Photographic Studio

The evolution of photography, its use by and influence on society is presented here together with the basic photographic processes, development and principles. The various historical periods are documented by the cameras used and original photographs from those times. The central part of the exhibit consists of a glass studio – reconstruction of a photographic studio of that period used for taking portraits in daylight. The studio has a glass ceiling as was the style in the early 20th century. Visitors will find here a collection of studio, technical and salon photography devices, as well as props from that period – furnisher, painted backdrops, a dressing room – everything needed at that time for photographers to make a living. The photographer’s work is on special occasions demonstrated directly in the studio, so the visitor can have his picture taken in a borrowed historical costume using the original old photography technology, which he then learns about in the gallery part of the exhibit.

Also on display are select types of studio photography devices; the whole set of studio cameras in the NTM collection is then presented in electronic form at an information kiosk. The most valuable object is considered the Still-Life daguerreotype in the studio from 1839 taken by the inventor himself, Louis Daguerre. No less interesting are the unique photographic devices from the dawn of photography in the Czech lands.