Learn how to make the most of simple cameras and good old fashioned 35mm film.
At this point if you have hired me to photograph you, or followed me on social media, or talked to me, or seen me out on one of my walks, you probably know that using old cameras, toy cameras, and film is at the heart of my photography.
What I want people to understand is that there is something foundationally different when you make an image on film. Film forces you to slow down. Be intentional. You only have 36 chances to make a photo on a roll of film and when you are limited in that way, you have an opportunity to put some space around that interaction. Breathe into it. Be open, walk slow.
Then, once you’ve filled that little roll of film with pictures you have to wait, maybe a week or two and you almost forget what you photographed but then, when you get to finally see your images, my friend, it is magic. It is magic because there is chemistry and dye and color science and silver that combine to create a real, tangible piece of time. You get to hold a moment in your hand on a photo negative and it is so special. It is magic because the images reveal themselves to you, they are both the present and the past, simultaneously they are also neither, they are a fixed point.
You do not need a fancy camera to make images on film.
You do not need to know what you are doing.
You do not need to be a professional, ever.
You do not need to jet set, travel to exotic places, do crazy things, make risky choices to be a photographer.
You do not need to “shoot” or “take” - you can simply make.
The first workshop is going to take place on Saturday July 30th. We will be meeting at Bright Star World Dance in Portland, Maine, a beautiful studio space, for a few moments to get set up, then we will be taking a walk through the West End neighborhood of Portland. It’s going to be fun and relaxed. We are going to find sunny spots, look at the beauty that is around us, and explore what street photography can be.
After our film has been developed and scanned we are going to schedule a zoom call and have a quick meeting to discuss our images. After the workshop has concluded, each student will receive a copy of a collaborative zine with their favorite images in print. Even for the newest hobbyist seeing your images in a print collection alongside your fellow students, is meaningful. I always encourage people to print their photos, even iPhone photos, don’t let your photos die in your phone or live in the liminal space created by the internet only! Bring them into a tangible form, make them real. The zine will be a document that proves we were there, we made something together.
Cost: $149 and includes all the materials, processing, and zines. You get to keep your camera forever.
Note: Due to the nature of this workshop, students must sign up in advance in order for me to prepare and have enough supplies. Seats are limited to no more than 6 students per class! So sign up before it’s too late!