Salt Printing Workshops /
Discover the art of salt printing in hands-on photography workshop held in Hackney, East London. Whether you’re just starting out or deepening your skills, these salt printing workshops offer a practical, creative introduction to one of the earliest photographic printing techniques. Explore 19th-century methods using handmade paper, silver nitrate, contact negatives, and toning — all within a supportive studio environment.
Ian brings over three decades of photographic experience to his salt printing sessions, drawing on a background in fine-art portraiture, darkroom craft, and historic techniques. His approach combines careful craftsmanship with material sensitivity—walking you through each stage.
Here’s what past participants have said about the Salt Printing Workshops…
“The salt printing workshop you led recently was brilliant!”
— Angela Chalmers, Artist & Author of Creative Cyanotype
“I enjoyed it massively — great company, and such amazing opportunities to try things out and really get them done.”
— Kathryn, Workshop Participant
“Being able to learn from you all was such a gift.”
— Krystyna, Workshop Participant
What You’ll Learn
Why Learn Salt Printing with Ian
With over 35 years of experience in fine art photography and historical printing methods, I offer salt printing tuition that balances technical awareness with creative exploration. My workshops are hands-on, process-driven, and rooted in a deep understanding of 19th-century technique.
- Digital-Negative Preparation
creating negatives optimised for salt printing - Hand-Salting Paper
coating archival papers with salt solutions - Silver Nitrate Sensitisation
applying and handling light-sensitive chemistry - UV Exposure Techniques
using your digital negative for precise image capture - Developing & Fixing
washing and toning prints with home-mixed chemistry.
Professional Recognition
Featured in international exhibitions and publications including The Lancashire Times, Studies in Photography (12-page artist feature), and Artist & Arists by AlternativePhotography.com.Flexible learning
Studio-based in Hackney or online with multi-camera demonstrations
What You’ll Learn
Salt printing is a tactile, hands-on process where perfection isn’t the goal. Unlike more controlled photographic methods, this technique embraces the beauty of imperfection and the natural unpredictability of materials.
This workshop is designed to give you the skills and confidence to continue practicing on your own. The aim isn’t to produce a flawless print on the day — but to learn the process, enjoy the experimentation, and appreciate the unique, characterful results it can produce.
Flexible Duration: 1, or 2 full days — tailored to your needs (weekend or mid-week)
Format: Hands-on, small-group workshop (max 5 participants)
Who Is This For?
Fine-art photographers and mixed-media artists.
Photographers curious about alternative and historical processes.
Creatives drawn to slow, material-led photography
Beginners and experienced practitioners alike — no prior darkroom experience required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a salt printing workshop last?
Salt printing workshops are usually a full day. Extended tuition is available if you want to explore toning or archival workflows.
Do I need a camera?
No. You can work from demo negatives or bring digital files for making your own negatives.
Will I learn toning techniques?
Yes. We cover classic salt printing as well as gold toning methods to create toned and archival variations.
Delivery: In-studio at Hackney, London (E2 7SH)
Dates: Specific dates released upon registration.
Below: Salt Prints
Workshop Options
Why Choose This Workshop?
With over 35 years of fine-art practice—and as a BA/MA photography lecturer at London Metropolitan University and Cambridge School of Art—I blend historical craft with modern workflows. You’ll leave with a full understanding of the process.
How long are the workshops?
You can book for 1, or 2, days — depending on how deep you want to go.
Booking & Terms
Workshop Fees (at a glance)
One-to-One: £350/day (save up to £100 on multi-day bookings)
Groups: £270 per participant/day (extra savings for 2–3 day bookings)
Deposit: £100 per participant to secure your place
Full Fee Structure
One-to-One Tuition
£350 per day
Save £50 on 2 days, or £100 on 3 days
Small Group Workshops
£270 per participant per day (for 2–4 participants)
Save £50 on 2 days, or £100 on 3 days (per participant)
Deposit
A £100 deposit per participant secures your place; the balance is due 5 days before the workshop.
- Cancellations:
- 14+ days: full refund/reschedule
- 7–13 days: transferable, non-refundable
- 7 days: non-refundable (unless you find a replacement)
- Materials: All provided
- Copyright: All images you create remain entirely yours
➤ View Full Terms & Conditions
Enquire & Register in the form below
Ready to dive into the blue? Spaces are limited.
Email: ian@ianphillipsmclaren.com
Workshop Enquiry Form
Salt printing is also available as a one-to-one course or class — perfect for artists and photographers seeking hands-on tuition in this foundational photographic process.