Two weeks ago, Captain Luke came down to Music Maker with his daughter Theresa for a tintype photo shoot. It was a chilly rainy day, so we set up the shoot inside the studio. As head chemist, having the entire shoot take place in the studio is not my first choice. The studio is the very place where the darkroom is set up, where the plates are coated, sensitized and eventually developed and fixed. The process is very sensitive to dust and as one might assume, more people equals more dust.

On the other hand, when the shoot is in the studio, the process becomes a collaboration with the subject at every step. We all sit together in the dark as we load the plate from the silver bath to the plate holder and again while the plate is being developed and we all huddle together over the sink to watch the image appear  . Conversation passes freely and often we’ll put some music on. 15 plates can take a number of hours and it is a great opportunity for Tim and I to connect with artists we haven’t seen in a while and make lasting memories along with photos that are distinct and eye catching.

When Captain and Theresa sat for their portrait taken together, I could see a pride and satisfaction in Theresa’s eyes that gave me a shudder. She told Tim and I later that this was the first time in her life that she had a picture taken with her father, Captain Luke. It was truly an honor to be a part of that significant moment.

What follows is a portfolio of some highlights from our past sessions. Coming up, we have sessions scheduled with Ben Payton, Ironing Board Sam, Cary Morin, Captain Luke, Dom Flemons and Dr. Dixon.