The Photo as Object and Object as Photo

By Tim Pinault,

The image on the left is a tintype and was the test shot for the image on the right, a black glass ambrotype.

Like many people, I have recently migrated from San Francisco to the East Bay in search of cheaper rent, more space, and a shorter commute; all things vital to sustaining an art practice while holding a full-time job. My previous studio space was a combination of my smallish living room and garage if I could find street parking. Every Saturday and Sunday I prepped for the three or so hours when the afternoon light would flood the garage so I could make an exposure . Needless to say it wasn’t the most productive of setups.