A photographic journey through time to 19th-century Austria
Experience a unique photographic ritual from the era of the Austrian Empire.
In our studio in Linz, we create portraits using the historic wet-plate collodion process, one of the most fascinating photographic techniques of the 19th century. This method was also used during the time of Elisabeth of Austria (Empress Sisi) and is still considered one of the most authentic forms of early photography.
Each image is created directly on a metal or glass plate and is a one-of-a-kind piece that can never be reproduced.
During the exposure, there is a special challenge: 8 seconds of absolute stillness.
This moment of concentration makes the experience more than just a photo—it is a fusion of history, craftsmanship, and personal experience.
The Experience
During your visit, you will experience the historical photographic process step by step.
First, you will receive a brief introduction to photography in 1850 and the history of the collodion wet-plate photography technique.
Then the historical process begins: In the darkroom, a metal or glass plate is freshly coated with collodion and made light-sensitive in a precious silver bath.
A few minutes later, it is placed in the wooden camera with an original lens from 1854, designed by the Austro-Hungarian photography pioneer Jozef Petzval.
The room falls silent—and for eight seconds, time stands still—as the photograph is created.
The plate is immediately returned to the darkroom. Slowly, the image appears in the developer—at first like a veil, then becoming clearer and clearer. A magical moment you’ll never forget.
Finally, the portrait is carefully dried and sealed with lavender varnish.
What remains is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece—an image that exists only once in the world.
Duration: approx. 45–60 minutes
The Result
You will receive a one-of-a-kind work of art:
- Original collodion portrait on a metal or glass plate
- Certificate of authenticity
- Optional high-resolution scan
- Secure shipping packaging
Each plate is a handmade, one-of-a-kind piece and cannot be reproduced.
Who is this experience intended for?
The Imperial Portrait Photo Shoot experience is designed for:
- Travelers interested in culture
- Couples and families
- Wedding and anniversary trips
- Guests who would like to take home a unique souvenir from Austria
Price
Imperial Portrait
- Aluminum: € 490,-
- Glass: € 590,-
Couple Portrait
- Aluminum: € 680,
- Glass: € 780,-
Group portraits available upon request
A high-resolution scan or prints can be provided upon request.
Location
Our studio is located in Linz on the Danube, a historic city in the heart of Austria.
Linz is ideally situated between Vienna and Salzburg and offers a cultural stopover away from the main tourist crowds.
Empress Elisabeth of Austria also once stopped here: on her honeymoon to Vienna, she arrived in Linz by ship on April 21, 1854. She was greeted by a cheering crowd on the banks of the Danube. She spent the night before her wedding at the Linz Landhaus before traveling on to Vienna the next day with Emperor Franz Joseph.
Bookings and Inquiries
For bookings or further information, please contact us:
Erik & Iris Diewald-Hagen
Kollodium Atelier Linz
Mannheimstraße 5
4040 Linz
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +43 699 132 886 33
