This is one tintype I wish was a little lighter because it’s difficult to see any detail here. Oh wait! I have the magic of digital editing.
How much clearer that is – you can see the deep-set eyes, the earrings, and even the pattern in her skirt behind the fenceposts. When tintypes were first struck, they were this more grayscale appearance, more similar to modern black & white photography. As they age, they yellow, which is the sepia tone we have all become familiar with in old photos. This has to do with the chemicals reacting over time, exposure to damage such as cigarette smoke or other pollutants, or misuse. It is unfortunate that we can’t improve the actual images, but at least these digital versions are easier to study and enjoy.
