Cameraless Photography: Photogram / Darkroom Workshop 3hrs (Morning)

Everything you need to know, please read carefully.

Level:

All Levels

(No prior experience is required, though an appreciation for fine art practices is beneficial).

About:

This is a fun and experimental session. Creating photograms is a camera-less process where objects are placed directly on the photographic paper and exposed to light, creating silhouettes and intriguing shapes. Photograms break free from the traditional confines of photography and allow artists to create abstract compositions with unexpected shapes and textures, while also capturing the inherent qualities of light and shadow.

Working directly with objects and light creates a physical connection to the creative process, resulting in images that feel personal and intimate. This process was heavily explored by Dadaist artist Man Ray in the 1920s. He began experimenting with this method as a way to challenge traditional photography and explore the possibilities of automatism and chance in art. He coined it “Rayographs”. The element of chance adds to their intrigue, as the final image often reveals unforeseen details and patterns in the objects used.

This session is situated in The Printhouse in Dalston, East London, the Heart of Hackney. Groups are small and suitable for individuals at any level of experience. You will work intuitively with objects on top of photographic papers creating artwork so bring your favourite objects or something simple and symbolic to create your own magical Rayographs.

You will learn how:

- To create Photograms

- Photographic paper works

- Photographic chemicals work

What is included:

-Photographic Paper

-Darkroom Chemicals

-Tea/coffee/water and snacks

What you need:

- Just turn up

- Optional, bring a few symbolic objects

(Bring anything, from natural elements like leaves and feathers to geometric shapes and found objects. If you do not find anything we can help)

Who should register:

- Adults 18 and above

- Youth in the company of an adult

- Individuals, couples or friend groups who want to explore a fun and experimental creative process

Youth (13 and above) can attend in the company of an adult (both need to book).

If you have any disabilities, please get in touch with us and we will accommodate your needs.

Workshop structure:

Studio Nihilities workshops are well-structured in small groups with the best values for you in mind. All sessions will start with an introduction and finish off with a debrief. There will be plenty of time for questions throughout the session. The workshops are fun and rewarding, you will experience both theoretical and practical processes. In this tactile workshop, you will be working hands-on with objects on photographic paper in a traditional darkroom setting.

Instructor:

Your workshop will be delivered by Lowe H Seger who has devoted his life to photography and has taught and mentored on all different levels for many years. Since 2019, Seger has been working as an Associate Lecturer for BA (Hons) Fashion Photography at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London where he regularly delivers lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars.

Seger has a track record of solo exhibitions in the United Kingdom and Sweden, where he showcased his work. In 2022 he released his first photographic book, an investigation of the Japanese mindset. The book "Not Seeing Is A Flower" sold out within a month of its release date.

He is also known commercially for creating intimate, refined and carefully constructed images in his fashion editorial, advertising and portrait work. Seger has photographed celebrities and some of the most notable names in the fashion industry, including Alexandre Mattiussi, Caroline De Maigret, Christophe Lemaire, Gaia Trussardi, JW Anderson, Johnny Coca, Sabine Getty, Stellan Skarsgard, Farida Khelfa, Isabel Marant, Renzo Rosso and Sir Paul Smith.

Summary:

On completion of this session, you will have a good knowledge and a firm understanding of the techniques needed to create your own Photograms, something you will be able to do at home (require some equipment).

Kind request:

We kindly ask our attendees to arrive early as being late will compromise the experience for the rest of the group. It is advised to use a travel planner in advance to make sure your route is not affected by any last-minute interruptions and/or weekend engineering.

We look forward to meeting you, Studio Nihilities Team

Host or Publisher Studio Nihilities