Daguerreotype                  (1839-1857)

The earliest commercial photographic process. An image processed on a polished silver-coated metallic plate. The appearance is mirror-like and sometimes hand tinted. They range in size from 1.5 x 1.75 through 8.5 x13 inches. The most common size is 2.75 x 3.25 inches. They are encased in a decorative frame.

     Callotype or Talbotype     (1841-1851)

A negative process upon paper using silver nitrate. Theoretically an infinite number of copies could be obtained for each exposure. The paper medium gave it a “rough texture and unequal substance.” Superseded in 1851 by collodian or wet plate process.

       Ambrotype                         (1852-1863)

Cased photographs which are often mistaken for Daguerreotypes. Ambrotypes are very underexposed glass negatives placed in front of a black backing of paint, paper, or velvet. They do not have the mirror-like appearance of Daguerreotypes, but are generally behind glass. Hand coloring was often done on the image.

      Tintype                                (1856-1938)

These are photographic images made on metal. Tintypes are very durable, but are not as lovely to look at as Daguerreotypes. The tones appear very greyed-over and hand coloring was attempted to improve the appearance. Tintypes were produced until the 1930’s as a quick process at fairs and carnivals. They were sometimes cased to give the look of a more expensive Daguerreotype.

     Carte-De-Viste                    (1859-1914)               

Paper photographs mounted on a cardboard backing, also known as Visiting Cards. The name of the studio that made the photograph is usually on the back or in the margin at the bottom. The popular print size measured 2.5 x 4 inches. During the Civil War, a tax stamp was required on the back of these photographs.

     Cabinet Cards                    (1866-1914)

Photographs much like visiting cards, but measure 4.25 x 6.5 inches. Cabinet cards on dark green or maroon stock were probably made in the 1880’s.

     Glass Negatives                 (1878-1930)

These are reversed photographic images on glass. They are very delicate and should be copied immediately to preserve the image. Handle with extreme care!

     Flexible Film                     (1889-Present)

Nitrocellulose film became available in 1889. These early negatives are very delicate and extremely combustible. They should be copied as soon as possible. In the early 1930’s Acetate Safety film replaced nitrate film. Polyester film was introduced in 1965