Product Description

Step into the world of vintage photography at Five Historic Photography Studio in São Pedro de Sintra with this immersive historic 19th-century portrait experience. Discover how photography was practiced during Sintra’s golden age through the authentic wet plate collodion process, and take home a unique ambrotype or tintype portrait created by the photographer.

This 19th century photography experience invites you to learn the revolutionary medium embraced by artists, scientists, and the Portuguese royal family. Witness the complete process from chemistry preparation through darkroom development, receiving an original photograph impossible to replicate.

What You’ll Experience

This wet plate collodion workshop offers hands on journey through authentic 1851 photographic technique:

📷 Historical photography education and wet plate collodion introduction

📷 Chemistry demonstration preparing photographic plates by hand

📷 Step by step observation from coating through silver sensitization

📷 Optional period clothing and accessories for atmospheric portraits

📷 Guided camera posing with longer exposure times explained

📷 Darkroom experience witnessing image development in red safelight

📷 Transformation moment watching negative become positive photograph

📷 Plate varnishing for long term preservation

📷 One of a kind original ambrotype or tintype to take home

Workshop Process and Format

This historic photography experience follows the complete authentic process:

Historical Introduction: Begin with warm welcome and introduction to photography’s history and the wet plate collodion process invented in 1851. Using historical images and original examples, learn how early pioneers documented Sintra’s palaces, landscapes, and portraits.

Process Explanation: Before the session begins, the technique is explained step by step so you know exactly what to expect.

Optional Costuming: Choose to wear historic clothing or accessories (not limited strictly to 19th century) to enhance atmosphere and create unique portrait. Completely optional based on comfort level.

Plate Preparation: Observe as metal or glass plate is hand coated with collodion, sensitized in silver nitrate bath, and placed into large format camera. Materials, chemistry, and process curiosities are explained.

Portrait Session: Pose in front of camera with guidance ensuring relaxed, successful portrait despite longer exposure times than modern photography.

Darkroom Development: Enter the darkroom illuminated by red safelight. Watch your image develop while plate is still wet, seeing negative image appear during development.

Transformation: After fixing, witness photograph transform into final positive form, one of the most memorable moments of the experience.

Preservation: The plate is varnished for long term preservation of your unique photograph.

What’s Included

This 19th century portrait workshop provides complete immersive experience:

📷 Historical photography education and wet plate collodion introduction

📷 Step by step process observation from chemistry through varnishing

📷 Optional period clothing and accessories for atmospheric portraits

📷 Guided posing and darkroom experience witnessing development

📷 One 10x12cm original photograph (ambrotype or tintype) to take home

Note: Ticket includes one 10 × 12 cm aluminum wet plate portrait and you can bring up to 4 other participants along. Larger sizes (13 × 18 cm or 20 × 25 cm), glass plates, or additional portraits are available for an extra fee, payable at the studio.

Location: Five Historic Photography Studio, São Pedro de Sintra

Process: Authentic 1851 wet plate collodion technique

Result: Original photograph on glass (ambrotype) or metal (tintype), truly unique

Perfect for Photography and History Enthusiasts

This historic portrait experience in Sintra welcomes:

📷 Photography enthusiasts wanting hands on experience with authentic techniques

📷 History lovers interested in photography’s revolutionary origins

📷 Those seeking cultural immersion beyond passive museum observation

📷 People wanting tangible connection to 19th century artistry

📷 Anyone interested in chemistry and physics behind early photography

📷 Travelers seeking unique souvenirs created through historic process

Why Choose This Historic Photography Experience

Authentic 1851 Technique: Experience genuine wet plate collodion process exactly as practiced in photography’s golden age, not a modern recreation or simulation.

Hands On Cultural Journey: This offers more than a portrait, it’s immersive learning experience into photography’s origins with complete process observation from chemistry through development.

One of a Kind Original: Receive true original ambrotype or tintype with no negative. Your photograph is unrepeatable and unique, connecting you tangibly to photography’s revolutionary beginnings.

Historic Sintra Location: Experience takes place where early pioneers actually documented palaces and landscapes, in studio continuing Sintra’s photographic heritage.

Complete Process Understanding: Witness every step from hand coating plates through darkroom development. Learn materials, chemistry, and artistry behind this revolutionary medium.

Darkroom Magic: The moment of watching your image appear and transform from negative to positive in red safelight is unforgettable highlight of authentic photographic creation.

Optional Period Atmosphere: Enhance experience with historic clothing if desired, though modern dress is equally welcome; participation based on personal comfort.

 

Join this 19th century portrait experience in Sintra and create your own ambrotype or tintype through authentic wet plate collodion process. Experience hands on cultural journey into photography’s origins at Five Historic Photography Studio!