Occupational Tintypes

Tintype photographs could be produced in a matter of minutes at a price most people could afford. Introduced in 1856, tintypes democratized photography--capturing unique glimpses of how everyday Americans looked and lived. Many people posed wearing their best outfits. Others sat for the photographer in their work clothes, holding objects that reflected their occupations. Work gave meaning to people's lives--it was part of one’s personal identity.