This tutorial on creating tintype textured backgrounds and overlays for creative portraits was inspired by a recent creativeLIVE episode by the very talented fine artist Jennifer Hudson. She does a great tutorial on finding, scanning and creating tintype textures from online and magazine sources. It got me thinking, being the D.I.Y. sort that I am, that I have the perfect way to create my own tintype textures and borders: my iPhone and the Hipstamatic app.

_MG_1539 - Tintype

I love figuring out my own way to make things, it keeps the creative juices flowing. Combining iPhone images with DSLR images can be a great way to add interest and a unique quality that you wouldn't usually think of. A few things not covered in the video above: One nice thing about playing working with the Hipstamatic app settings described, is each time you get a slightly different rendering of the tintype borders and effects. Different surfaces, even a plain white one, will give you different properties to use. You can also try using different Hipstamatic Lenses with the D-Type film to render alternative tintype effects. The idea is to experiment, say, "what if...?", and see where the process takes you.

_MG_1539 -Tintype Version 2 I created this version from a different tintype image of cracked glass for a more pronounced tintype overlay with more texture on the subject to exaggerate the glass-plate like features. I wanted the subject to look even more "embedded" with the whole image.

021 In my final iteration for this portrait I incorporated a solarization process and a stronger overlay mode to bring out a more artistic, creative portrait. Again, let this be a springboard for your own creativity, and see what inspires you! 
 

*Brief note: the Dynamic Light app for iPhone shown in the video is no longer available, but you can easily create a strong textured effect of your Wet Plate capture using a high-pass filter in Photoshop or Affinity Photo for example to create the desired look.