Vintage Camera Workshop with Angela Casey: film, photography and print

The workshop will begin with a gallery floor talk about the current HJ King: cameras and carburettors exhibition. Inspiration and insights into 20th century analogue photography and particularly Herbert King’s practice can be gained as Jon Addison leads the group through the show.

The group will then learn and explore how to use a camera and will discuss and investigate how the images were achieved.

We will explore the examples of 20th century technology in the show, how it worked and how it is still applicable. Participants will learn about juggling shutter speeds, aperture, focus and lighting to capture an optimal result and in a variety of environments. We will discuss HJ King’s processes and how he modified resources available to achieve his stunning results.

Next up, there will be a practical workshop. The group will divide into sub-groups of three and share a Kodak Pocket camera of the 1920s - 40s. They look and operate in a similar way to the large plate cameras used by King. They both have bellows but use roll film rather than plates. Due to their simple and fully manual operation and design, the principles and mechanics of taking a photograph will be clearly identifiable in a fun hands-on activity of taking photographs with vintage cameras.

Please note: Between day one and two, Angela will process the films, make prints and transfer them as digitised prints to each USB drive. This is due to time constraints and also will minimise the use of chemistry during the workshop.

Participants will receive their processed roll of film alongside a print of each image and large .tiff file on their USB drive to enlarge, modify and print after the workshop.

The group will learn the theory of developing the film as Angela demonstrates the full process. Participants will have hands-on practice without the chemicals added to the water in the classroom setting.

Next, in groups of three, participants will enter an indoor freestanding blackout tent.

Under red light they will witness the process of developing a print, for approximately 5 minutes per group.

There will be minimal equipment and no enlarger as making contact prints will be the process learned. The negative will be sandwiched between a sheet of glass with the paper underneath. The exposure will be made with a regular lightbulb above the negative. There will be three small 8”x10” trays of chemicals and tongs to handle the paper.

Each participant will be provided with a full set of instructions covering the processes and materials involved for the whole workshop. We will discuss suppliers of materials, equipment and sources of further information on working in a safe environment and MSDS for the chemistry.