The tintype

A tintype is an early photographic process from the 19th century that creates a picture directly on a thin sheet of metal, usually iron. The process involves coating the metal with a light-sensitive chemical, exposing it to a camera image, and then developing it with chemicals. The result is a durable, mirror-like image with fine detail and a distinctive vintage look. Tintypes were popular because they were inexpensive and could be produced quickly, making them accessible for portraits and candid photos before modern film photography was developed.