Experience historical photographic technology live: Wet plate demonstration at the South German Photo Museum Bad Wörishofen

On 9 May 2026, the Süddeutsches Fotomuseum Bad Wörishofen invites you to its next collectors' meeting. These regular get-togethers have long been a firm institution in the community of Fotografica collectors and photo historians - known for the lively exchange of expertise and always complemented by a special programme: lectures, film screenings or other highlights from the world of photographic history.

This time, guests can expect something very special: a live demonstration of the historic wet plate process - a technique that revolutionised photography in the 1850s to 1880s and dominated it for decades. The aim: to finally experience a historic camera in action as it was once actually used - with everything that goes with it. The demonstration will be organised by the Maleks, who have been specially invited to present this sophisticated technology.

The exact schedule depends on the weather: if the sun is shining, the demonstration will take place outside - just as 19th century photographers used to take a portrait with exposure times of seconds; a volunteer model from among the guests is very welcome. In the event of rain, we switch to indoor photography with a modern flash. The wet plate process - in which a coated glass plate must be exposed and developed within a few minutes while it is still wet - turns the photographer into a chemist and artist at the same time, and this is exactly what the guests will experience first-hand.

The demonstration will take place in the afternoon, after lunch. The collectors' meeting is open to the public - Fotografica collectors and photo historians are just as welcome as anyone else interested in gaining a lively insight into the early days of photography.

Further information about the museum: https: //www.sueddeutsches-fotomuseum.de/

Information about the Maleks https://experience-collodion.de/ and https://malek.show/