Film Photography Workshops, Hackney London /
These analogue photography workshops and mentoring sessions take place in my Hackney studio (E2) and offer a hands-on introduction to film photography — from loading your camera to making finished darkroom prints.
Whether you’re curious about 35mm, medium format (120), or 5×4 sheet film, sessions cover the full analogue workflow: exposure, film development, darkroom printing, toning, and creative control. Teaching is available as one-to-one mentoring or in small, focused groups.
For those interested in industry-facing techniques or portfolio advice, sessions can also draw on my long-standing commercial photography practice.
➤ View commercial portfolio
What you’ll learn
Film formats & stocks — choosing and loading 35mm, 120, and 5×4 cameras
Exposure & metering — expressive control and consistency
Black & white film development — hands-on processing and chemistry
Darkroom printing — contact sheets, test strips, dodging & burning
The Zone System — pre-visualisation and tonal control
Toning & finishing — selenium, gold, and archival workflows
About the workshops
Analogue photography is a physical, hands-on practice that rewards attention, patience, and experimentation. These sessions focus on building confidence with materials and process, rather than rushing toward perfection.
Whether you’re new to film or returning after time away, the emphasis is on understanding why things work — so you can adapt the process to your own way of seeing.
Who it’s for
Photographers new to analogue or returning to film
Fine-art practitioners exploring physical, material-led processes
Students seeking mastery of exposure and printmaking
Anyone drawn to the tactile, unpredictable nature of film photography
No prior darkroom experience is required.
Format & delivery
One-to-one mentoring — tailored sessions covering any analogue topic
Small-group workshops — immersive learning (max 6 participants)
Flexible duration — half-day, full-day, or multi-day sessions
Location — Hackney, London (E2)
Online option — available via multi-camera setup for live demonstrations
All darkroom equipment, chemistry, and materials are provided — just bring your negatives.
Why learn analogue photography with Ian?
With over 35 years of professional practice — and as a BA/MA photography lecturer at London Metropolitan University and Cambridge School of Art — Ian combines classical darkroom craft with contemporary photographic thinking.
His work has been featured in Studies in Photography, The Lancashire Times, and AlternativePhotography.com, and his teaching is grounded in both academic rigour and real-world studio experience.
Fees (at a glance)
One-to-One: £350 per day
Small Groups: £290 per participant per day
Deposit: £100 per participant to secure your place
Booking & terms
Deposit
A £100 deposit secures your place; the balance is due 5 days before the session.
Cancellations
• 14+ days: full refund or reschedule
• 7–13 days: transferable, non-refundable
• Under 7 days: non-refundable unless you find a replacement
Materials
All materials and darkroom facilities are provided apart from film.
Copyright
All images you create remain entirely yours.
Enquire & book
Spaces are limited to keep sessions focused and hands-on.
Email: ian@ianphillipsmclaren.com
All images below were shot on photographic film.
Workshop Enquiry Form