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.
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 3.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 375 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
19th Century Photography Experience lasts about 1 hour.
Prices start at $46 per person for this Sintra experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is 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. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in PT, EN, IT.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 3 travellers can book together.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 18 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Five Historic Photography Studio.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
That was fantastic, an experience to recommend because you not only experience the original historical photography but the entire process as well. Everything is explained in detail, and you can even capture it. I can only recommend taking a longer moment to immerse yourself in the history.
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!!
Thank you so much for your feedback. It means a lot to us. Thank you :-) Filipe & Vera
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.
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.
Amazing experience! Informative, interactive, and our photos turned out wonderful. Felipe and Vera were so nice to us and our 8 year old.
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!
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!
Thank you so much 😊
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!!
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...
Thank you so much. It was a pleasure to meet you.
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!!!!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19th Century Photography Experience | 1 hour | 5.0 (18) | $46 | |
 Private Tour Sintra from Lisbon Palaces of Pena and Regaleira | 8–9 hours | 5.0 (747) | $141 | View |
 Private Sintra Tour Palaces and Coast by Vintage Car or Jeep | 4–6 hours | 5.0 (414) | $80 | View |
 Sintra Historical Jeep Adventure - Palaces & Secret Routes | 7 hours | 5.0 (407) | $75 | View |
 Private Half Day Tour to Sintra and Pena Palace from Lisbon | 4–5 hours | 4.7 (300) | $109 | View |
 Private Tour Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais from Lisbon | 8 hours | 4.9 (281) | $126 | View |
 Private Tour to Sintra from Lisbon - Palaces, Gardens & Coast | 5 hours | 5.0 (268) | $86 | View |