Organized by Arka Youth Center & The National Museum of Photography “Marubi”
The Arka Youth Center, in collaboration with the National Museum of Photography “Marubi” and with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, is organizing the cycle of workshops “Days of Early Photography Techniques”, to be held from October 28–31, 2025.
This program continues the initiative launched by the Marubi Museum in 2023, reviving the magic of early photography with glass plates and historical photographic processes, from daguerreotype to wet collodion.
The workshops are designed as a masterclass program, combining lectures, hands-on practice, open talks, and public presentations of participants’ works.
🎯 Objective
To inspire young generations to discover and appreciate the origins of photography, while creating a space for artistic experimentation and technical learning.
👧🧑 Who Can Apply
Children (ages 8–12) and young people with an interest in the history and art of photography.
📧 Applications are open until October 26, 2025 at info@marubi.gov.al.
After submitting the application, the Marubi Museum staff will confirm participation via email.
📅 WORKSHOP PROGRAM
📍 Day 1 – Photography with a Pinhole Camera
🕙 10:00 – 17:00
Under the guidance of Maximilian Zeitler, Jonas Ruhs, and Elvis Halilovic, participants built their own pinhole cameras using lightproof boxes, learning the basic principles of exposure, lighting, and image inversion.
After lunch, they created their first photographs on photosensitive paper — producing negatives without using any chemical processes.
The day concluded with an open discussion about results, sharing experiences, and reflections on this simple yet magical photographic process.
📍 Day 2 – The Darkroom and Photography
🕘 09:00 – 16:00
Participants explored the traditional darkroom process, learning how to transform negatives into positive prints through classical printing techniques.
Hands-on exercises deepened their understanding of exposure timing, image composition, and camera use, while the day ended with a collective review and discussion of the works created.
📍 Day 3 – Dry Plates and Glass Negatives
🕘 The third day will focus on learning and experimenting with dry plate photography, one of the most iconic techniques in early photographic history.
Participants will work directly with glass negatives, combining craftsmanship with technical knowledge to produce images with authentic texture and depth.
📍 Day 4 – Experimental: Alternative Photography Techniques
The final day will be dedicated to creative experimentation, where participants will freely apply the knowledge gained throughout the week to develop their own original photographic works.
The program will close with a small public exhibition, showcasing the images produced during the workshops.
📍 LOCATIONS
The workshops take place across two key cultural venues in Shkodër:
- Arka Youth Center – a creative hub for young people and artists;
- National Museum of Photography “Marubi” – the historic heart of Albania’s photographic heritage.
🤝 Organizers & Support
This program is organized by the Arka Youth Center in partnership with the National Museum of Photography “Marubi”, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports.
