Tintype Photobooth at a Kentucky Derby Party at the Four Seasons Denver, Sponsored by Angel’s Envy Whiskey

A Rooftop Kentucky Derby Experience

Guests gathered at EDGE to sip cocktails, take in sweeping downtown views, and watch the Kentucky Derby race together as the excitement built toward post time. The energy peaked as the horses thundered down the track, creating a shared moment that felt both celebratory and steeped in history.

Angel’s Envy Whiskey added to the festivities with a raffle giveaway, giving guests even more reason to engage, linger, and celebrate throughout the afternoon. From curated drinks to thoughtful brand touches, the activation felt intentional rather than intrusive—enhancing the experience without overshadowing it.

Derby Style: Fashion, Fascinators, and Timeless Elegance

True to Kentucky Derby tradition, attendees arrived dressed in their finest attire. Tailored suits, bold patterns, and classic Southern-inspired looks filled the rooftop, while the ladies’ fascinators stole the show—each one more sculptural, colorful, and creative than the last.

The fashion alone made the event feel cinematic, but the addition of the tintype photobooth ensured those looks were preserved in a way no digital photo ever could.

The Tintype Photobooth: A Meaningful Connection to History

Tintype photography—created using the wet plate collodion process—was the primary photographic method during the mid-to-late 1800s. Coincidentally, this era aligns closely with the origins of the Kentucky Derby itself.

Fun Kentucky Derby &Photography Facts

• The first Kentucky Derby was run in 1875 at Churchill Downs.
• During this time, tintypes and wet plate collodion were the dominant forms of photography.
• Tintypes were prized for being one-of-a-kind, immediate, and tangible—much like the fleeting moments of a live horse race.
• The Derby is known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, while a tintype portrait freezes a single moment forever.

Bringing a tintype photobooth into a Kentucky Derby setting wasn’t just visually striking—it was historically poetic. Guests weren’t just taking portraits; they were participating in a living homage to the era in which the Derby was born.

Why Unique Event Activations Drive Engagement

In an age of oversaturated experiences and instant digital content, unique event activations stand out by offering something guests can’t replicate on their phones.

Key Benefits of Experiential Activations Like Tintype Photography

• Deeper engagement: Guests slow down, ask questions, and actively participate.
• Memorable: A physical tintype portrait becomes a keepsake, not just a forgotten image in a camera roll.
• Emotional connection: The craftsmanship and process create a story guests remember long after the event ends.
• Brand alignment: Heritage brands like Angel’s Envy Whiskey pair naturally with analog, tradition-rich experiences.

Instead of feeling like a typical branded moment, the tintype photobooth felt woven into the spirit of the event—enhancing the atmosphere while giving guests something meaningful to take home.

A Derby Celebration to Remember

From the roar of the race to the clink of glasses, from sculptural fascinators to hand-crafted tintype portraits, this Kentucky Derby party at the EDGE Rooftop Bar and Pool was a masterclass in thoughtful event design.

By pairing a historic photographic process with one of America’s most storied sporting traditions—and anchoring it all with a premium brand sponsor—the event became more than a party. It became an experience rooted in history, craftsmanship, and connection.

If you're looking for some unique and memorable tintype portraits for your spectators and guests, shoot me and email. I would love to come to your event and share the history and take some timeless portraits.