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Carla Rodriguez

Tintype Photographer

“What would I want somebody to think about when they are looking at my work? Something difficult doesn’t have to be something ugly. It’s still beautiful, or it’s still worth witnessing, or worth experiencing, even if it’s really hard.”

~Carla Rodriguez

  • Carla Rodriquez specializes in the art of tintype photography. Developed in the 1850s, this multi-step photographic process produces an image on a thin metal plate that has been coated with dark lacquer or enamel which is treated with special chemicals just before being exposed. A direct positive image is created which results in a true one-of-a-kind artwork.
  • Carla’s art and lived experiences provide opportunities to consider many themes that can arise in difficult conversations including vulnerability, presence, witnessing, impermanence, imperfection, and legacy.
  • To explore some of these ideas, we invite you to first watch the video.

Want to do more with the ideas in the video? Consider some options below:

“My legacy is giving other people legacies.” In the video, Carla talks about the impact of her artistic work as part of her legacy. She also notes that the permanent nature of tintypes enables them to serve as lasting legacies for the people she photographs. If you think of legacy as some aspect of your life that people will remember you for, what comes to mind?

If you wish, take this further by walking through your physical space, such as your home or office, and selecting an object that you think might represent your legacy. What message would this object offer about your life?

As you consider legacy in regards to your life’s impact, how might exploring legacy with others be useful in some difficult conversations?

In describing the unique nature of tintype photography, Carla explains that the camera, “Sees more than what we can see with the naked eye – sees things we might not be comfortable seeing.” She talks about the vulnerability of being authentically seen. Sitting with — and honoring — vulnerability can be uncomfortable. This activity invites you to use photography to practice honoring vulnerability. The activity can be found HERE.

“Photography is an act of witnessing. It’s an act of being present for someone,” explains Carla, when talking about the more objective nature of the art of photography. A camera doesn’t judge or provide input, it just documents the moment as it is. This activity invites you to strengthen your ability to be present and focus on simply witnessing. The activity can be found HERE.

Being willing to be present in difficult conversations is key. It enables us to pay close attention, to listen deeply and truly hear what is being shared. Explore the power of being still. The activity can be found HERE.

“My legacy is giving other people legacies.” In the video, Carla talks about the impact of her artistic work as part of her legacy. She also notes that the permanent nature of tintypes enables them to serve as lasting legacies for the people she photographs. If you think of legacy as some aspect of your life that people will remember you for, what comes to mind?

If you wish, take this further by walking through your physical space, such as your home or office, and selecting an object that you think might represent your legacy. What message would this object offer about your life?

As you consider legacy in regards to your life’s impact, how might exploring legacy with others be useful in some difficult conversations?

In describing the unique nature of tintype photography, Carla explains that the camera, “Sees more than what we can see with the naked eye – sees things we might not be comfortable seeing.” She talks about the vulnerability of being authentically seen. Sitting with — and honoring — vulnerability can be uncomfortable. This activity invites you to use photography to practice honoring vulnerability. The activity can be found HERE.

“Photography is an act of witnessing. It’s an act of being present for someone,” explains Carla, when talking about the more objective nature of the art of photography. A camera doesn’t judge or provide input, it just documents the moment as it is. This activity invites you to strengthen your ability to be present and focus on simply witnessing. The activity can be found HERE.

Being willing to be present in difficult conversations is key. It enables us to pay close attention, to listen deeply and truly hear what is being shared. Explore the power of being still. The activity can be found HERE.

To learn more about Carla, tintype photography, or some of the themes presented in this video, please visit our resources page HERE.