Talking Tintypes

Digital Ant Media, LLC

About this app

Talking Tintypes is an augmented photographic experience created by Diné photographer, Will Wilson. Using the app, scan any photograph from the Talking Tintypes collection to activate the photograph.


To activate the augmented reality (AR) content, you must be in a location where the Talking Tintypes collection is being exhibited (e.g. museum, gallery). You may also access limited content by visiting the artist's website: http://willwilson.photoshelter.com and selecting the "Talking Tintypes" collection.


Talking Tintypes is a collaboration between Will Wilson, indigenous artists and leaders, and a broader public.


The project strives to restore voice to the still image. It employs 19th and 21st century technologies, creating space for agency between the archive and the repertoire, and in so doing, disrupting the archive's discursive authority.


To use:

-Open the app and click on "Begin"

-Scan any photograph from the Talking Tintypes Collection (willwilson.photoshelter.com)

-Watch on your phone as the Talking Tintype is activated


Permissions note:

-Camera: Needed to scan for images

What’s new

Talking Tintypes
Build: 3
Version: (2.1.0)
New Tintype image targets added. April 10, 2025