Private Tour

19th Century Photography Experience

Overview

Available languages

Portuguese

English

Italian

1 hour

Mobile ticket

The studio offers a hands-on experience on wet plate collodion portraiture and its development process. In this digital era, where thousands and thousands of photographs are taken every day by simple mobiles and digital cameras, the great if not the totalities of these photos are stored and forgotten in a computer. We look for the reverse; something tangible and precious that cannot be neglected. It’s a very complex and unique process which requires the photographic material to be coated, sensitized, impressed and revealed within a period of about fifteen minutes while the plate is still wet and hence its name. Making a wet plate can be time-consuming, unpredictable, and requires a great deal of commitment and patience but the result is a unique, beautiful and lasting piece.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Desaconselhável para crianças com menos de 6 anos de idade, uma vez que os tempo de exposição da fotografia pode ir até aos 10 segundos.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Experience/see the whole development process in the dark room

Tintype/Portrait taken by the host.

What To Expect

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 experience will be held at FIVE HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO, which itself is equipped with antique cameras, and furniture, alongside some literature on 19th century Photography, all for your edification. This particular technique creates unique images, reminiscent of a distant past. You will have the chance to choose from three different sizes in which the tintype portrait will be made. Some 19th century clothes and props will be available for the portrait session. In addition to being an extremely interesting process, you will have the opportunity to follow the hosts to the laboratory/dark-room to experience/see the whole development process. The aluminium plates (tintypes) are ready to take, one hour after the experience starts.

Options

Medium Portrait 13X18 cm

Large Portrait 20X25 cm

Small Portrait 10X12 cm

Reviews

5.00

17 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great experience
anoukm924,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We really enjoyed the experience. A kind and enthusiastic host, who clearly loves photography and knows a lot about it. Very happy with the end result!!
Unique & Memorable Experience - Will Come Again.
Roberto P,
Aug 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Memorable experience in Sintra
elliotm634,
Jun 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
19th century photography
847joshy,
Jun 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience! Informative, interactive, and our photos turned out wonderful. Felipe and Vera were so nice to us and our 8 year old.
Unmissable!
Getaway223986,
May 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Back to the past
271filipar,
May 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Magic
ritarogerdi,
May 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!!
Very fun experience in old part of Sintra
Alexandreal,
May 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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...
go back in time
Seaside14721023620,
Dec 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!!!!
Unique & Memorable- Create an Amazing Keep Sake
chelseao614,
Jan 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!