- LanguagePortuguese, English
- Duration1h
- DifficultyBeginner
- Next Date03/02/2026
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 authentic wet plate collodion process, creating your own unique ambrotype or tintype to take home.
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 photo and you can bring up to 4 other participants along.
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), no negative, 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!
Video
Related Tags: Arts & Crafts, Photo & Video, Photography
FAQ
What is wet plate collodion photography?
It is a 19th-century photographic process using glass or metal plates, creating unique, handmade images.
How long does the experience last?
The experience lasts approximately one hour, allowing time to enjoy every step without rushing.
Do I receive a digital copy of my portrait?
No. Wet plate collodion portraits are unique physical objects with no digital duplicate.
Can I choose between glass or metal plates?
Yes, depending on availability and the aesthetic you prefer.
Do I need photography experience?
No prior experience is needed. The photographer guides you through the entire process.
Can I wear my own clothes or props?
Yes. Period clothing and props are optional, and personal accessories are welcome.
Is this experience suitable for children?
Children aged 6 and older may participate if they can remain still during the exposure.
Are the chemicals safe?
All chemicals are handled by the photographer following strict safety procedures.
Can I take photos during the experience?
Yes, except inside the darkroom, where photography may be restricted.
What if my portrait doesn’t work?
Wet plate photography is unpredictable; if needed, we repeat the process during the session.
Will I take the photograph myself?
No. The portrait is created by the photographer using a 19th-century technique. Participants observe the entire process and pose for the image but do not handle the camera or chemicals.
More about your Teacher Filipe Barroso
We are Filipe and Vera, the hosts and creators behind the Five Historic Photography Studio, a space dedicated to authentic 19th-century photographic techniques.
Why “Five”? Before settling in Sintra, we lived in Florence. When we first travelled there, we were a family of five — the two of us, two dogs and a cat — and we often joked that we were on an adventure like The Famous Five by Enid Blyton. Later, we noticed that the first letters of our names, FIlipe and VEra, also formed “Five”. From that moment on, every project we created together carried this symbolic signature.
We originally met through biology while completing our master’s degree, but soon discovered other passions in common as antiques and analogue photography. When we returned to Portugal, and to Sintra in particular, we left academia behind to pursue our shared dream.
Sintra’s golden age bloomed in the late 19th century — the same era that saw the birth of photography and remarkable innovations in art and science. The Portuguese Royal Family spent much of their time here and shared a deep fascination for the photographic medium. This cultural and historical connection inspired us to revive the techniques once used by pioneers such as Carlos Relvas, Jean Laurent and others, linking Sintra’s heritage with the magic of early photography.
We devoted ourselves to studying these ancient processes in depth and soon fell in love with the wet plate collodion technique. With more than ten years of experience, we have exhibited our work in various institutions and developed a passion for teaching, sharing these extraordinary methods with anyone wishing to explore them.
Join us and experience the charm of 19th-century photography firsthand — guided by two local experts who turned a dream, a passion, and a family of Five into a living studio.
uk english 
pt portuguese