Experience the Timeless Art of Wet Plate Tintype Photography

Long before digital cameras and instant photos, portraits were crafted by hand using light, chemistry, and artistry. At Bardstown Old Time Portraits, we proudly continue this remarkable tradition by creating authentic wet plate tintypes using techniques first introduced in the 1850s.

Every plate is handcrafted from start to finish, making your portrait a genuine one of a kind heirloom that can be treasured for generations.

Most photographs are captured in a fraction of a second.

A wet plate tintype is created.

Each portrait is made by hand on a metal plate using historic photographic techniques that have remained largely unchanged for more than 170 years.

The result is something impossible to recreate with digital photography. Rich detail. Beautiful imperfections. Timeless character. Every plate tells its own story.

Whether you're celebrating a milestone, honoring your family's history, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, a tintype becomes more than a photograph.

It becomes an heirloom.

A Photograph Like No Other

Book Your Tintype Experience

What Sets Us Apart

Handcrafted From Beginning to End

Every plate is individually coated, sensitized, exposed, developed, fixed, washed, varnished, and finished entirely by hand.

Every Plate Is Unique

No filters. No digital editing. No two tintypes will ever be exactly alike. Small variations and natural imperfections are part of what makes each portrait authentic.

Built to Last

When properly cared for, tintypes can last for generations, making them one of the most enduring forms of photography ever created.

The Experience

  • 1. Reserve Your Session

    Reserve your portrait with a simple booking deposit. $10 Per Person.

    To create the highest quality portrait possible, wet plate sessions are limited to three people per image.

    The historic process requires careful composition, longer exposure times, and exceptional detail. Limiting each portrait to three people ensures everyone remains beautifully visible while preserving the rich quality that makes wet plate photography so remarkable.

  • 2. Prepare For Your Portrait

    Pick your scene and era and we will guide you through posing while preparing the plate for exposure. You can still choose any of our 4 eras and massive array of costumes!

  • 3. Watch History Come to Life

    Your portrait is developed using authentic wet plate techniques right before your eyes.

    Watching your image slowly appear is one of the most magical parts of the experience.

  • 4. Finishing Your Plate

    Each tintype is carefully cleaned, protected with a traditional varnish, and allowed to fully cure.

    Because this process takes time, your finished plate will be ready for pickup approximately seven days after your session.

    Traveling from out of town?

    We'll happily ship your finished tintype directly to your home.