Dark Shadows Tintype Portraits
July 19th & 20th, 2025
$80 – $100 + Service Fees
New this year! During our Dark Shadows Weekend, Hellcat Darkroom will be on site ready to take your portrait using 19th-century photographic technology, resulting in a one-of-a-kind tintype portrait. Bring home a special memento of your trip to Lyndhurst during the most exciting time of the year.
As this is a traveling studio, costumes will not be on-site to rent. Feel free to dress in your Dark Shadows Best for these portraits!
You must reserve your time slot and choose the size of portrait you want. Each session can accommodate up to 5 individuals. Groups of 6 and larger should purchase multiple, subsequent time slots. Each slot results in one physical portrait; so choosing two slots for a large group results in TWO images. Timed entry is every 10 minutes and will alternate between Victorian Photography Studio and Hellcat Darkroom. Photography must be reserved beforehand as there will be no walk-on availability unless there is a no-show.
Collodion, or wet-plate photography as we have come to know it today, was invented in 1851 by a gentleman named Fredrick S. Archer. This process was invented to allow images to be made on glass — multiple copies then could be made from the same plate. In 1856, the tin-type process was added, allowing collodion images to be made on thin sheets of metal.
The unique thing about this process is that the plate must remain wet before being sensitized and exposed. If the plate dries out before the photographer has time to develop the image, it will no longer be light-sensitive and will be completely useless. Hence the name “wet plate” process.
When you have a wet plate done, not only do you receive a beautiful piece of history with your image in it — you also get a short history lesson and witness the process of genuine 19th-century photography.
Lyndhurst’s Season is Presented by:
Tickets
Reserve your time slot and choose the size photograph you wish to take with you:
1/2 Plate $80– Measures 4 1/2″ X 5 1/2″
5×7 Plate $100 – Measures 5″ X 7″
Purchases are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Schedule
Each photographic session takes 15 minutes, please arrive 20 minutes before your reserved time.
Photos will be ready 25 minutes after your image has been taken, please return to pick up your photograph!
Sessions begin at 10:00 am and the last photo will be taken at 6:00 pm.
The ticket includes your reserved time slot, a tintype portrait, and access to the Lyndhurst Grounds and the Mansion.
All tour tickets must be purchased online, in advance as space is limited.
Plan Your Trip
Check-in at the Welcome Center, the brick complex located just past the Lyndhurst mansion.
Photography takes place outside of the mansion, so allow enough time to walk up there from the Welcome Center after you check-in!
Plan to arrive at the Welcome Center 20 minutes prior to your timed entry.
Accessibility
Lyndhurst welcomes all visitors. Our Welcome Center is ADA-accessible and has restroom facilities.
