WETPLATE WORKSHOP
2 DAYS IN PORTUGAL
SPRING 2027
WITH HENRIK BRAHE
Enter the world of analogue photography and craftsmanship when photographer
Henrik Brahe opens the doors to his studio in Portugal for a unique 2-day workshop in
the wetplate/ambrotype technique, where you can get hands-on experience with the entire process.
You will gain insight, knowledge and practice that will enable you to experiment further
with the wetplate/ambrotype technique yourself.
The wetplate, or collodion process, is one of the oldest photographic techniques,
creating images with a depth, texture and character that modern methods can rarely match. Henrik Brahe has extensive experience with the technique.
Read more here.
At this workshop we will work through:
• Practical chemical preparation, including recipes for mixing ratios
• Coating of glass or metal plates for exposure
• Development in the darkroom
• Introduction to 150-year-old wooden photographic cameras, and how they are
used in practice
• Supervision from photographer Henrik Brahe
Look forward to two intense and creative days filled with experiments, learning and,
not least, the magic that occurs when a wetplate image takes shape before your eyes.
Who is the wetplate workshop for?
The workshop is for those who are passionate about photography and want to explore this unique art form in inspiring surroundings. Whether you are an experienced photographer or new to analogue techniques.
Max 4 participants per workshop.
Practical information:
The location of the workshop will be at Henriks Brahe's studio i Paranhos da Beira - 2 hours drive from Porto and
3 hours from Lisbon.
Read more about the location here.
The workshop will be held in English.
Price: 550 € per participant
Included:
Lessons held by Henrik Brahe
Photographic materials
2 x lunches
Drinks and coffee/tea
Exclusive:
Transport and accommodation
Accommodation:
There are several accommodation options nearby.
Casa de Santa Ana da Beira
Casas Zé Pinto
Vo Laide
PROGRAMME
DAY 1
10.00 AM:
Introduction by Photographer Henrik Brahe.
The historical background for the wetplate/ambrotypi process.
Practical presentation of the varius techniques related and connected to wetplate.
Handout with all the pratical information and chemical recipies.
Participants motivation and background for attending.
12.30 AM:
Lunch at Quinta De Cadimas. Focus on local products and homemade oliveoil.
13.30 AM:
Practical introduction to the wetplate wooden camera, the lightning and exposure. The participants will work together 1 by 1, in two groups, in order to help and support each other. The focus will be the portrait in the studio.
15.30 AM:
Coffee and cake and tasting of local portwine.
16.00 AM:
Conducting the first wetplate portraits in 2 groups, supervised by Henrik Brahe.
17.00 AM:
Finished the days workshop.
Changes to the program are reserved.
PROGRAMME
DAY 2
10.00 AM:
The participants will work in 2 groups again. Continuation from the day before with the wetplate portraits in the studio.
12.30 AM:
Lunch at Quinta De Cadimas.
13.30 AM:
The last wetplate portraits.
Post processing of the glasplates, drying and painting. Recording and digital scan.
15.30 AM:
Coffee and cake and tasting of local wine.
16.00 AM:
Summerize the workshop. Questions and answers.
17.00 AM:
Workshop ends.
Changes to the program are reserved.
