NIGHTSHADE STUDIO
Nightshade Studio is my wet plate collodion portrait studio located in Plainfield, Vermont.
Plainfield is small, creative, resilient, and exactly the right place for a 19th century photographic process. It's also home. My great grandfather Tim Pitkin founded Goddard College, where I earned my degree in Photographic Theory and Technique, and I live ten minutes away in neighboring Marshfield. Central Vermont has long drawn artists, makers, and creative thinkers, and that energy is very much alive here.
My work often feels sacred and strange - rooted in the natural world and unafraid of the unusual and taboo. Portraits at Nightshade Studio range from the traditional to the deeply personal and unconventional. Whatever your vision, I want you to leave feeling empowered and genuinely excited about how you look. Clients are welcome to use my collection of props, set pieces, and accessories, or bring their own. We have access to my indoor studio, as well as outdoors by The Granary, which is located next to the Winooski River, and the Plainfield Village Cemetery. Because time during portrait sessions is limited, I ask my clients to think about what kind of environment and aesthetic they want to attain beforehand, so that we can best use our time creating and shooting the scene.
It's important to me that my clients feel comfortable and have the opportunity to express themselves creatively. Nightshade Studio is a safe and welcoming environment for all.
I am currently offering 5×7 and 8×10 portraits for 1–4 people. Larger parties may be accommodated - feel free to inquire!
Nightshade Studio is located on the second floor of The Granary at 153 Main St., Plainfield, Vermont. Located just 15 minutes from the capitol, Montpelier, and 30 minutes from Hardwick, gateway to Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.
Opening June 2026.
FAQ
What Should I Wear?
Wet plate collodion reads light differently than your eyes do. The process is sensitive to UV light, which means colors translate in unexpected ways - blues and purples will come out light, while reds, oranges, and yellows appear dark. Patterns and textures tend to look really interesting. Avoid all-black outfits if you can unless we've discussed a plan prior, and do not wear UV-blocking sunscreen or makeup on the day of your session, as it can altar the appearance of your skin. If you wear glasses, know that coatings on lenses can show up dark or smoky in the image. I recommend bringing an old pair with the lenses popped out, or planning to go without them for the shoot.
Are Imperfections Normal?
Yes, and they're part of what makes this process so beautiful and interesting. Wet plate collodion is handmade chemistry, and variants like temperature, humidity, and the behavior of the chemicals on any given day all leave their mark on the image. You might see variations in the coating around the edges, small marks, or other evidence that a human being made this artifact by hand. That's not a flaw - that's the point! No two plates are ever exactly alike, and yours will be completely one of a kind.
Can I Bring Children or Pets?
It's important to know going into your shoot that wet plate requires the subject to stay still for anywhere from a couple of seconds to over ten seconds, depending on the light. Kids and animals can struggle with this, and the results will reflect that in ways that can often be wonderful and charming, or blurry and disappointing. If you are considering bringing children or pets, please discuss this with me prior to booking.
How Long Will My Tintype Last?
Tintypes from the 1850s and 1860s still exist in near-original condition, which gives you a sense of just how archival this process is. A well-cared-for tintype can last 150 to 200 years or more. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture, always handle plates by the edges and don't touch the face of the plate. If you take good care of it, there's a real chance your tintype will last centuries.
