Film Photography Workshops /

Why Learn Analogue Photography with Ian

With over 35 years of experience in film photography and darkroom craft, I offer in-depth mentoring that bridges classical technique and contemporary practice. Whether you’re shooting 35mm, medium format, or large format film, sessions are designed to strengthen both your technical control and your creative confidence.

• Deep expertise: Mentoring from a working photographer and university lecturer in analogue practice

• Personal tuition: One-to-one or small group sessions tailored to your level and equipment

• Darkroom craft: Learn exposure, development, toning, and printing using traditional techniques

• Professional recognition: Work featured in The Lancashire Times,, a 12-page artist profile in Studies in Photography, and Artist & Arists by AlternativePhotography.com.

• Flexible formats: Learn in person at my Hackney studio or online with a multi-camera setup

•  

What You’ll Learn

• Film Formats & Stocks
  Choosing and loading 35 mm, 120 roll film, and large-format 5×4 cameras; metering and exposure for expressive control.
• Developing & Processing
  Hands-on B&W film development workflows, chemistry handling, and consistency for traditional and experimental approaches.
• Darkroom Printing & Toning
  Silver-gelatin printing techniques—test strips, contact sheets, dodging & burning, and final toning methods for archival results.
• The Zone System
  Pre-visualisation and precise exposure control using Ansel Adams & Fred Archer’s Zone System, from shadow detail to highlight texture.
• Advanced Darkroom Skills
  Dodging and burning in practice, split-grade printing, and alternative toners (selenium, gold) to expand your creative palette.

Session Details

• Format Options:
  • One-to-One Mentoring: personalised sessions covering any analogue topic, either in-studio or online via multi-camera Zoom setup
  • Workshops: small groups (max 6) for immersive, hands-on learning in my Hackney studio
• Duration: flexible—single sessions, half-day intensives, or multi-day courses
• Delivery:
  • In-Studio at Hackney, London (E2 7SH)
  • Online with a three-camera system for live demonstrations of darkroom techniques
• Equipment: full darkroom facilities, enlarger, chemistry, a selection of cameras and papers—just bring your negatives!

Who Is This For?

• Photographers new to analogue or returning to film
• Fine-art practitioners exploring physical processes
• Students seeking mastery of exposure and printmaking
• Anyone intrigued by the tactile, unpredictable magic of film photography

Why Choose This Mentoring & Workshops?

With 35 years of professional practice—and teaching BA and MA photography at London Metropolitan University and Cambridge School of Art—I combine academic rigour with studio expertise. You’ll gain both technical confidence and creative insight, supported by personalised feedback at every step.