America's first major contribution to the art of photography that dates back to the heyday of the cattle drives (1850-1880), tintypes went on to become the country's favourite portrait format. A tedious and unforgiving method of photography that necessitates patience and commitment from both the subject and the photographer, posing for a tintype requires more time than modern point-and-shoot photography, and instructions must be followed carefully or the photograph will be ruined. The tintypes -- 85 in all -- are showcased and are accompanied by field notes that provide a look at each individual and his/her dedication to the cowboy way of life.

Author Biography

The photographs of ROBB KENDRICK, a native of Spur, Texas, have appeared in many magazines - Sports Illustrated, Smithsonian, LIFE, Time, and US News and World Report - but perhaps most notably in National Geographic. His work was honored with inclusion in Through the Lens: National Geographic's Greatest Photographs (2003) and his was the cover image for In Focus: The Greatest Portraits of National Geographic (2004). He lives near the Texas Hill Country town of Blanco with his wife, Jeannie, and two sons on the lavender farm and wildlife habitat they have established.