Can you smile in a tintype?
Can you smile in a tintype?
It’s one of the most common questions I hear. Right up there with “What if I blink?” It makes sense. When most people think of tintype photography, they picture stoic faces, fixed stares, and a kind of antique moodiness.
But yes, you absolutely can smile in a tintype.
Why Did Everyone Look So Serious?
In the 1800s, daguerreotype and tintype portraits were often the only photographs people would ever have of themselves. They dressed formally. They held still. And back then, exposures could take ten seconds or longer, making it tough to hold a smile. So most people didn’t.
Portraits felt serious because they were serious. A once-in-a-lifetime moment captured on metal.
So What’s Different Now?
A lot, actually.
In my studio in Franklin, Tennessee (just outside Nashville), with better chemistry and strong lighting, the exposures are much shorter. Indoors, it is just a fraction of a second. Outdoors, only a few seconds. That means there's plenty of room for expression, movement, and yes, even a big grin if you’re feeling it.
The process may be historic, but the energy can be lighthearted. When someone smiles during a session, it brings a beautiful contrast to the stillness of the medium. Something timeless, but full of life.
A Portrait That Feels Like You
I work to create an atmosphere where people can relax and be themselves. That might mean a thoughtful moment, a laugh, or something in between. The tintype captures it all in a way no other format does. Raw, rich, and deeply human.
So yes, you can smile in a tintype. And when you do, the result is something quietly magical.
Of course, if you're drawn to that classic, serious look, you can absolutely lean into it. Many people choose to sit still and channel the quiet intensity you see in 19th-century portraits. That’s part of the magic of the process. It’s flexible. Some portraits feel soft and playful, while others carry a deep stillness. Both are beautiful, and neither is required.
Curious What That Looks Like?
Visit the Tintype Journal to see how modern tintype portraits come to life with all the warmth, presence, and yes, smiles. Or check out How to Prepare for a Tintype Portrait for tips if you're thinking about booking your own session.