Salt Printing Workshops /
Discover the art of salt printing in a hands-on workshop in Hackney, East London. Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, you’ll learn a 19th-century photographic process using hand-coated paper, silver nitrate, contact negatives, UV exposure, and toning — in a supportive studio environment.
What you’ll learn
Digital negatives prepared specifically for salt printing
Hand-salting archival papers
Silver nitrate sensitisation and safe chemistry handling
UV contact printing from your negatives
Developing, fixing & toning using mixed chemistry
About the Workshop
Salt printing is a tactile, material-led photographic process rooted in 19th-century practice. Rather than pursuing perfection, it embraces variation, chance, and the physical qualities of paper and chemistry.
This workshop is designed to give you the confidence and practical knowledge to continue working independently. The focus is on learning the process, experimenting freely, and understanding what makes salt prints unique and expressive.
Who Is This For?
Fine-art photographers and mixed-media artists
Photographers curious about alternative and historical processes
Creatives drawn to slow, hands-on image-making
No prior darkroom experience is required.
Format & Duration
Flexible duration: 1 or 2 full days (mid-week or weekend)
Format: Hands-on, small-group workshop (maximum 5 participants)
Location: Hackney, East London
Online option: Available with multi-camera demonstrations
Why Learn Salt Printing with Ian?
With over 35 years of fine-art photographic practice, Ian combines historical technique with contemporary digital workflows. He is a BA and MA photography lecturer at London Metropolitan University and Cambridge School of Art.
Ian’s work has been featured in international exhibitions and publications, including Studies in Photography and AlternativePhotography.com.
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
➤ View full fees & terms
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a salt printing workshop last?
Most workshops run for one full day. Extended tuition is available for toning or archival workflows.
Do I need a camera or darkroom experience?
No. You can work from provided demo negatives or bring digital files to create your own.
Will I learn toning techniques?
Yes. The workshop covers classic salt printing and gold toning for archival variation.
Enquire & Book
Spaces are limited to keep the workshop focused and hands-on.
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.