Workshop Overview
- LanguagePortuguese, English
- Duration1
- DifficultyBeginner
- Next Date30/06/2026
Schedule Program
What's Included
Included
- Retrato com tecnica do seculo XIX. Placa de vidro ou metal.
- Acompanhe todo o processo desde a preparação da Câmara até à revelação no Laboratório Escuro.
Location Details
Five Historic Photography Studio, Largo 1º de Dezembro 14, Sintra, Portugal
Bookings close 2 hours before the workshop starts.
Your Teacher
1 workshop · 0 followers
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.
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FAQ's
It is a 19th-century photographic process using glass or metal plates, creating unique, handmade images.
The experience lasts approximately one hour, allowing time to enjoy every step without rushing.
No. Wet plate collodion portraits are unique physical objects with no digital duplicate.
Yes, depending on availability and the aesthetic you prefer.
No prior experience is needed. The photographer guides you through the entire process.
Yes. Period clothing and props are optional, and personal accessories are welcome.
Children aged 6 and older may participate if they can remain still during the exposure.
All chemicals are handled by the photographer following strict safety procedures.
Yes, except inside the darkroom, where photography may be restricted.
Wet plate collodion is a handcrafted and inherently unpredictable process, which is part of its unique character. Unlike digital photography, each image may include subtle marks, variations or imperfections — elements that are intrinsic to the process and contribute to the individuality and authenticity of each piece. In the rare event of a technical or chemical issue, the portrait is simply repeated during the session to ensure a successful final piece.
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.
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