WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

DigiType Photographs

A MEMORY THAT LASTS FOREVER

Transform your favorite photograph into a one-of-a-kind work of art that lasts a lifetime with a digital tintype (DigiType) from H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum. H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum is one of the few places left where you can have your portrait “struck” for an authentic wet plate tintype photo using period equipment through the TinType Experience. We understand coming to our studio is not always an option, so we are bringing this unique experience right to you. Following the same methods H.H. Bennett perfected more than 100 years ago, the DigiType enhances this treasured memory by creating a stunning image on metal, a timeless heirloom that can be passed down for generations to come.

PURCHASE

tHE fERROTYPE: 1856-1900

Also called melainotype or more often tintype, was America’sA first major contribution to the art of photography. These tintypes were made in the same way as an ambrotype except that a thin piece of black enameled iron was used in place of glass. Like the ambrotype, the image is reversed.

Ferrotypes were made from thumbnail size to as large as 11”x14”. With the introduction of multi-lensed cameras with sliding backs in the early 1860’s, the more typical small sizes were made in volume. These were usually mounted in card mounts of the popular cart-de-visite size.

Being on a metal plate with its surface varnished, ferrotypes have proven to be very durable. The ferrotype superseded the ambrotype by the end of the Civil War and went on to become 19th century America’s favorite quick picture.

In 2018, H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum developed a unique photographic opportunity called the TinType Experience. This opportunity allows guests to have their “portrait struck” in a historic photography studio, complete with historically accurate sights and smells. New for 2020 is DigiType Photograph.

 

DIGITYPE FAQ

  • What if I don’t have a digital version of the image I want reproduced?

    We advise you to NOT send us your original photo as we cannot guarantee it will be returned! We do need a copy of your original. We encourage you to scan and send a copy of your image to us digitally at a high resolution (at least 300 dpi), so we can provide you with the best quality tintype we can offer.

    If you do not have a digital copy and there is no way for you to generate one, you may send us a physical copy of your original. Please reach out to us to discuss options and details.

  • Does my photo need to be in color or can it be black and white?

    Your personal photograph can be either! We do want to remind you that historic wet plate photography like what we are using is sensitive to certain colors. For example, reds will turn dark or to black and blues will turn white or look light. If your original photograph is black and white the same or similar shades and tones will be seen in your tintype as in your original image.

  • What if I want multiple tintypes made of my image, how does that work?

    If you would like more than one tintype of the image you send us, we will need to do the same process multiple times. It would be as if you sent us the same photo over and over again. There is no way to digitally reproduce the original tintypes we are creating for you. It will be the same fees per each tintype made.

  • I want to send you a certain photo but I don’t like parts of it, can you Photoshop my image for me?

    Unfortunately, we cannot make any edits to your original photo. The photo you send is what we will be reproducing.

  • I see your size options are 4x6 and 5x7. What if my original photograph isn’t either of those sizes?

    That’s ok! As mentioned, if you have to send a physical copy of your photograph we will need to discuss details with you directly. In sending us a digital copy of your image we will print it to the size we need, this is why it needs to be a high-quality digital image/scan.

  • Will the tintype you make look exactly like the image I send you?

    Yes and no! Your tintype will be in black and white. As mentioned in another question, if you send us a color photo, wet plate photography will be sensitive to specific colors. Reds will turn dark or black, blues will turn white or light.

    Also, your image will be laterally reversed, meaning it will be flipped around. For example, if you’re seated on the left of your photo, in the tintype you will look like you’re on the right. Keep this in mind if there are any insignia or words in the image you send us as they will be backwards. We can flip your digital copy of the tintype you’ll receive around, but the physical tintype will be reversed.

  • What if my photograph was taken by a professional photographer, is that a problem?

    Any agreement of rights of usage for any professional images are between you and the original photographer. In sending us a photograph, you should be the owner of that image and have the right to reproduce that image.

  • Is there anything else I should consider when selecting a photo?

    Some images simply may not lend themselves to a high-quality tintype. The coloring may cause issues, it may not be high enough quality, etc. These issues will be addressed as needed on a case by case basis.

  • How much do they cost?

    These one-of-a-kind pieces of art start at just $65! They include one tintype of your original photo shipped to you in a branded sleeve and a digital copy of your tintype for you to share with friends and family.
    You can learn more and make your purchase by
    clicking here.

PURCHASE

A photograph of a family that sat for the TinType Experience at H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum

GET A PHOTO TAKEN IN OUR STUDIO!

Step back in time and experience the historic photography studio like never before! Here at H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum is one of the few places left where you can have your portrait “struck” using the same wet plate photography method used by H.H. Bennett, in the same studio, over 100 years ago. Learn about this type of photography all while the authentic historic lens captures your one-of-a-kind image that will last a lifetime.

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