Alchemy Tintype Studio presents:

A Downtown Portland Tintype Pop-up

in Collaboration with Portland Camera Club x The Portland Darkroom

December 2025

For several days in December 2025, I will be popping up my tintype darkroom and taking appointments for portraits at 838 SW 4th ave in Downtown Portland. I’ll be taking appointments on December 13, 14, 20 and 21st.

In collaboration with the creative visionaries behind the Portland Camera Club and the Portland Darkroom, and with the support of Downtown PDX, this space and the one next door are being transformed for the holidays into creative spaces catering to the Portland photography community, and those who patronize it.

Tintype is a photographic process invented in the 1860’s which involves the photographer (that’s me, Ashley!) coating an aluminum plate in chemicals, sensitizing that plate to light in a silver bath, and then photographing the subject with that still-wet plate before it dries. I then take the plate back into my little portable darkroom and process the image on the spot! This is the most special way to have your photograph made, and the experience of observing a historical process is part of the fun. And, your tintype will last 200-300 years… a true heirloom for your family.

This event is perfect for singles, couples, and small families up to four people. Well behaved pets are welcome as long as they can be held during the photo, and must remain on leash at all times. Due to the extremely shallow depth of field, this is the wrong process to choose to capture large groups.

Pricing below includes one 4x5 inch tintype, but you’re welcome to choose to “upgrade” your tintype to a larger size by selecting one of the upgrade options. If you would like to upgrade to a 5x7 or 8x10 inch tintype, you may either pay up front by selecting the “add-ons” below, or plan to upgrade the day of your appointment with cash, venmo or paypal.

Please note: you will be able to watch the tintype develop and take photos, but you won’t take your tintype home the day of the pop-up. It will need to wash and be scanned (a scan is included in the cost!) and varnished. If you would prefer to pick your tintype up when it’s ready, it usually takes 1-2 weeks. If you’d like me to mail it, be sure to add on shipping when you check out! Shipping is not included in the initial cost.

Please also note: due to limited appointments, my ability to reschedule appointments becomes limited as the spots fill. Please be sure you can make it to the appointment you choose, as I can’t offer rescheduling options for future popup dates.