(string strumming)

- [Narrator] What is it that Victorian's

in their photographs look so rigid?

- Well exposure times of this process varies

around twenty seconds or so.

- So you have to be utterly stiff

for twenty, thirty seconds?

If I move it spoils the picture?

- Well, yes, people would have head stunts

to hold them in place.

But until they would columns and pillars

to help to stay stable.

- You've just got to be as still as possible.

- Indeed, exactly.

- It's a good challenge.

(airy music)

(dial clicking)

- [Narrator] Fortunately,

I've been spared the head clamp.

(airy music)

(slide scraping)

- I'm going to take your picture

in three, two, one and...

- [Narrator] In the 1850's photography was

a past-time for the wealthy.

Victorian Albert actually had

their own dark room in Winsor Castle.

- Done.

(slide scraping)

You can breathe.

- Phew!

(water trickling)

- [Narrator] With a few more chemicals...

an image forms on the glass negative.

And voila, the Duchess of Worsley.

Magic, look! - Yeah, It's a very beautiful

process to watch. - I'm emerging!

- Yeah.

- Oh, I don't look very happy do I?

(laughs)

And I know that I wasn't feeling grim,

it's just that I look like I am.

And that gives me a new insight into Queen Victoria.

Perhaps she was giggling inside?

(laughs)