A tintype, also known as a melanotype or ferrotype, is a photograph made by creating a direct positive. This is done on a thin sheet of metal, colloquially called “tin” (though not actually made of tin), coated with a dark lacquer or enamel and used as the support for the photographic emulsion. It was introduced in 1853 by Adolphe Alexandre Martin in Paris.
Sarmad Al Mouallem creates these magical and timeless pieces of art using a 4×5 large format camera. He’s the talent taking tintype portraits at PhotoTech FotoSource in Campbell River.
Introducing tintype to PhotoTec
When Al Mouallem came to Canada and started working at PhotoTech, most of what he learned about photography was focused on digital cameras. But he was more interested in film photography. His fascination with the developing process led him to experiment with ingredients like coffee, beer, and juices to create his own developing solution. Then he went even further back in the history of photography—to before the use of film. During this research, he found tintype, and with his experience in the darkroom, portrait exposure, and a bit of trial and error, he began offering this service at PhotoTech.
I have always been fascinated with tintype. It’s like you can see a person’s soul through this technique. It’s so raw and real. There is no editing; it’s straight out of the camera, permanently processed on tin. I have always wished for a portrait of myself to be done in this way.
When I saw that PhotoTech was doing an Instagram giveaway for a tintype session, I jumped in and tagged every account I could think of. I feel so much gratitude to have been chosen, as this was the most amazing portrait session I’ve ever experienced.
Tintype camera
A tintype camera has a slot to insert a 4×5 plate, which is typically coated in a collodion solution and dipped into silver nitrate. This makes the tin sensitive to light.
The camera used for tintype has an ISO of just two. (For the uninitiated, this is the level of light the camera can pick up without a flashbulb. Most standard cameras these days start with an ISO of 100 and can go up to 100,000 or even more, depending on the camera.) The large format camera requires a big external flash with a 3600-watt light bulb to expose properly. This is why when anyone with light-coloured eyes has a tintype portrait, their irises may appear almost white—further giving that feeling of seeing someone’s soul.
The process
When the camera fires, the image imprints on the tin. It’s then brought to life through a series of chemical baths in the dark room with a developer and fixer agent. It’s integral to keep the plate in the dark—any additional light can ruin the negative. Once the image is developed, it is rinsed under water for a few moments until it’s at a pleasing contrast. This process takes approximately 15 minutes.
The process from start to finish was just incredible. It feels different to physically see a photo develop in front of your eyes. A photo that is truly set in stone, or in this case, set in metal.
To be honest, it made me a little emotional knowing that my kids have such a special portrait of me at this age, wearing my favourite earrings, with my favourite hairstyle, feeling confident, in my healthiest era, and just loving life.
Thank you so much to PhotoTech FotoSource Campbell River and Sarmad Al Mouallem for such a wonderful gift, and an even better experience. I highly recommend getting your tintype done.
