Montgomeryville native Maurene Cooper is the only woman in Philadelphia who uses a 19th-century photographic process to create one-of-a-kind Victoria era keepsakes. Franki Rudnesky reported her interest in vintage image technology for Philly Voice.

The artist launched her gallery, Vanity Tintype, two years ago in Fishtown.

In her studio, she creates photographs using a “wet-plate collodion process.”

The technique was a breakthrough for its time.

British photographer-sculptor Frederick Scott Archer devised it as a way of improving the images taken of his works in clay. The innovation was not only faster than what preceded it, it also provided better clarity.

Cooper offers informational sessions on the process for individuals, children, couples, and even wedding parties.

“It was the predominant image-making technology of the 19th century,” she said. “In general, I explain it as a really sexy, goth, handmade Polaroid.”

The process involves a glass plate, a special camera, and a darkroom — along with a variety of chemical mixtures and solutions.

“I make all of my chemistry; I buy the elements, and then I make them,” said Cooper. “So I’m kind of like a chemist.”

The artist has has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally as she continued to teach college courses in photography at local universities.

Read more about Maurene Cooper and Vanity Tintype at Philly Voice.

_____

CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Mo Rocca traced the history of the tintype, a process similar to that which Maurene Cooper revived.