9.06.2012

Civil War Tintypes

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{Tintypes by D.E. Geraths}

I've always wondered what my great great great grandchildren will make of my photos. I'm sure it will be incredibly confusing way off in the future, placing me in this time period. 

A kinder person would date the back of photos for future generations. 

I however, want to screw with their minds just a little more.

At the Civil War reenactment last weekend we visited D.E. Geraths, an authentic period photographer who takes tintypes and ambrotypes exactly as they were done during the Civil War. No photoshop, no new cameras, it's the real deal. 

Most of us in attendance got at least one tintype done, and Shawn even ditched the shirt to see if his tattoos would show up (you might remember last year my brother got a tintype and we saw that his arms looked inkless. I still don't understand why...)

Sam and I posed for ours right after he was on the battlefield, it actually kind of creeps me out how "real" it looks.

The next day the photographer was taking a wedding photo at the reenactment, how cool would that be?! 
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27 comments:

Witchcrafted Life said...

Tremendously wonderful images. Having tintypes done of Tony and I is one of my "bucket list" dreams. The sense of history and soul that this classic technique imparts is endlessly beautiful to me.

♥ Jessica

Unknown said...

I really really want a tintype done! My friend had one done for her wedding day- and they are amazing! You wonder whether it would look as good if someone was wearing modern day clothing? I wonder if it just manage to highlight how much modern fashion takes from older styles?

Laura said...

Pictures look so real, indeed! Amazing!

Erika said...

Gorgeous images! I agree, the photo of you and Sam is almost a bit disturbing, it looks so authentic.

Haha, I've also wondered what future generations will make of our photo's, although I'm planning on being kind eunough to date mine =) Whether I'll live up to that good intention is an entirely different matter!

Bombshell Bettie said...

wow, they turned out amazing!!! I'm pretty envious of these gorgeous photos!

V. said...

Wow! They really do look authentic!

Anonymous said...

Your photos are wonderful, what a lucky day.

Alexandriaweb said...

Those are so cool! I want one done too!
(I had an old sepia done when I was little, but I've never had a tin type)

Janice said...

I love these tintypes! They look so dramatic and textured.

Unknown said...

That is So. COOL. Oh my gosh. You are right, your great great great grandchildren are going to be so confused; or just think that genetics are really awesome.

xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/

debra mejia said...

These photos are amazing! The process is so cool. I love the way they blur a little around the edges.

In The Heyday said...

These pics are incredible, and it is almost spooky to look at. It would be wonderful to dig out a pic of your great great...how many is appropriate?..grandmother and see how you compare. I'm all up for confusing the next generation!

LandGirl1980 said...

How brilliant are they!??!??! I would also mess with my future relatives minds ;) Mwwwaahaaa ha ha!

Felicia_Ceballos said...

HA! You're great grandkids are going to think you had a time machine.

It's crazy amazing how real you look.

D.L. Wood said...

The reason some tattoos don't show up - mainly color ones - is that Tin Type is only sensitive to UV light. So it doesn't "see" some colors.

Amanda M. said...

Obviously you're a time-traveller. You spent some time with the Doctor. It's the only logical explanation.
^_^

Sarah Dee said...

Haha I love the bit about messing with their heads! So funny!


Xoxo Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com

Kristian said...

So cool though actually a little crazy how "real" they seem

Wildfell Hall Vintage said...

these last 2 posts I think just might be my fave ever! so great!

Beth W said...

Most of the historic ones I've seen have been faded by age...it's wonderful to see these "fresh" ones. What a talent!

Dakota said...

Oh these are stunning!!! They are quite surreal, in the way they make time so ambiguous!

Cristina Rose said...

these are incredible, youre a beauty!

BaronessVonVintage said...

How spectacular!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow. I am going to have to research how these are done - they look amazing.

Anonymous said...

You wonder out of all the loads of photos you take (and I take), how many will our grandkids actually want at all? They'll probably chuck out loads of them and keep ones we don't even enjoy!! haha
These are great!!! I love them.
+Victoria+

Laura Morrigan said...

I adore these! I want to get this done one day! I hope you don't mind, I shared it on my blog!

Kimberly Glatz said...

These are breath-taking. Any chance you got the photographers name?