Penumbra Tintype Portrait Studio

Penumbra Tintype Portrait Studio New York City's own Penumbra Tintype Portrait Studio - A contemporary take on the 19th century wet plate collodion tintype portrait studio.

Conveniently located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, the Penumbra foundation is bringing back the historic practice of wet plate tintype portraiture 159 years after its invention. For a list of all tintype sessions we offer and to book an appointment online visit: www.penumbrafoundation.org/tintype-studio

The studio is open for sessions from 11:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fri

day, and 12pm to 6:00pm on Saturday.

----

To arrange appointments for dates not listed or for special requests email [email protected]. If you need assistance or have any questions, please call 917-288-0343 or email [email protected].

-----

Considered by many the Polaroid of the 19th century, the tintype is made near-instantaneously through a process executed entirely by hand on a sheet of metal using raw chemicals. Tintypes were passed down as family heirlooms and valued for their time-tested archival stability, often found today in near immaculate condition. At the Penumbra Tintype Portrait studio, you now have the opportunity to have an heirloom of your very own personal history to share with family and friends! In less than the time it takes to watch a basic cable sitcom, visitors will have their portrait taken and leave with a unique, one-of-a-kind object to be enjoyed for many years to come; ready to be passed down as were the tintypes of the 1800’s. We use period-authentic methods, materials and equipment including original cameras and lenses.

One of the highlights from 2026–a collaborative tintype of wearing the VR headset ⭐️
05/22/2026

One of the highlights from 2026–a collaborative tintype of wearing the VR headset ⭐️

Swipe to check out some of the plates we made weekend two! Big thanks to our incredible team and we can’t wait to see y...
08/16/2025

Swipe to check out some of the plates we made weekend two! Big thanks to our incredible team and we can’t wait to see you next year ❤️

☀️ Summer bookings are open for July & August! To make an appointment or redeem a gift card, tap the link in bio.Featuri...
07/03/2025

☀️ Summer bookings are open for July & August! To make an appointment or redeem a gift card, tap the link in bio.

Featuring: a solo portrait made by studio photographer Sam Dole () during our June sessions.

Between sessions at closing weekend, Gerald Daclin () captured this superb plate of studio photographer Sam Dole () in ...
06/22/2025

Between sessions at closing weekend, Gerald Daclin () captured this superb plate of studio photographer Sam Dole () in front of the Manhattan Bridge. Gerald first learned wet plate with Sam at Penumbra a few years back and has been a vital part of our tintype team ever since—a truly full circle moment!

Shoutout to the rest of our amazing team— on assist, on plate prep, and all of the volunteers who made this year possible. We could not have done it without you ❤️❤️❤️

06/18/2025
A couple of this past weekend’s tintypes taken by Sam Dole () ❤️Thanks to everyone who stopped by! We’ll be dropping Jun...
05/14/2025

A couple of this past weekend’s tintypes taken by Sam Dole () ❤️

Thanks to everyone who stopped by! We’ll be dropping June sessions soon—stay tuned 🗓️

be with you & happy ! 🌌 sharing this killer themed plate of holding by Sam Dole (). Star Wars fans—Comment belo...
05/04/2025

be with you & happy ! 🌌 sharing this killer themed plate of holding by Sam Dole ().

Star Wars fans—Comment below if you know the names of the characters they’re dressed as 👇

Recent solo shots from the studio by Sam Dole () 🖤
04/30/2025

Recent solo shots from the studio by Sam Dole () 🖤

Cover art & portraits for ’s upcoming album, Iron, was shot in by our studio photographer Sam Dole ()! 💿 Photography b...
04/18/2025

Cover art & portraits for ’s upcoming album, Iron, was shot in by our studio photographer Sam Dole ()! 💿

Photography by Sam Dole
Design & Layout by .m3dina
Styled by
Backdrop by
Studio

Throwback to this precious portrait inspired by 19th-century hidden mother photographs taken by Sam Dole in our old stud...
04/15/2025

Throwback to this precious portrait inspired by 19th-century hidden mother photographs taken by Sam Dole in our old studio. ❤️

This Mother’s Day, get creative & celebrate the mother figures in your life with a special tintype portrait! Use these codes at checkout to save up to 20% on sessions & gift cards:

MOTHER15 (non-members) for 15% off sessions
MOTHER20 (Penumbra members) for 20% off sessions

MOTHERGIFT15 (non-members) for 15% off gift cards
MOTHERGIFT20 (Penumbra members) for 20% off gift cards

Address

36 E 30th Street
New York, NY
10016

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 11am - 7pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Penumbra Tintype Portrait Studio posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Penumbra Tintype Portrait Studio:

Shortcuts

Share

Category