Mark Elson Pictures

I’m am very pleased to announce that my original wet plate collodion tintype, Artifact: Bird’s Nest, has been selected for the upcoming exhibition, BIRDS! art gallery in Harvard, Massachusetts. The exhibition, April 18 - May 30, 2026. Artist Reception, April 18, 2026, from 4pm-6pm. Fivesparks is a wonderful place. They consistently mount excellent art exhibits. I look forward to seeing you at the reception.

Happy President’s Day!

I made this original wet plate collodion tintype of an Abraham Lincoln reenactor for my book Battlefields of Honor: American Civil War Reenactors (Merrell Publishers) at the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum in Los Angeles. I have been a certified Civil War enthusiast/nut since I was in elementary school in the last century. HUZZA, HUZZA, HUZZA!

I recently made this original 1/2 plate (4.24”x5.5”) tintype of two vintage ragged dolls. I’m fascinated with decay and how time takes its toll on life and things connecting the past with the present as you look for your place in our changing world. The plate is available for purchase as are Giclee Prints of the original tintype. DM me if you’re interested.

From a recent portrait session I made this tintype of a young family. I enjoy tintype portrait sessions as I connect with others bridging this historical photography process with the modern world. It is wonderful to be able to travel in time.