Tintypes hold a special place in the history of photography. These iron-based portraits were durable, affordable, and beloved throughout the 19th century. Yet despite their rugged reputation, tintypes today are surprisingly vulnerable. Without proper care, these one-of-a-kind images can deteriorate and be lost forever. For many families, these are the only surviving portraits of ancestors—making … Read more
Dry Plate Negatives – The Birth of Everyday Photography If you’ve discovered a box of glass negatives from grandparents or great-grandparents, chances are many are dry plate negatives—the format that brought photography into everyday family life. By the 1870s, a new photographic technology revolutionized the way people captured their lives: the dry plate negative, a … Read more
When we think of 19th-century photography, the wet plate collodion process often comes to mind. These glass plate negatives, produced between the 1850s and 1880s, captured some of the most detailed and enduring photographs in history. Yet while these negatives are extraordinary in quality, they are also among the most fragile materials families and institutions … Read more
A Window into Early Photography Photography has always been about more than just images—it’s about preserving stories, legacies, and history. For those exploring old family archives or institutional collections, one of the most intriguing discoveries you might encounter is the glass plate negative. These fascinating artifacts are both delicate and powerful, offering a direct window … Read more
