS THE STUDIO LOCATED?

We are conveniently located in the heart of midtown Manhattan (36 East 30th Street).

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? HERE ARE SOME TIPS:

  • High contrast is best.

  • Blues appear light, reds show up dark.

  • Avoid UV-blocking makeup/sunscreen. This will make your skin look unusually darker than normal.

  • Patterns/textures work well. We do not recommend text or graphics since they show up in reverse.

  • Bring props or costumes!

HOW LONG WILL MY SESSION TAKE?

  • 1 hour total. The actual process takes 25-30 minutes per tintype. We allow some wiggle room in case a re-do is needed.

WHEN WILL MY PLATE/SCAN BE READY?

  • Plates will be ready for pick up in roughly 7 business days. Once your plate has been scanned and varnished, we will email you your retouched scan and let you know that it’s ready for pickup. If you’ve opted out of a scan, we will simply email you that your plate is ready to be picked up.

  • Same-day pickup is possible, but requires waiting for drying and varnishing. Please let our photographer know. He will ask you to come back in 1-2hrs for your varnished plate.

  • Plates not picked up within 30 business days of your session will be discarded.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • One tintype per session (additional plates can be purchased).

  • A digital, retouched scan of your tintype (opt in or out during checkout).

  • Retakes are at the photographer's discretion, and only for clear errors (e.g., closed eyes, physical damage to the plate).

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE PHOTOGRAPHED?

  • 1-5 people can be photographed on an 8x10 plate. We use period authentic lenses with a very shallow depth of field so the more people on the tintype the harder it is to make sure everyone will be sharp.

CAN I DUPLICATE THE PLATE?

  • Tintypes are unique. Direct duplication is not possible.

  • Multiple plates can be made of the same image, with slight variations.

  • High-resolution scans are available for prints.

COPYRIGHT

  • Our photographer retains full copyright and all reproduction rights. The customer is granted a limited license for personal use only and may not copy, modify, or publish the images without a separate, written agreement, fee, and credit.

WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN OR PETS?

  • Both are welcome! Please provide advance notice so that we are prepared.

DO GIFT CARDS EXPIRE

  • Gift cards expire 365 days from the purchase date.

CAN I CHANGE MY SESSION DATE/TIME ONCE BOOKED?

  • Customers may not cancel or reschedule their session within 72 hours of their time slot.

CANCELATION/NO-SHOW POLICY

  • Clients should arrive ready to shoot.

  • A 15 minute grace period will be honored for all sessions. Clients who arrive after this period forfeit their deposit and their session will be canceled. Refunds will not be given for absences or no shows. This includes an absence related to any illness.