Tintype Portraits Near NYC — A Day Trip to Lambertville, New Jersey
Looking for a tintype portrait near New York City? My wet plate collodion portrait studio is in Lambertville, New Jersey, a historic Delaware River town that makes an easy day trip from NYC.
Come to Lambertville for the antique shops, galleries, restaurants and riverfront — then step into my studio for a portrait made using the same wet plate collodion process introduced in the 1850s. Each tintype is made individually by hand, and you leave with the original plate.
Make a day of it
Lambertville and New Hope are made for wandering. If you like antiques there is no greater place than the People’s Store and if you enjoy good food there are many places to try. One of my favorites is Under the Moon. Spend the morning browsing, have lunch by the water, and build the day around a portrait sitting at my studio in the middle of town.
It's an easy day trip — and an easy overnight, if you'd rather slow down and make a weekend of it.
The portrait — your keepsake of the day
At my Lambertville tintype studio, I make portraits using the historic wet plate collodion process. Each plate is coated by hand, sensitized, exposed in a large-format camera and developed while you watch.
There is no digital file being created first and no mass-produced print. Your portrait exists as a unique object on metal or glass, with the imperfections, depth and character that make wet plate photography unmistakable.
Watching your own image appear in the developing tray is part of the experience — and you leave Lambertville with the original plate.
Getting to Lambertville from NYC
Lambertville is in western New Jersey on the Delaware River, directly across from New Hope, Pennsylvania. Many clients make the trip from New York City specifically for a tintype portrait and spend the rest of the day exploring the two towns.
Driving is the simplest option. Public transportation is also possible: Trans-Bridge Lines provides service between New York City and the Lambertville area, while rail travelers can use New Jersey transit connections and continue to Lambertville by local transportation. Check current schedules before traveling.
Plan your NYC tintype day trip
Book your tintype portrait first and build the rest of your Lambertville and New Hope day around your sitting.
Before you come, download my free Art of the Wet Plate Portrait Guide. It explains how colors, clothing, skin, hair and textures translate differently in wet plate photography and will help you prepare for your portrait.
