Mathieu is a wet plate photographer based in Truro, Nova Scotia. Working with the 19th-century wet plate collodion process, he creates one-of-a-kind handmade photographs in the form of tintypes and ambrotypes. Each image is crafted entirely by hand using glass or metal plates coated in light-sensitive chemicals. The result is a unique, tangible object with remarkable detail and archival permanence—wet plate photographs, when properly cared for, will last for centuries.
What to expect from a portrait session?
Creating a tintype portrait is a hands-on, slow-crafted process that dates back to the mid-19th century. Outdoor portraits rely on natural light and often require longer exposures—anywhere from 2 to 10 seconds or more—so staying still is crucial for a sharp image, especially when photographing children or pets. Studio portraits, on the other hand, are made using powerful strobes that create an image instantly with a single flash. It’s also common to blend both ambient light and strobe.