KELSEY T. DILLOW
Tintypes and other handmade photographic processes outside of Knoxville, TN
BOOK A TINTYPE SESSION
* WHEN BOOKING A TINTYPE SESSION, PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE FAQ, AND TO INCLUDE WHICH SESSION TYPE YOU’RE INTERESTED IN & HOW MANY FACES YOU’D LIKE IN YOUR TINTYPE.*
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4X5 IN STUDIO SESSION - $95
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Includes 45 minutes of studio time, 1 - 4x5"portrait & digital scan. Ideal for children and pets. Utilizing high powered lighting, exposure times are instantaneous. Typically set up with a backdrop as opposed to a more natural setting, consider the aesthetic differences of a "studio" look vs. a natural setting. Up to 3 faces only. 20% deposit required at time of booking. Includes one reshoot.
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4X5 NATURAL LIGHT SESSION - $105
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Includes 45 minutes of studio time at my darkroom, 1 - 4x5" portrait & digital scan. Natural light sessions require bright, sunny days and longer exposure times, something to consider if you have children or pets. These sessions are dependent upon the weather. Up to 4 faces can be included in this option, any more decreases the detail & size of each sitter. Each additional face is $10. 20% deposit required at time of booking. Includes one reshoot.
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5X7 IN STUDIO SESSION - $115
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Includes 45 minutes of studio time, 1 - 5x7"portrait & digital scan. Ideal for children and pets. Utilizing high powered lighting, exposure times are instantaneous. Typically set up with a backdrop as opposed to a more natural setting, consider the aesthetic differences of a "studio" look vs. a natural setting. Up to 4 faces only. 20% deposit required at time of booking. Includes one reshoot.
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5x7 NATURAL LIGHT SESSION - $125
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Includes 45 minutes of studio time at my darkroom, 1 - 5X7" portrait & digital scan. Natural light sessions require bright sunny days and longer exposure times, something to consider if you have children or pets. These sessions are dependent upon the weather. Price includes up to 5 faces, each additional face is $10. 20% deposit required at time of booking. Includes one reshoot.
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8x10 IN STUDIO SESSION - $165
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Includes 45 minutes of studio time, 1 - 5x7"portrait & digital scan. Ideal for children and pets. Utilizing high powered lighting, exposure times are instantaneous. Typically set up with a backdrop as opposed to a more natural setting, consider the aesthetic differences of a "studio" look vs. a natural setting. Up to 5 faces only. 20% deposit required at time of booking. Includes one reshoot.
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8x10 NATURAL LIGHT SESSION - $175
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Includes 45 minutes of studio time at my darkroom, 1 - 8x10" portrait & digital scan. A natural light session requires bright, sunny days and longer exposure times, so be sure to consider this if you have children or pets. This option is good for larger groups, but please let me know how many people you're considering if booking for a large group. 20% deposit required at time of booking.
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TRAVEL /HOUSE CALL SESSION - starts at $355
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Travel sessions mean that I will pack up my car and drive to you! These sessions start at $355 and depend on where you're located and how many/what size tintypes you want. This starting price includes travel up to 30 miles from my studio and two 4x5" tintypes. Porch sessions, house calls, special events and more are covered under this umbrella. Weddings start at $995. We will work together to design a package that fits your needs and budget.
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BOOK A TINTYPE SESSION BELOW
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A TINTYPE SESSION LIKE?
My studio is located at Whistlepig Farms in Luttrell,
Tennessee, about 30 minutes outside of Knoxville.
*Keep in mind that my studio is located on my farm in rural TN. If you're iffy about using an outhouse, its a good idea to stop at a gas station on the way. While my studio is an indoor space, I do not have traditional heat and air, so please dress for the weather! Also note that the farm is situated on hilly terrain, and can be difficult for some folks to navigate. If you have mobility concerns, please let me know and we can talk more at length!
You'll get to watch the process and learn about its history. I'll give you some direction in terms of posing - if you have ideas please bring them! I love working with your vision for your tintype.
CAN I TAKE MY TINTYPE HOME AFTER OUR SESSION?
Not yet, there is still one final step in the process, and that is varnish. The plate must be washed, dried and then coated with a protective varnish which helps keep the plate safe and live a long life. In the meantime, I provide you with a high resolution scan of your tintype(s). We can then arrange a drop off, or ship your tintype to you for about $5.
HOW MANY IMAGES DO YOU MAKE? Each tintype is completely unique. When you book a session, you can let me know how many you are interested in. If you elect for one, but would like to make more at the time of your session you may
do so if we have the time.
WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE MY TINTYPE? The wet plate/tintype process is known for its ability to show every freckle, wrinkle, and gesture on a subject, which sometimes isn't everyone's cup of tea. Any reshoots will require a $25 chemical/processing fee. I will always remake a tintype due to my own errors and significant chemical errors that disrupt the subject, but please be flexible and know that imperfection is part of the beauty of this process.
DO YOU OFFER GIFT CARDS FOR TINTYPE SESSIONS? Yes! If you find me at a pop-up market, I will have them available for purchase. Otherwise feel free to email me and I will mail a gift card to your preferred shipping address. If you've received a gift card for a portrait session, please reach out to me via email (kelseytdillow@gmail.com) and we will schedule your session. Gift cards are available for all types of sizes and sessions, and are good for one year after their purchase date.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS/PACKAGE DEALS?
Sure do! If you're interested in having multiple tintypes made
in a session, I'll put together a package just for you based on your needs and budget. If you want to have a tintype made but are shying away from a darkroom session price - find me at a pop-up event. My event pricing is typically $10 less than my darkroom session pricing. Keep tabs on my upcoming events on my Instagram or via my newsletter.
DO YOU DO EVENTS/HOUSE CALLS/ON LOCATION SHOOTS/ WEDDINGS? Yes! Pricing is based on event type and distance from my studio. Please email me at kelseytdillow@gmail.com to discuss potential events/travel sessions.
CAN I USE MY TINTYPE COMMERCIALLY? Yes. While I retain all copyright to the images I make, I'm happy to discuss usage fees and details with anyone interested.
DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS: When booking a tintype session, a 20% deposit is required upon the time of booking, and goes towards the final cost of your session. No call no shows and cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will forfeit their deposit, and will be required to send a new one when rescheduling.
ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR OTHER TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES? Yes. Please reach out if you're interested in more traditional types of portraiture, event photography, artwork documentation, branding, or any other type of photography. I'm open to utilizing film or digital photography depending on your needs. Please see my commissions tab for examples of my work here. Just ask!
WANT TO KEEP TABS ON MY TINTYPE WHEREABOUTS? Subscribe to my email newsletter! A bi-monthly update on my upcoming pop up events, exhibitions and other photographic shenanigans. Click here.
HEALTH & SAFETY WARNING FOR CLIENTS:
Various chemicals are used in the wet plate process, and some folks may be sensitive to the strong smells they can put off. Please let me know ahead of time if this sounds like you, and we can keep you away from them! If you elect for a strobe light session, please be aware that this option utilizes a bright, powerful light flash. If you are sensitive to high powered lighting, you might opt for the natural light option. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any other concerns you might have about the process. I'm happy to accommodate all that I can to ensure a fun experience for everyone!
"We reached out to Kelsey after searching for Knoxville tintype photographers online. She was super responsive, warm, and helpful in preparing us for our first tintype. Not only did she make us feel very comfortable at her home studio, but we got to watch the entire behind-the-scenes process, too, and see the love and care she puts into it! Our tintype turned out beautifully and we couldn't be happier. We would not hesitate to recommend Kelsey to anyone looking to have their tintype made."
- Jackie, CO