Barcelona: Take Your Portrait With A 19TH Century Process

Capturing the allure of a bygone era, this unique photography workshop in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter transports participants back in time. Led by an expert guide, budding photographers can enjoy the ancient processes that defined 19th-century portraiture. Over 90 minutes, they’ll mix chemicals, develop their images, and master the art of historical posing – all while creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake to treasure. For those seeking an authentic glimpse into photography’s past, this hands-on experience is a must. The only question is: are you ready to step back in time and immortalize your visit to the Catalan capital?

Key Points

Experience a hands-on workshop on ancient photography processes from the 1850s and create a timeless, personalized portrait on a metal plate in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
Receive guided instructions from a live tour guide and learn the step-by-step development process, including washing, drying, and varnishing the plate.
Maintain stillness and posture during the 20-second exposure to capture the essence of 19th-century photography, suitable for adults and not recommended for children under 3 or pets.
Enjoy a flexible and hassle-free booking process with no upfront payment required and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Explore the conveniently located studio housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century building and receive a one-of-a-kind memento to commemorate your unique experience.

Activity Overview

Visitors to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter can experience 19th-century portrait photography, with sessions lasting 1.5 hours and accommodating up to 4 people at a cost of SEK 1,148 per group.

This unique activity, available in English, Catalan, and Spanish, allows you to create a timeless portrait on a metal plate. You’ll learn the basics of ancient photography processes and historical posing techniques from the 1850s, with a hands-on workshop on chemical mixing and developing.

A live tour guide provides in-depth explanations throughout the experience. Private groups can also be arranged, and the location is wheelchair accessible.

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can reserve their spot without any upfront payment and have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. To check availability, simply visit the website and view the starting times that work best for your schedule. The experience is offered in a private group setting, accommodating up to 4 people at a time.

Booking	Cancellation	Availability
Reserve Now, Pay Later	Free Cancellation up to 24 Hours	Check Website for Start Times
No Upfront Payment Required	Full Refund with Timely Cancellation	Private Groups of up to 4 People

This unique portrait experience in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is the perfect opportunity to step back in time and learn about the magic of 19th-century photography.

Experience Highlights

This timeless portrait on metal plate allows visitors to experience the unique photographic processes of the 1850s, providing a hands-on workshop on chemical mixing and developing techniques.

Participants will learn the basics of ancient photography, understanding the historical posing experiences from that era.

With the guidance of a live tour guide, they’ll get an in-depth explanation of the process, from preparing the metal plate to the 20-second portrait session and the development steps of washing, drying, and varnishing.

The final result is a one-of-a-kind, personalized memento that captures the essence of 19th-century portrait photography in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Session Details

Visitors begin their portrait experience at the reception of the studio, where they prepare the metal plate for their timeless photograph. The portrait session itself involves a 20-second pose, allowing the camera to capture their image on the plate. Following the portrait, the development process begins, including washing, drying, and varnishing the plate.

Session Steps	Description
Reception	Guests welcomed at the studio
Plate Prep	Metal plate prepared for portrait
Posing	20-second pose for photograph
Development	Plate washed, dried, and varnished

The final portraits can be picked up locally or shipped for an additional fee, preserving the 19th-century essence in a modern day keepsake.

Photography Exposure Times

Maintaining stillness for the roughly 20-second photography exposure times is essential for capturing the best results during the portrait session. This lengthier exposure compared to modern digital cameras is a key part of the authentic 19th-century photographic process.

Here are three tips to help ensure a successful portrait:

Focus on your posture and remain as motionless as possible during the exposure.
Breathe slowly and deeply to minimize any involuntary movements.
Avoid fidgeting or shifting your weight, as even slight movements can blur the final image.

Suitability Considerations

Barcelona: Take Your Portrait With a 19th Century Process

While the timeless portrait photography experience is captivating, there are a few suitability considerations to keep in mind.

Children under 3 and pets may struggle to remain still for the lengthy exposure times, potentially compromising the quality of the final image.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests of all abilities to partake in this unique glimpse into 19th-century photographic techniques.

As the portrait session involves posing for up to 20 seconds, stillness is crucial for the best results.

This historic process isn’t recommended for fidgety subjects, but those able to hold their pose will be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind, metal-plate portrait to treasure.

Customer Ratings

Glowing customer reviews underscore the captivating nature of this unique portrait photography experience, with a perfect 5/5 rating from past participants.

Highlights of the overwhelmingly positive feedback include:

Passionate and engaging explanations from the live tour guide, who brings the history of 19th-century photography to life.
Fascinating insights into the ancient processes involved, from chemical mixing to the dramatic 20-second exposure.
An immersive, one-of-a-kind experience that transports participants back in time, leaving them with a truly timeless portrait on metal.

Customers rave about the exceptional quality of the final product and the memorable, hands-on workshop, cementing this as a must-try activity for anyone visiting Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Getting to the Studio

Barcelona: Take Your Portrait With a 19TH Century Process

Getting to the Studio

The studio’s convenient location in Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter makes it easy for participants to find their way there, with clear directions and ample signage guiding the way.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the friendly staff who’ll show you around the charming space and get you ready for your unique portrait session.

The studio is housed in a beautifully preserved building, providing an authentic 19th-century atmosphere that perfectly complements the portrait-making process.

With its central location and accessible setup, the studio ensures a seamless and memorable experience for all who step through its doors.

Things To Known

What Is the Nearest Public Transportation to the Studio?

The studio is located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, which is well-served by public transportation. The nearest metro stop is just a short walk away, making it easy for visitors to access the experience.

Are There Any Refreshments or Snacks Provided During the Session?

No, refreshments or snacks aren’t provided during the session. The focus is on the photography experience, and customers are expected to come prepared. The studio doesn’t offer any food or drinks as part of the activity.

Can I Bring My Own Props or Accessories for the Portrait?

Yes, participants can bring their own props or accessories for the portrait session. The photographers encourage creativity and personalization to enhance the unique, timeless look of the 19th-century style photographs.

How Do I Retrieve My Portrait After the Session Is Complete?

After the session, customers can either pick up their portrait locally or have it shipped for an additional fee. The studio provides options to conveniently retrieve the timeless 19th-century style portrait created during the experience.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Portrait?

There’s no strict dress code, but participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, classic attire that fits the historical theme. Neutral colors and simple patterns usually work best for this timeless portrait experience.