Blkk Hand

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Blkk Hand

Blkk Hand is a tintype studio run by artist Carla Alexandra Rodriguez. We do portrait sessions, events, as well as commissions. Instagram:

Tintypes are an early 19th century process using the "wetplate" technique. A piece of tin (or aluminum in this case) is coated with a collodion mixture and sensitized in a silver bath. While the plate is still wet it is shot and then developed. Also known as the "Black Arts" because of the black stains left on the ungloved hands of early photographers from the silver, this labor intensive process results in a 100% one-of-a-kind image. After sealing the plate with a traditional shellac mixture, you will have an image that not only smells of lavender but also has the potential of lasting several generations (if not longer!)

I am available for portrait shoots in my studio, and I am available for on location events as well. I am also interested in various creative endeavors so if you have an idea please contact me! If you are interested in a shoot please email me at [email protected], or message here on Facebook, and we can talk about scheduling and pricing. Follow along on Instagram as well!

29/07/2026

I’m going to be on TV!!! 😱🫠🫪🤯

Catch me tomorrow, 3pm CST on Twin Cities Live making portraits of the hosts, talking about my work/passion for tintypes, and trying to not be an absolute alien on live TV 👽

You can watch on channel 5, or livestream it online!

📸 Brandon Lattin

29/05/2026

I am currently eyeballs deep in post-processing tintypes and digital scans from my last 3-4 shows, thanks for everyone’s patience!

Currently on the docket: Indianapolis, Saint Louis, Minneapolis and May studio sessions ✨

Here are some cuties from the Columbus, OH . This was my first time in Columbus, and won’t be my last! I’ll be back in November for the tattoo fest 👹

And this time I won’t be staying in Frat Row…..that was a unique experience TO SAY THE LEAST. Those Ohio State kids are a different breed, partying at 6am on a game day!!

Here are all my upcoming pop-ups:

✨Chicago, IL: June 6th & 7th

✨Minneapolis, MN: Juneteenth
(Free portraits for Black Folks, hosted by )

✨Detroit, MI: July 11th & 12th

✨Omaha, NE: July 25th & 26th

✨Ely, MN: August 7th & 8th
(by appointment only, hosted by )

✨Salt Lake City, UT: September 12th & 13th

✨Las Vegas, NV: September 19th & 20th

✨Los Angeles, CA: September 25th-27th
(Location TBD)

✨Minneapolis, MN: Indigenous Peoples Day October 12th
(Free portraits for Indigenous Folks, location TBD)

✨Columbus, OH: Hell City Tattoo Fest 6th-8th

✨Madison, WI: Teslacon November 12th-15th

20/05/2026

I love figuring out whats possible with tintype and my specific setup and skill set. I usually say no to indoor, natural light portraits but wanted to try for Molly and her baby numb. I am so jazzed with how these came out!!!

Molly and Julian’s home in NM was STUNNING and got a lot of great light which made these possible. Would love to do more work like this 👀

Natural light in general is usually not great for wiggle kiddos and animals, and indoors the exposure time is even longer, but anything is possible! As long as your flexible about the outcome I’m willing to try.

Send me an email if your interested in booking something like this ✨

I’m also taking traditional studio light appointments in my studio in Saint Paul, books are currently open through June.

13/04/2026

Failures are information, and hopefully steps to the intended (or pleasantly unintended) outcome.

I’ve been trying really hard to make time for capital A art. It’s been a struggle to connect to my creativity and to make things that feel like they are in alignment, mostly to whatever parts of myself I feel blocked from right now. was such a good sport and A+ assistant tooling around Joshua Tree national park for two days and helping me lug my gear and camera around as I attempted to touch the (creative) void.

Scouted for the perfect rock and made a couple of attempts as the light waned, I thought I finally got at what I wanted and the glass I was using had a different idea. So this is a “failure”, but at least a sketch of what I hope to come back to later.

10/04/2026

Coming to two new (to me!) cities for the !

First up, Columbus, Ohio! April 18th and 19th
10-5pm

Then the following weekend, Indianapolis, Indiana! April 25th and 26th
10-5pm

First come, first served!

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http://www.blkkhand.com/

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