Tintype Photographic Process

The Tintype or Ferrotype is a photographic process derived from the Ambrotype.. a negative was taken but was heavily underxposed and then the negative was placed infront of a black background, making the image appear like a positive. In the Tintype process this black background was a sheet of darkened metal (though suprisingly Tin wasn't used).

This process had advantages because the image was so heavily underexposed, shorter shutter speeds were used meaning stoping action, and capturing a moment were possible where it previously wasn't with other photographic processes. It was also a cheaper process making it accessable to more people.

Because the images were mounted in metal they were more durable and could be sent via post etc. Also, because of their fairly simple printing these pictures were similar to the modern "instant" photo. People would set up stalls at carnivals and give people photos relatively quickly.

Jeremy