Cyanotype workshop in Lisbon for anyone who wants to step away from digital photography and discover one of the oldest and most beautiful alternative printing techniques ever invented. Led by visual artist Maria Alternativa in an immersive and welcoming studio environment, this two-hour session takes you through the complete cyanotype process from chemical preparation to finished deep blue prints, each one completely unique and impossible to replicate by any other method. No prior knowledge needed and all materials are included.
The session moves through every stage of the process in sequence. You start by preparing the light-sensitive solution and coating the paper, then move into exposure techniques using sunlight or UV light before printing photograms with objects or plants. The final stage is development and finishing, where the iconic Prussian blue appears and your prints become permanent artworks to take home. Maria guides you through each step with clear safety instruction and individual support throughout, in a space where the atmosphere and music make you feel immediately at ease.
What you’ll learn
🔵 How to prepare and apply light-sensitive chemical solutions to paper
🔵 Paper coating and preparation techniques for cyanotype printing
🔵 Exposure techniques using sunlight and UV light
🔵 How to create photograms using objects, plants and natural materials
🔵 How to develop and finalise your cyanotype prints into permanent artworks
What’s included
📄 All materials and tools needed for the full session
📄 High-quality paper for cyanotype printing
📄 Prepared chemicals with clear safety guidance throughout
📄 Step-by-step support from Maria Alternativa
📄 Your finished cyanotype artworks to take home
What you leave with
A set of original cyanotype prints in deep Prussian blue, made entirely by your own hands using a technique that has existed since 1842, and a genuine feel for what handmade photography can produce that no digital process can replicate.
I am Maria Alternativa, a visual artist based in Lisbon. I make knowledge, experience and creativity available in a simple and immersive way, in a space where the atmosphere and the music make everyone feel at home. My workshops are designed for people who want to slow down, make something real with their hands and connect with artistic processes that have depth and history behind them.
Places are limited to ensure personalized guidance. Two hours, all materials included, beginner-friendly from start to finish.
uk english 
pt portuguese
Jonathan Nogiri
I had a wonderful experience at the cyanotype workshop. The instructor, Maria, was absolutely amazing, very patient, kind, and always ready to help whenever needed. She created such a supportive environment, giving me the space to explore and build my own pieces while still offering guidance throughout the process.
The space itself is also very welcoming, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable and comfortable. I left feeling inspired and confident in what I created.
I highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in learning cyanotype in a relaxed and encouraging setting.
Gonçalo
Gostei muito do workshop. A Maria coloca o conhecimento, experiência e criatividade, disponível de uma forma muito simples e imersiva. O ambiente e a música do espaço fazem-nos sentir em casa. 🙂
Jesuila
Foi maravilhoso! A professora e artista Maria é excelente na técnica e muito atenciosa!
Tatiana
Adorei conhecer este processo de fotografia alternativo, a Cianotipia. A experiência foi enriquecedora e abriu-me novas possibilidades criativas. O contacto direto com os químicos, a preparação do papel, a magia de ver a imagem surgir em tonalidades intensas de azul foi muito interessante. Além disso a Maria é super simpática e explica muito bem. Recomendo muitoooo
Nairam
O workshop foi incrível! Super completo num ambiente calmo e muito agradável, a professora respondeu a todas as questões que tinha e ensinou-nos tudo para que pudesse depois do workshop continuar a explorar o que aprendemos, em geral uma ótima experiencia, adorei e recomendo bastante!
Philipp Welz
Had a beautiful workshop with a really nice teacher! We did everything by ourselves and were able to go through the whole art process on our own. I can really recommend this workshop to everyone – it doesn’t matter whether someone is really interested in art or not, it’s a lot of fun anyway! 🙂