This two-day immersive workshop is designed for anyone who wants to step beyond quick results and learn how to make considered, expressive black and white portraits - from first frame to finished print.
Working with a classic medium format camera, the Hasselblad 500cm, you’ll learn how to use light, time and collaboration to create portraits with presence and intention. Over two days, you’ll shoot on film, process your own negatives and print your images by hand in the darkroom.
No rushing. No presets. Just craft, attention and a deeper understanding of how portraits are made. Skills that will work in studio and out on the streets.
Day One - Making the Negative
You’ll start by learning how to load and use a medium format film camera, before exploring simple, repeatable lighting setups and how to work confidently with a portrait subject.
With guidance throughout, you’ll shoot a roll of black and white film, learning how to slow down, observe and make deliberate decisions. The day finishes in the darkroom, where you’ll develop your own negatives and see your images emerge for the first time.
Day Two - Interpreting the Image
Day two is dedicated entirely to printing.
You’ll learn how to read your negatives, create contact sheets and make expressive black and white prints using traditional darkroom techniques. This includes contrast control, test strips, dodging and burning and an introduction to split-grade printing.
By the end of the second day, you’ll have a small selection of finished prints to take home - each one made by hand, from your own negatives.
All materials supplied including camera, film, chemicals and paper.
Two people required so posing and shooting are shared. You will process and print simultaneously in the darkroom.
This two-day immersive workshop is designed for anyone who wants to step beyond quick results and learn how to make considered, expressive black and white portraits - from first frame to finished print.
Working with a classic medium format camera, the Hasselblad 500cm, you’ll learn how to use light, time and collaboration to create portraits with presence and intention. Over two days, you’ll shoot on film, process your own negatives and print your images by hand in the darkroom.
No rushing. No presets. Just craft, attention and a deeper understanding of how portraits are made. Skills that will work in studio and out on the streets.
Day One - Making the Negative
You’ll start by learning how to load and use a medium format film camera, before exploring simple, repeatable lighting setups and how to work confidently with a portrait subject.
With guidance throughout, you’ll shoot a roll of black and white film, learning how to slow down, observe and make deliberate decisions. The day finishes in the darkroom, where you’ll develop your own negatives and see your images emerge for the first time.
Day Two - Interpreting the Image
Day two is dedicated entirely to printing.
You’ll learn how to read your negatives, create contact sheets and make expressive black and white prints using traditional darkroom techniques. This includes contrast control, test strips, dodging and burning and an introduction to split-grade printing.
By the end of the second day, you’ll have a small selection of finished prints to take home - each one made by hand, from your own negatives.
All materials supplied including camera, film, chemicals and paper.
Two people required so posing and shooting are shared. You will process and print simultaneously in the darkroom.
