19th Century Photography Experience: Learn Wet Plate Collodion Portraiture

Experience the art of 19th century wet plate collodion portraiture. Learn the complex process of coating, sensitizing, and developing a unique and lasting photographic plate.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Largo 1º de Dezembro 14 - This experience is designed to make you time-travel back to the early ages of photography. You’ll have your portrait made through one of the oldest photography processes, invented by Frederick Scott Archer in 1851: wet plate collodion and will have the chance to experience the whole process of development. This immersive…
What's Included
  • Experience the entire development process in a dark room
  • Receive a unique tintype portrait taken by your host
Additional Information

The studio provides a practical exploration into the realm of wet plate collodion portraiture and its associated development techniques. In today’s digitized world, an array of photographs are daily captured by simple cell phones and digital cameras, with a majority, if not all, merely stored and out of sight in computers. Our approach is counteractive…

Location
Largo 1º de Dezembro 14
Largo 1º de Dezembro
25 minutes walking distance from Sintra Railway station. The guest will be received at FIVE HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO, located in a beautiful historic neighborhood called São Pedro de Sintra. There are also bus from the station (1252 or 1253). Taking an Uber is also another good option.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(16 Ratings)
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Roberto_p
Aug 19, 2024
Unique & Memorable Experience - Will Come Again. - First of all, amazing concept where you leave with a truly one-of-a-kind memento! We were warmly received by the hosts, and guided through the entire process of wet-plate collodion photography from the 1850s. We clearly saw their knowledge and passion for the craft. We especially loved how we got to see - in just a few seconds - the negative photo came to life right in front of our eyes in the darkroom (and we got to capture it on video!) We came with our own clothing we wished to use for the photos, but they also have a wardrobe full of clothing, hats, and accessories true to that time period (which is convenient). They give the photograph in a nice box for protection, and guidance on how to care for it. We will definitely come back and do this as a yearly experience. Overall, perfectly executed.
Review provided by Viator
Elliotm634
Jun 14, 2024
Memorable experience in Sintra - This was a fantastic experience - Filipe and Vera were very kind and accommodating, and both have excellent photography knowledge and skills! We learned so much about the photography process, and had a lot of fun at the same time. I would recommend this experience to anyone interested in photography or wanting a unique photograph.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
847joshy
Jun 9, 2024
19th century photography - Amazing experience! Informative, interactive, and our photos turned out wonderful. Felipe and Vera were so nice to us and our 8 year old.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getaway223986
May 25, 2024
Unmissable! - It was fantastic! We loved the photographs, the entire setting and the story. Filipe and Vera explained the entire process, involving us in the experience and making this trip to the past an unforgettable moment! Repeating!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
271filipar
May 24, 2024
Back to the past - I went with my friends to take a photo at the time of the “Peaky Blinders” and the photo turned out fantastic. It was also possible to see the entire process of wet colodium photography and travel through time. Filipe and Vera are very friendly and explain everything with a joy that shines through in their work. I loved!! It's a magical experience!! 10 out of 10 experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ritarogerdi
May 18, 2024
Magic - Seeing the entire photographic process from start to finish and being able to wear period clothes to travel through time is fabulous. Vera and Filipe are very friendly and make us feel comfortable. It's a magical experience!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexandreal
May 16, 2024
Very fun experience in old part of Sintra - We loved our time in the photo studio, Filipe was wonderful and explained the whole history pf photography to us. We came in period costumes that we found at home but he also has a few pieces and hats at the studio. We took two plates of photos and even had pur dog pose with us! Can highly recommend, something to remember...
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside14721023620
Dec 15, 2023
go back in time - A unique and unmatched experience. Felipe and Vera transmitted love and magic through their work. It was a wonderful trip back in time, the studio is set to the period in every detail and I felt like a child choosing the costumes. It is an experience that I would recommend without hesitation. The love, dedication and human warmth that Vera and Felipe transmit is also worth highlighting. Simply thanks!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chelseao614
Jan 7, 2023
Unique & Memorable- Create an Amazing Keep Sake - Whether you’re a local or visitor, this is absolutely worth your while. It was unique, affordable, and memorable. The hosts had a very relaxed and welcoming demeanor. They were knowledgeable about the craft and we walked away with a keep-sake that we both are positively in love with. The entire process was fascinating and they packaged the product in a box for us, which made traveling much easier. I recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trish_l
Sep 2, 2022
Awesome Piece of History - Such an incredible learning experience and a beautiful piece of history to take home with us! The hosts were both so lovely and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
From $33
up to 3 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).