Experience the magic of the Wild West, the roaring 1920s, and authentic 1800s tintype portraits—right here in Bardstown.
Step Back in Time
Don't Just Take a Picture. Step Into Another Century.
Two Ways to Travel Through Time
At Bardstown Old Time Portraits, we don’t just take photos— we create immersive experiences. Choose your journey to the past:
Classic Old Time Portraits
Whether you’re channeling an outlaw of the Wild West, a glamorous flapper from the 1920s, or stepping into history with an 1800s tintype portrait, every session is designed to transport you to another era.
Authentic Wet Plate Tintypes
Experience one of the oldest photographic processes still practiced today with a handcrafted tintype portrait you'll cherish forever.
With a large array of costumes, sets, and professional posing, we are perfect for families, couples, tourists, and anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Choose Your Era
Step into the dusty frontier with outlaw-inspired looks, saloon vibes, and classic western grit.
Capture the elegance and rebellion of the roaring twenties with flapper dresses, sharp suits, and vintage glam.
Experience true historical photography with authentic tintype-style portraits that feel like they came straight from the past.
Victorian Macabre
Macabre Portrait Collection recreates the haunting beauty of vintage mourning portraits, post-mortem-inspired art, ghost photography, and gothic family heirlooms.
Authentic Wet Plate Tintype Photography
O w n a P i e c e o f H i s t o r y
Experience one of the oldest photographic processes still practiced today. Every wet plate tintype is handcrafted from start to finish, creating a one of a kind portrait with rich detail, timeless character, and natural imperfections that make each piece truly unique.
Unlike modern photography, there are no digital filters or mass-produced prints. Your image is carefully created by hand using techniques that date back to the 1850s, resulting in an heirloom you'll treasure for generations.
Learn More Below!
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To preserve the incredible detail and quality that make wet plate photography so special, each tintype is limited to a maximum of three people per image.
Because the image is created directly onto a metal plate, smaller groups allow for sharper detail, better lighting, and a more balanced composition. This ensures every person is beautifully captured while honoring the authenticity of this historic photographic process.
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A wet plate tintype is far more than a photograph. It is a handcrafted work of art.
Every plate is individually coated, sensitized, exposed, developed, fixed, washed, and finished by hand using traditional techniques that have remained largely unchanged for more than 170 years.
Each image requires specialized equipment, careful craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail. No two tintypes are ever exactly alike, making every portrait a genuine original rather than a reproduced print.
When you purchase a wet plate tintype, you're not simply buying a photo. You're investing in a rare historical art form and taking home a one of a kind keepsake that will last for generations.
More Than an Old Time Photo Studio
Most portrait studios hand you a costume and point you toward a backdrop.
We do things differently.
Every experience includes access to our extensive costume closet, professionally designed themed sets, authentic props, and photographers who help you become the character. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or celebrating something special, every session is customized to create memories you'll treasure forever.
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Choose from a wide variety of costumes for adults and children. Cowboys, outlaws, flappers, gangsters, Victorian ladies, sheriffs, saloon girls, and more.
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You're not just standing in front of a printed backdrop. Explore detailed sets designed to transport you into another era with props, furniture, and specific lighting.
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Never know what to do with your hands? We do. We help every guest pose naturally while staying in character.
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Perfect for couples, families, kids, grandparents, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, reunions, and tourists.
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Wet plate photography dates back to the 1850s and was used to create many of America's most iconic Civil War portraits. Every tintype is developed by hand, making each one completely unique.
Your Experience
1
Arrive & Choose Your Look
One of the biggest reasons guests choose Bardstown Old Time Portraits is our incredible costume collection.
Whether you want to become an infamous outlaw, an elegant Victorian lady, a roaring 20s gangster, or an old west sheriff, we'll help you find the perfect outfit.
Our team helps style everyone so your entire group looks like they belong in the same story.
2
Set The Scene
Every portrait begins with choosing the perfect scene.
Unlike many studios that offer only one backdrop, you'll have multiple immersive environments to choose from.
Wild West Saloon
Sheriff's Office
Victorian Parlor
Roaring 20s Speakeasy
Authentic Tintype Setting
Gothic Victorian Macabre Collection
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Same-Day Results
At Bardstown Old Time Portraits, you won't have to wait days or weeks to relive your experience.
After your session, you'll get to view your portraits, choose your favorite images, and take home beautiful keepsakes the very same day.
You'll leave with more than just photos. You'll leave with lasting memories you can hold in your hands.
Booking Info + Investments
Old Time Portraits
Wet Plate Portraits
Secure Your Session
Step into another era and create a one-of-a-kind memory at Bardstown Old Time Portraits. Whether you're becoming a fearless outlaw, an elegant Victorian, a glamorous flapper, or preserving history with an authentic wet plate tintype, your unforgettable experience begins here.
To reserve your session, a$10 booking deposit per person is required at the time of scheduling.
Please Note:
• The $10 booking deposit is non-refundable and secures your reserved time slot. It is not the full cost of your portrait experience.
• Portrait packages, prints, digital images, and specialty products are selected and purchased separately during or after your session.
• Wet Plate Tintype Sessions are limited to a maximum of three people per image. This allows us to preserve the incredible detail, composition, and authenticity that make this historic photographic process so unique. After your portrait is created, each plate must be carefully cleaned, varnished, and allowed to fully cure before it is ready to leave the studio. Because of this process, wet plates will be available for pickup approximately seven days after your session. If you're visiting from out of town, we're happy to carefully package and mail your finished tintype once it is ready.
Whether you're visiting Bardstown with family, celebrating a special occasion with friends, planning a date, or simply looking for a truly unique experience, we're excited to help you create timeless memories you'll treasure for years to come.