Tintype Portraits x Penumbra Foundation

Have your portrait made the way it was done in 1860.

Penumbra Foundation is bringing their tintype studio to St. Lydia's (304 Bond Street), hosted by Cafecito Social. Each session produces a one-of-a-kind 4×5 photograph on enameled metal — hand-poured chemicals, real silver, no digital anything. The process takes minutes. The result lasts forever.

Come alone, bring a friend, bring your mother. Sit for something that will outlast every photo on your phone.

Sessions run every 20 minutes from 10:00 AM to 3:40 PM. Your $125 ticket includes one 4×5 tintype portrait, varnished and ready to take home.

Advance tickets are required. Walk-in availability will be very limited. This event requires a minimum number of reservations to move forward, so book early to make sure it happens.

What to expect: · Your session takes approximately 20 minutes · Plates are varnished on-site — you can wait 1–2 hours to take yours home the same day, or pick it up the next day at Cafecito Social (296 Bond Street, three doors down) · Coffee and drinks available at Cafecito Social while you wait

About the tintype process: The tintype is one of the earliest photographic processes — a direct positive made on metal in a single exposure. No negatives, no prints, no copies. Each plate is unique. Penumbra Foundation has been teaching and preserving this process through their education and residency programs. Questions about how it works? See Penumbra's Tintype FAQ.

About Penumbra Foundation: Penumbra Foundation is a nonprofit organization that brings together the Art and Science of Photography through education, exhibitions, research, outreach, public and residency programs. Its goal is to be a comprehensive resource for photographers at any level, artists, students, professionals, historians, researchers, conservators and curators. Questions about the tintype process? See our FAQ Page.

Getting here: · Subway: F/G to Carroll Street (5-minute walk) · Bus: B57, B71 · Street parking available on Bond Street and surrounding blocks

Image © Sam Dole/Penumbra Foundation

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