The coronavirus pandemic has changed our everyday life, but it doesn't need to change who we are. So, in addition to our ongoing coverage of the coronavirus, OnMilwaukee will continue to report on cool, fun, inspiring and strange stories from our city and beyond. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed and stay joyful. We're all in this together. #InThisTogetherMKE
Margaret Muza is a tintype photographer which means she takes old-timey portraits or, more specifically, she uses a large-format camera from the early 1900s in the service of a photography style that actually predates the Civil War. Tinytpe images are developed on sheet metal and appear – to modern eyes – antique and even a little haunting.
Muza, who served as the Pfister Hotel's Artist in Residence in 2017, operates a small business, but she has put that on hold for right now because of COVID-19. However, she is currently working on a special project and photographing people and families on their home porches. The cost is flexible and "pay what you can."
"Before the stay-at-home orders, I was offering private sessions for tintypes at my studio as well as getting ready for big events what were postponed. After a few weeks of being really down and feeling at a loss creatively, I stepped out and did a couple of tintypes that some friends had asked me to do," says Muza. "I was so happy that day, and grateful to be busy so I just recently promoted a pay-what-you-can option for a tintype porch portrait."
Currently, Muza is taking as many porch photos as possible of people who are living in all different parts of the city and quarantined. She is shooting about 10 portraits a week and the project requires her to bring a portable darkroom with her and develop each image on-site from the street.
"I’ve already had over 80 requests, but I’m still adding to the list," she says.
To get on Muza's list for a pay-what-you-can porch portrait, email her with your name and address at margaretmuzaphoto@gmail.com.
You can also check out her website at www.margaretmuza.com
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
