Just as Frank Hurley's Antarctic images have stood the test of time, these tintype portraits capture moments meant to last for generations through a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Each portrait session lasts 45 minutes and can include up to two people per session. You’ll receive one original tintype plate, along with a web-resolution digital copy. After the session, your plate will be carefully varnished and cured, then mailed to you within about a week.

Each portrait includes free entry to the museum and our current exhibition Into Ocean & Ice.

For bookings please visit

https://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz/events/frozen-in-time-tintype-portraits

Wet Plate Portraits in Kawhia – Honouring Whānau, History & Legacy

Kawhia holds deep significance as the final resting place of the great Tainui waka and remains a heartland of Māori heritage. A place of whakapapa, connection, and community, Kawhia has long been home to generations of whānau who carry its stories forward.

Now, you can capture your own legacy through the rare and beautiful art of wet plate collodion photography—a process dating back to the 1850s that creates one-of-a-kind metal plate portraits, just like those made in Aotearoa over 150 years ago.

Each plate is handcrafted, developing before your eyes, and will last for generations—a taonga for your whānau to treasure. Come alone, with whānau, or with friends and be part of this unique celebration of identity and history.

Limited spots available – Book now to secure your session!

This February, during Waitangi Weekend, Adrian Cook will be taking his mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to Te Waimate Mission in the Bay Of Islands to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Using equipment and techniques developed during the 1850’s, the photographic plates are individually coated and sensitised in the darkroom before being exposed and developed while wet. Once fixed, washed and dried they are then coated in a gum sandarac varnish that preserves and protects them for generations.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session. Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.

Pompallier Mission & Printery: Wet Plate Portrait Sessions

• Pompallier Mission & Printery

• 1 FEB - 2 FEB 2025

• 10am - 3pm

In the run up to Waitangi Day, photographer Adrian Cook will be taking his mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to Pompallier Mission & Printery in the Bay Of Islands to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Using equipment and techniques developed during the 1850’s, the photographic plates are individually coated and sensitised in the darkroom before being exposed and developed while wet. Once fixed, washed and dried they are then coated in a gum sandarac varnish that preserves and protects them for generations.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.

For bookings please visit https://events.humanitix.com/pompallier

Capture a Timeless Christmas Gift at The Duck & Cover 

This Christmas, give your loved ones a gift they’ll treasure forever – a wet plate portrait from Tintype Central, New Zealand’s only wet plate portrait studio. In the lead-up to Christmas, join us at The Duck & Cover in Te Aroha for a unique portrait experience using a historic 19th-century process.

It’s the perfect way to create a one-of-a-kind Christmas present for family and friends. While you’re there, enjoy fine dining and to make the day even more special, there will be live music to set the festive mood and make your portrait session a truly memorable occasion.

The finished plates will be posted to you once they have been varnished & cured, just in time for Christmas.

The portrait sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate.

For booking please visit: https://events.humanitix.com/duck

Pompallier Mission & Printery: Wet Plate Portrait Sessions

• Pompallier Mission & Printery

• 24 Nov - 245NOV 2024

• 10am - 3pm

This November, Adrian Cook will be taking his mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to Russell, Kororāreka in the Bay Of Islands to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Using equipment and techniques developed during the 1850’s, the photographic plates are individually coated and sensitised in the darkroom before being exposed and developed while wet. Once fixed, washed and dried they are then coated in a gum sandarac varnish that preserves and protects them for generations.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

For info / bookings visit https://events.humanitix.com/russell

This November, I”ll be taking my mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to the Te Waimate Mission House in Waimate North to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The Portrait Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

For info / bookings please visit https://events.humanitix.com/twm

Capture the Essence of Steampunk with a Vintage Wet Plate Portrait!

Embrace the nostalgia of the Victorian era at the Thames Steampunk Festival and immortalise your ensemble with an authentic wet plate portrait.

Perfectly suited for the festival's Victorian inspired atmosphere, these handcrafted photographs are a true blend of art & science. Whether you're dressed in your finest steampunk attire or want a timeless keepsake, this is an experience you won't want to miss.

Visit our pop-up studio during the festival and and create a unique, lasting memory that echoes the spirit of a bygone era.

The finished plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The portrait sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate.

Sessions are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Info / bookings visit: https://events.humanitix.com/steampunk

Discover Art & Create Timeless Portraits at Art Waikino

Celebrate creativity at Art Waikino, where a stunning array of local artwork will be on display. After taking in the diverse pieces showcased at the event, step into a unique artistic experience with Tintype Central.

Have your portrait captured using the 1850s wet plate collodion process, creating a one-of-a-kind image on a plate of glass or aluminium. These timeless portraits are a beautiful way to commemorate both your visit to Art Waikino and the artistry surrounding the event.

The finished plates will be posted to you once varnished & cured, a week or so after your session.

The portrait sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate.

For bookings visit: https://events.humanitix.com/artwaikino

Capture Timeless Portraits with a Historic Art Form

Join us at The Arts House Trust in Auckland for a unique opportunity to experience the art of wet plate collodion photography. In conjunction with the prestigious Kingi Tuheitia Portraiture Awards, we are offering exclusive portrait sessions that celebrate both tradition and innovation.

Step back in time and become part of a living legacy as we create stunning, one-of-a-kind portraits using the same techniques from the 1850s. Each image is meticulously crafted on glass, producing a tangible and timeless keepsake that echoes the deep cultural significance of the portraits showcased in the awards.

Whether you're looking to commemorate your visit to the exhibition, honor your whakapapa, or simply experience a piece of history, this is your chance to be immortalized in a photograph that transcends generations.

The finished plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

The portrait sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate.

For info / bookings please visit https://events.humanitix.com/pah

Kiwi North: Wet Plate Portrait Sessions

For those of you interested in vintage photographic techniques, I will be holding wet plate portrait sessions at Kiwi North on select days during the Whangarei Silver Festival.

Using equipment and techniques developed during the 1850’s, plates of glass or aluminium are individually coated and sensitised in his mobile darkroom before being exposed and developed while wet. Once fixed, washed and dried they are then coated in a gum sandarac varnish that preserves and protects them for generations.

Participating in a tintype session and seeing the alchemic process as images appear on the plate is captivating; an experience that few people now have the opportunity to witness. At the end of the session, you will leave with a unique and original hand-made portrait and a complimentary digital file of your image.

The finished plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

For info & bookings please visit https://events.humanitix.com/silverfestival

In celebration of Matariki, I will be holding wet plate portrait sessions at The Refinery on Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th of June. Sessions start at 10am and are limited to two people.

Please feel free to bring along any traditional Kakahu or Taonga for your portraits.

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.

On select days during the 2024 Auckland Festival of Photography, photographer Adrian Cook will be crafting timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography. Each image is hand crafted, producing an original direct-positive image on a sheet of glass or aluminium plate. The finished plates will be posted out to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session. Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate.

Please book early as sessions are limited

Te Amorangi Museum: Wet Plate Portrait Sessions

Te Amorangi Trust Museum
25th & 26th May 2024
10am - 4pm

This May, I’ll be taking my mobile darkroom (a 1950's Bond-wood caravan) to the Te Amorangi Trust Museum in Rotorua to craft timeless portraits using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography.

Plates will be posted to clients once varnished & cured, a week or so after their session.

Sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 2 people per plate

Please book early to avoid disappointment as sessions are limited.

To book your session please visit
https://events.humanitix.com/teamorangi

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