Pioneer Days Features Tintype Photography

The weekend was jam-packed with activities, but perhaps most special was the chance to have your likeness chemically etched in metal.

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Bonanzaville is no stranger to historical reenactments. The replica village, overseen by the Cass County, North Dakota, Historical Society, draws visitors from all over at all times of year.

Pioneer Days, though, have that little extra special something that take them over the top.

Whether it be the pedal pull, train rides, or lefse making – there’s an antiquated activity for everyone.

This year, several lucky families got to experience the magic of tintype photography.

“It’s an expensive process, if you go to a studio to get a portrait,” explained Kary Janousek, tintype photographer.

“It’s so wonderful that Bonanzaville pays my fee, and then I can offer everyone in the community this rare and expensive portrait-making experience.”

Janousek picked up the practice in 2020 and soon fell in love with the chemical process.

She’s given lectures, donated her work to the state historical society, and this year at Pioneer Days, demonstrated these old methods to fascinated onlookers.

“For the young people and the adults alike, it’s pretty magical,” she said.

“It makes them feel transported back to the Victorian era.”

Event organizers were thrilled that she was able to stop by and take some pictures.

“She is an amazing aspect of the event,” said Beth Jansen, executive director of Bonanzaville.

“It’s super cool, she dresses up in really cool costumes, and people get to see what photography really used to look like.”

Kary was happy to send those families home with one-of-a-kind keepsakes.