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Have you always wanted to use a large format camera? The ones with bellows that you have to crouch under a black cloth with a magnifying glass to use? Come and try it out and make portraits and/or still life shots on Harman Direct Positive paper.

By loading the camera with this positive paper you cut out having to use film and jump straight to the magic of seeing that darkroom print emerge. The king of analogue cameras, the magic of the darkroom and beautiful rich fibre-based black & white prints to take home with you!

In this three-hour workshop you will learn how to use a classic plate camera and be introduced the fundamentals of print development in the red light zone. The fee includes paper and chemicals to produce five prints (additional sheets of paper can be purchased on the day)

Perfect for couples, friends, as a gift or just a treat for yourself!

Direct Positive Large Format Darkroom Photography

Catriona Gray is an artist and photographer who works primarily with 'analogue' photographic processes and teaches some wonderful alternative processes that will give you a break from the digital world! Currently running Cyanotype, Van Dyke Brown and Polaroid Lift workshops at a beautiful darkroom in Camden. All workshops are very hands on, you'll learn to coat paper with light-sensitive chemistry using a variety of brushes, collect flowers and leaves to make photograms or get your hands wet destroying instant film with hot water, ready to apply the gelatinous image to paper, wood, tile and other surfaces.

Cyanotype (vivid blue prints) and Van Dyke Brown (rich brown prints) are both 19th Century Victorian processes with incredibly varied results. Each print will be finished with your unique brush marks and can be toned in tea, coffee and wine to make your print warmer, cooler, richer or to change the colour dramatically.

Any level welcome, you can be a pro photographer or a complete novice! All materials and equipment are included. These workshops are great as a gift and perfect if it's something you want to do as a couple, a group of friends or even a work outing!

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Use a 1930s large format plate camera to take portraits and still life. Shoot straight to 'Direct Positive' paper and get straight in the darkroom to print it!

baking

candle making

cooking

crafts

dance

drawing

fashion

floristry

health and beauty

jewellery making

kids

knitting

languages

mindfulness and wellbeing

music

painting

photography

pottery-and-mosaics

sculpture

sewing

terrarium

upcycling

wine tasting

woodworking

Darkroom London

Create your own cyanotype print at home in the style of Anna Atkins, who is considered to be a pioneering female photographer.

Teach yourself how to make a sun print, otherwise known as a cyanotype - this type of printing is unique in that it is a form of photography that does not require a camera or an expensive darkroom.

Engineers used the process well into the 20th century as a simple and low-cost process to produce copies of drawings, referred to as blueprints.

The printing process is accessible, super easy and you will be able to create a stunning final work of art with its signature Prussian blue colour within minutes!

Obby - Discover London's favourite classes and workshops.

Cyanotype Printing Kit

Get in the crafting spirit with this project that's fun to make and easy to cherish.

Cyanotypes, also known as sun prints, are a unique type of analogue printmaking and photography that does not require a camera or an expensive darkroom.

Cyanotype Easter Egg Kit

Cyanotype Printing & Tea Tray Kit 

Learn effortlessly with one to one or small group tuition where teaching is geared to the camera you own.  Small group option limited to 6 participants

Learn how to take better photos with expert and experienced tuition. Explore your camera in a structured Beginners Photography Workshop with lots of practical hands on experience.

What you will be tutored on;

buttons, dials, menus and settings
aperture and depth of field (blur backgrounds)
shutter speed (suggest movement or freeze action)
ISO
white balance
histograms
and lots more...

Choose from 2 options
Small group limited to only 6 students
One to One tuition flexitime.  Select your preferred date and start time.

There is a short working break for refreshments and to review our progress.

This workshop is suitable for DSLRs, compact system/mirrorless cameras, bridge cameras and advanced compacts.

Say Goodbye to Auto and Scene Modes!

Katja Miinalainen

Beginners Photography Workshop

Small Groups Limited to 6 Participants

Photograph the vibrant and buzzing nature of London's South Bank. Capture street entertainers, musicians, skate boarders, market stalls, iconic architecture and outstanding river views during the Travel Photography Tour.  Learn how to get the best out of your camera and use the learning at any world destination you travel to.

Learn About

Composition and Framing

Aperture and depth of field

Shutter speed to create motion

Shutter speed to freeze action

Choosing the correct lens or zoom selection for your camera

Light and how it affects your photos

Get the best from the camera you own

And much more...

This is an exceptionally scenic photography tour which fuels your passion for photography as you unlock the power of your camera to discover great shots.

There is a short working break for refreshments for review and evaluation of work completed.

There are 2 options to choose from

 Private tour with one to one tuition or exclusive to your personal group.  Select your preferred date and start time.
Small group limited to only 6 places, Sat 10.30 am - 2.30 pm

Suitable for all skill levels and for all types of digital cameras from compact to DSLR


Travel Photography Tour – South Bank

If you love getting out and about in nature, and want to learn how to capture beautiful wildlife photographs then this is the workshop for you!

During this Richmond Park photography workshop, you will learn how to capture exciting, creative wildlife images through ‘in the field’ tutorials in front of the majestic Red and Fallow deer that occupy the Royal park. There are countless beautiful backdrops, including Silver Birch Tree copses, lone Oak Trees, ferns and lakes, ensuring you will come away with beautiful images to be proud of.

At the same time as learning the technical side of photography, we will talk a lot about the thought process of creating (not just taking) photos. I will offer tips on composition, guide your photographic eye and help you develop a proactive photography mindset, ensuring you can apply your new found skills to any given situation when photographing in the future.

Subjects covered:
•	Tips and tricks for creative compositions
•	The importance of backgrounds in wildlife photography
•	Making the most of the available light
•	Focusing modes for pin sharp wildlife images
•	Histogram and the importance of exposing to the right
•	How to photograph wildlife respectfully
•	Story-telling and the art of photographing a single scene in many different ways

Nicola Pickett

Wildlife Photography Workshop in Richmond Park at Sunset

If you love taking photos, but want to understand how to take complete control of your camera to achieve the photos in your mind’s eye, then look no further. This  photography workshop - lead by professional travel and landscape photographer Matthew Williams-Ellis - will teach you all you need to know!

During the workshop you will learn the fundamentals of photography through ‘in the field’ tutorials, allowing you to practise and experiment with newly learned techniques while photographing some of London’s most iconic locations.

At the same time as learning the technical side of photography, we will talk a lot about the thought process of creating (not just taking) photos. Matthew will offer tips on composition, guide your photographic eye and help you develop a proactive photography mindset, ensuring you can apply your new found skills to any given situation when photographing in the future.

Itinerary

Session one: Head to The London Eye, Leake Street Graffiti Tunnels and South Bank area, where we will cover the basics of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, shooting modes and focusing. Once you are comfortable with this, we will start to experiment with slow shutter speeds while photographing interesting subjects such as the Thames, markets, buskers and South Bank’s iconic skate park.
Session two: After a break to refuel, we will discuss photographic story-telling and compositional ideas. The day unfortunately has to come to an end, with a sunset and blue hour/night shoot over-looking the Thames at somewhere such as Millennium Bridge, ensuring you return home with a variety of images to be proud of.
Please note: No two days are exactly the same, as photography is all about the light. Some subjects suit cloudy days and others suit sunny days. We will shoot wherever the conditions are best!

Your instructor
Matthew Williams-Ellis is a professional travel and landscape photographer who has been awarded in Travel Photographer of the Year, and been a finalist on many other occasions. He carries out commissions for the travel industry, leads photography holidays and workshops and runs a youtube channel called Photo Escapes.
Matthew says "travel offers endless fascinating subjects for photography. Whether you join me photographing central London at sunset, Regent's Park in Autumn or learning long exposures at The London Eye, you will always receive plenty of 1 to 1 time and my absolute promise to devote my time and efforts to helping you produce the best photos possible!"

Subjects covered:
ISO, aperture and shutter speed
Shooting in manual mode and aperture priority mode
Experiment with panning in shutter speed priority mode
Histogram and the importance of exposing to the right
Try out tips and tricks for eye-catching compositions
The importance of light and shooting at the best time of day
Conveying stories in your photographs
Focus modes and capturing sharp photos
Selecting the most appropriate equipment (although it is not about what equipment you have, it is how you use it!)

Ultimate Introduction to Photography: South Bank, London

Paul  Bailey 

If you love taking photos, but want to get to grips with night photography, light trails and using shutter speeds to produce more creative photos, then this is the photography workshop for you! This  photography workshop - lead by professional travel and landscape photographer Matthew Williams-Ellis - will teach you all you need to know!

During the workshop you will learn about different types of panning, light trails, night photography, long exposures and intentional camera movement (ICM) with ‘in the field’ tutorials, allowing you to practise and experiment with newly learned techniques. You will learn how using shutter speeds creatively can add energy and life to images,  while photographing around St Pauls, Leadenhall Market and Tower Bridge.

At the same time as learning the technical side of photography, we will talk a lot about the thought process of creating (not just taking) photos. Matthew will offer tips on composition, guide your photographic eye and help you develop a proactive photography mindset, ensuring you can apply your new found skills to any given situation when photographing in the future.

Please note: I will always be happy to talk about any topic that you do not understand, however depending on your skill level, I strongly recommend attending one of my 'Ultimate Introduction to Photography' workshops prior to attending this photography workshop.

Your instructor
Matthew Williams-Ellis is a professional travel and landscape photographer who has been awarded in Travel Photographer of the Year, and been a finalist on many other occasions. He carries out commissions for the travel industry, leads photography holidays and workshops and runs a youtube channel called Photo Escapes.
Matthew says "travel offers endless fascinating subjects for photography. Whether you join me photographing central London at sunset, Regent's Park in Autumn or learning long exposures at The London Eye, you will always receive plenty of 1 to 1 time and my absolute promise to devote my time and efforts to helping you produce the best photos possible!"

Subjects covered:
Night photography
Experiment with different types of panning
Being creative with shutter speed priority mode
How to shoot light trails
How to do Intentional camera movement (ICM)
How to photograph long exposures
Best practises for capturing pin point sharp photos with a tripod
How to create milky water and streaky clouds
Using filters (if you own them)
Tips and tricks for eye-catching compositions
The importance of light and shooting at the best time of day
Shooting in manual mode
Selecting the most appropriate equipment (although it is not about what equipment you have, it is how you use it!)

Shutter Speed Creativity: Tower Bridge, London

Daniel Brown

Night Photography, Light Trails and Shutter Speed Creativity: Tower Bridge, London

Do you want to take your digital camera out of automatic mode? Then this workshop is for you. You will be taught how to control the functions of the camera so that you can take full creative control of your image making (your camera must have a manual mode which allows you to adjust the Shutter Speed, Aperture & ISO (you can check this online or in the instructions that came with your camera).

SONY nominated photographer, videographer & fashion show producer, Dan Harley ( Dan Harley Photography / Live Fashion Official) will take you through the fundamentals of manually controlling your DSLR using a series of unique analogies he has developed

The workshop will take place at the iconic Old Spitalfields Market in Shoreditch, where, using the market as our learning arena, we will cover Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO, Focus, Depth of Field, White Balance & Composition

Dan has shot hundreds of shows from some of the biggest Fashion Week runways around the world, both backstage & front of house, where the pressure is on to make the shot for the client & says "It's all about having control of your camera as the principles of image making are the same whether you are shooting Fendi ft Karl Lagerfeld at Milan Fashion Week or taking candid shots at Old Spitalfields Market... & the good news is; it's a lot easier than you think!"

You will be taking lots of photographs on this workshop to demonstrate each aspect mentioned above, and as an additional bonus, everyone who takes the workshop will get the chance to have one of their photographs included in an exhibition staged at Spitalfields Market later in the year.


Digital Photography Workshop at Old Spitalfields Market

Frances Hodgkins

Shooting on fully automatic 'modes' is very restrictive in terms of the creative results you can achieve.

Taking control of aperture and shutter speed is absolutely fundamental if you wish to improve your photography. These topics, amongst others, are clearly explained in an easy to understand, straightforward manner.

Whenever we look at a breathtaking image, whether it is a landscape, wildlife or portrait, the photographer has combined essential photographic ingredients to produce something special. Understanding what goes into this 'recipe' is essential if you would like your photographs to be truly memorable. By the end of the day, you will be MAKING photographs rather than simply taking them!

A full set of handouts and essential workflow sheets are included with this workshop.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAMERA

Dennis Kell

This beginners class will give you the opportunity to demystify all those functions on your camera so that you are able to take control of your photography and move away from Auto.
You will:
learn about the 3 most important features of your camera when it comes to creating a photograph: ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed, as well as a few extras along the way.
see photographic examples from the past masters which will give you a clear picture (no pun intended!) of the choices they made when setting up a shot.
have the opportunity to practise what you have learnt and will leave the session feeling more confident that you can control your camera rather than your camera being the one to make all the decisions!

How to Use Your DSLR Camera - 1 to 1 Beginners Photography

john-henry

For all budding street photographers this class will give you some practical tips in how to get started in street photography.

In this beginners class you are invited to bring just one lens, a prime lens. A 50mm, known as the nifty fifty, would be ideal, or else whatever alternative you have. Prime lenses are ideal for street photography as they're lightweight and more discrete. If you only have a zoom lens then you'll need to be strict with yourself and use it on just one focal length!

As the quality of zoom lenses improves, we are often over-reliant on them and on zooming in and out to compose a shot. This can make us a bit lazy and we can also end up with way too many shots that we haven't put much thought into. Today we're going to move ourselves rather than the lens to get the best composition and pay attention to the smaller details of everyday life, as we take to the streets of Camden Town (or alternative suitable location), learning how to take those candid street photography shots.

Street Photography - 1 to 1 Beginners Photography

Henriette 

Matthew is looking forward to helping you improve your photography!

Please always ensure you bring a spare battery.

If you are ending with a sunset/night tripod shoot then please bring a tripod. If you don't have a tripod, please get in touch and Matthew can bring one for you to borrow.

See you soon!

Private Photography Session with Matthew Williams-Ellis

Alasdair Dow

Learn the art of photography, how to operate your camera in manual mode, understand foundation of photography exposure  and  how to combine different camera functions creatively to compose and shoot great photos.

During the class you will try out different creative photography techniques, practice handling different camera modes, and most importantly do it in an inspiring, fun and and supportive environment!

The Course covers:

Understand Exposure (Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO),
Advanced shooting modes,
The Art of good photography composition,
Auto-Focus and Metering Modes,
Depth of Field (DOF),
White Balance,
Lighting with Speedlight,
Lenses, and many more.

You will have opportunities for hands-on practice, feedback, and we will help you get in depth understanding of the art of photography and take real control of your camera.

Intensive Photography Class

Barry Freeder

Welcome to the start of your photography journey! These sessions are for absolute beginners (adults or teens) who want to move away from auto and take control of all the functions of their DSLR  camera. We look at creative composition, learning how to move from average-looking snapshots to professionally composed images. We'll take inspiration from past and current photographers as we look into the history of photography. The one-to-one nature of these classes means that they can be adapted to suit your individual needs and areas of interest. Relaxed and fun, where no question is too big or too small, I look forward to helping you get the most from your camera and opening your eyes to the photographic potential of the world around you.

Photography for Beginners - Online 1 to 1 lesson (2 hours)

S. Tan

Explore Christmas Lights Photography in London and capture stunning night photos with your professional photographer guide.

In this immensely enjoyable night tour you will be lead to the best locations for Christmas Lights, capture the incredible main displays in Regent Street, Piccadilly and Soho to name a few and a variety of stunning landmarks. Your photographer guide will give you expert advice on using your camera, share creative photography techniques and plenty more.

The tour is suitable for all types of digital cameras - DSLRs, Point & Shoot and Smartphones.

For smartphones we'll advise you on the best apps for night photography.

Laura Lester

Christmas Lights Photography Tour in London

This immensely enjoyable and informative tour will help you take control over your camera and capture stunning photos while exploring the most iconic places in the heart of London!

Our professional photographer will give expert advice along the way on using your camera, share creative photography techniques, stopping at various points of interest including London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge to name a few to shoot some amazing landscapes and portraits.

The photography tour includes:

Three hours photography tour in the heart of London
Expert advice on using your camera
Use of selective focus for storytelling
Advice on lenses and equipment
Creative photography techniques
Capturing iconic landmarks.
Learn to compose/frame a great photo.

Through demonstration and a personalised photography practice, this course will help you develop essential photography skills, learn how to use the manual settings of your DSLR or Smartphone’s camera so you can achieve great photographs in any condition.


Photography City Tour in London

Learn all you need to compose and enhance stunning photos with your Smartphone (Samsung, iPhones, etc).

In this interactive session photography course and tour you will learn the principles of photography and creative techniques that you can apply to your mobile device to get the very best out of your photography creatively and technically.

The Class include but is not limited to:

Understanding exposure
Mastering manual exposure using Apps
How to transform your photos with good composition
Positioning of your subject
Use lead-in lines and framing
How to use light to create beautiful images, improving composition
Using apps to improve brightness, colour and contrast
Apply artistic filters and create amazing collages

At the start of the class we'll advise you on the best apps and where to download them.

These 2 hour course and tour will open up a whole new perspective to creative possibilities of Photography.

Mobile Photography Class

Teach yourself how to make a sun print, otherwise known as a cyanotype - this type of printing is unique in that it is a form of photography that does not require a camera or an expensive darkroom.

Engineers used the process well into the 20th century as a simple and low-cost process to produce copies of drawings, referred to as blueprints.

The printing process is accessible, super easy and you will be able to create a stunning final work of art with its signature Prussian blue colour within minutes!

Online Cyanotype Printing Workshop

Lucy Ellis

Cyanotype Printing Workshop

Teach yourself how to make a sun print, otherwise known as a cyanotype - this type of printing is unique in that it is a form of photography that does not require a camera or an expensive darkroom.

Engineers used the process well into the 20th century as a simple and low-cost process to produce copies of drawings, referred to as blueprints.

The printing process is accessible, super easy and you will be able to create a stunning final work of art with its signature Prussian blue colour within minutes!

I will send you a kit which includes:

Gloves, 1 set
Sponge Brush x1
Bottle of ‘Part A’ Potassium Ferricyanide powder – 9g
Bottle of ‘Part B’ Ferric Ammonium Citrate powder – 21.5g
'How to' Instructions

Ideally Part A and B needs to be mixed 24 hours before use (details in 'How to' Instructions)
We will need a sunny day to run the class


Learn Cyanotype Photography Printing 

Angela Crockford

This intensive session deliver a comprehensive introduction to Photoshop and Lightroom image editing programs. We will cover how to improve the visual quality of your photos, master image editing and using a variety of tools and adjustments to perfect your photos in a fast-intuitive way.
You will leave the course with clear understand of the post-production process.

The course covers:
Photoshop:
-Introduction to Photoshop interface
-Image Adjustments and Enhancements
-Cropping and Straightening tools
-Fixing Problem Images
-Masking
-Working with Layers
-Prepare image for output

Lightroom:
-Introduction to Lightroom interface
-The Library module – importing photos, organising, tagging and filtering image
-The Develop module – working with the image correction and enhancement interface
-Publishing - adjusting quality, adding watermarks, export and share your images

Thought by professional photographer and tutor, you will have a chance to ask your question, receive feedback, and leave the course with an in-depth understanding of image editing, learning the essential workflows of Photoshop & Lightroom.

Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers Class

For those of you pushed for time this is a shorter version of my 2 hour class. These classes are for absolute beginners (adults or teens) who want to move away from auto and take control of all the functions of their DSLR camera. We look at creative composition, learning how to move from average-looking snapshots to professionally composed images. We'll take inspiration from past and current photographers as we look into the history of photography. The one-to-one nature of these classes means that they can be adapted to suit your individual needs and areas of interest. Relaxed and fun, where no question is too big or too small, I look forward to helping you get the most from your camera and opening your eyes to the photographic potential of the world around you.

Photography for Beginners: Online 1 to 1 lesson (1 hour)

Godfrey Dee

Explore night photography and learn to capture stunning night time photos by mastering some of the most creative elements of photography.

Whether you are starting off, a hobbyist or an experienced photographer we will have superb photographic opportunities for all kinds of interests. Guided by a professional photographer in this immensely enjoyable night tour we will capture a variety of impressive sight in the city, the reflections along the Thames and the city lights that make this renowned city irresistible.

We will capture not only the great landmarks such as London Eye, St Pauls and Tower Bridge, but also the stream of car lights and the blurred passing of boats on the river Thames. Through demonstration and a personalised photography practice you will develop your own creative vision while receiving expert advice on shooting in low light and long exposures.

The photography tour includes:

Exposure for night photography
Night portraiture - getting the most out of your flash
Long exposure light streaking - cars, boats
Light painting
Capturing iconic landmarks
Learn to compose/frame great photos


Night Photography Tour in London

When first learning how to use our cameras we often worry too much about the technicalities of the equipment itself and forget about the most important aspect of photography: the photographer!

In a relaxed setting you'll learn how to train your eyes to see the world as a photographer as well as learning some of the key compositional rules of photography, such as the rule of thirds and leading lines. You'll learn how to break them too!

You'll be able to go at your own pace and ask as many questions as you like.  Lou has experience of teaching both adults and kids (She is DBS approved although anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult).

Please note that this class can take place in different locations in North, Central and East London such as Camden, Shoreditch, Hampstead, Waterloo.

How to Compose a Beautiful Photograph - 1 to 1 Beginners Photography

Erin Tehee

Standard Ticket

I have been teaching alternative photographic processes for 10 years. I offer Polaroid lift, Chemigrams, Liquid Emulsion, Cyanotype and Caffenol (eco darkroom).

Direct Positive Large Format Darkroom Photography

Obby Guarantee

Age Requirement

Flexible cancellation policy

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Direct Positive Large Format Darkroom Photography

Obby Guarantee

Age Requirement

Flexible cancellation policy

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