How to Convert a Tintype to a Photograph

Scanning the Image

• 1

  Prepare the scanner, if necessary, by covering the glass with a sheet of clear plastic. The tintype is made of metal, and any jagged or warped edges may scratch the surface of the scanner's glass.

• 2

  Look closely at the area around the glass if you are unfamiliar with the scanner. Most scanners have arrows pointing to the corner where you should line up the image. Lining the image up in the proper corner will save you the trouble of having to crop the empty space from around the image.

• 3

  Put on gloves to handle the tintype. Even with gloves, only touch the edges of the tintype. The oil and acid in your skin can mar the image. Line up the tintype, image side down, in the appropriate corner of the scanner's glass.

• 4

  Press the scan button. If it does not work, check to make sure that the scanner is plugged in to both a power outlet and the computer and turned on.

• 5

  Use your photo-editing software to enhance the image when it pops up, if desired. The tintype is laterally reversed from the original image that the photographer was shooting. You can flip the image laterally to view what the photographer saw, or leave it as an exact copy. Use functions such as "remove dust and scratches" with care, because they sometimes will make the image appear dull or fuzzy. Work slowly and save often when you are satisfied with your progress.

• 6

  Print the image, if desired. You can either use your home printer or bring the digital file to a store that develops digital photos.

Photographing the Image

• 7

  Find a place to take the photograph that has direct sunlight, preferably midday. Using the camera's flash will reflect off the image you are trying to photograph, so proper lighting is essential.

• 8

  Put on your gloves to avoid contact with the tintype. Hold the tintype by the edges. Set it on a white background on the floor or prop it vertically.

• 9

  Secure the camera to the tripod. If you are photographing the image on the floor, turn the top of the tripod so the camera is parallel to the floor. Take an experimental photo to make sure that the angle of the camera is correct, so that the full image can be put in the viewfinder without looking skewed.

• 10

  Zoom the camera to the middle range to minimize distortion. Line up the tintype and adjust the camera so the image takes up the entire viewfinder, or most of it, and the edges are square.

• 11

  Use the self-timer on the camera so you don't jostle the camera when you use the shutter. Look at the image you created. Adjust the camera angle, zoom or lighting until you achieve a satisfactory result.

• 12

  Use your photo-editing software to enhance the image, if desired. Print the photo to your home printer or take the digital file to a store to get it printed.