In a world that is becoming increasingly riddled with AI images and fake photos, Melody is preserving history with the most honest and real form of photography- tintypes.
A Wintersville native, Melody Petras has made Wheeling her home. Mel’s Alternative Images brings a unique piece of the past into the present, offering vintage tin type photography, film development, slide scanning, VHS video digitizing, film photography and more!
What is a Tintype?
Tintypes are the earliest form of photography. The art form began in the late 1800s during the Civil War era. Tintype photography is made by putting chemicals onto a piece of tin or glass and developing it on the spot. The process takes about 20 minutes
“They call tin types the honest portrait,” Melody shared.
How & Why did Mel get Started?
Melody got into film photography and developed her own film. From there, she found out about tintypes. “I thought it was so cool,” Melody shared. She also noted how she loves learning about the process of photography and tintypes were an extremely interesting process for her to learn.
“In a world of AI, I just liked the realness” Mel shares, “tintypes are the bare bones of photography. Most of all, it feels like it is real.”
What do you love about living in Wheeling?
Discovering what people love about Wheeling is one of my favorite parts of writing stories. Wheeling has become a wonderful “home close to home” for Melody. Growing up in Wintersville, Melody is still close to her family, and Wheeling gives her a city living experience that she loves.
“The community is great, everyone is supportive, everyone wants to see Wheeling grow. It’s just beautiful,” Melody expressed.
“In addition, being a part of the thriving small business and arts communities in Wheeling is amazing.”
“It’s exciting to think about the fact that I could be a part of something that is coming back and growing again” Melody noted.
How to get a Tin Type
Melody does events throughout the area. Her next event is at the Luna Bleu Lounge in Smithfield on New Year’s Eve.
In addition to local events, you can reach out to Mel’s Alternative Images at any time to schedule a portrait session either in her studio at 2331 Chapline Street, in your home, or any location in the area. Melody has even hiked through the woods with a client to get a tin type portrait in the forest! Reach out to Mel’s Tin Types via Instagram, her website, email, calling, or texting to inquire about scheduling a portrait session!
https://www.melsaltimages.com/
Looking for a last Minute Gift?
A Tintype portrait is a wonderful gift for the ones who are difficult to shop for on your list. Unique and timeless, it is an unexpected gift that will become a treasured heirloom!
Do you have a local business owner on your shopping list? A tin type portrait of the exterior of their brick & mortar would be a lovely keepsake to display for years to come.
Thank you, Mel!
Reaching back towards the past and learning a vintage form of art, is a quality that should be celebrated. When we become increasingly surrounded by AI images and photographs, it is refreshing to have a local artisan creating tintypes- the honest portrait. The Wheeling area is lucky to have Mel’s Alternative Images providing such a unique piece of history and tradition. Thank you, Melody!
