Learn the basics, define your style or hone existing skills in photography while exploring early photography methods, printing photographs on glass with a 100 years old techniques like wet collodion or cyanotype. Chose from One-to-one sessions or group workshops, develop your own projects & photographs by hand from scratch in my artist studio darkroom in Kensington, London.
GROUP WORKSHOPS
ONE-TO-ONE DAY COURSE & PROJECT MENTORING: WET COLLODION
This one-day 6h workshop is an an introduction to wet plate collodion-a historical process using silver and light to obtain a unique images on the glass or metal plate. With a one-to-one focus can be placed on learning the technique or supporting your personal project. Find out full course agenda here. Priced at 495 GBP Terms&Conditions
ONE-TO-ONE SHORT COURSE & PROJECT MENTORING: Historic PhotographIC Processes
In this 2-day course, we’ll delve into the foundations of historic photographic processes. For advanced photographers or those seeking a technically rigorous approach to historic photography methods. With a one-to-one focus can be placed on learning techniques or supporting your personal project. Priced at 795 GBP. Terms&Conditions
TECHNIQUES I TEACH
I am an expert in historical and alternative photographic processes and lead sessions at all levels, as well as providing bespoke mentoring and project support across a large range of techniques.
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1. What is the focus of your sessions and what techniques do you teach?
My primary focus is on one-to-one mentorship for artists working on conceptual photography projects, covering the process from concept to technical execution using heritage methods like wet collodion.
2. How can I check your availability and book a session?
For one-to-one sessions, my availability usually covers Wednesday to Friday, with occasional Saturdays and Sundays available upon request (weekends tend to book fast in advance). You can check availability calendar here
3. Can I work from a digital file or existing negative?
Yes, it is possible to work from a digital file for reproduction, or we can set up a scene in the darkroom.
For digital files: Images should generally be black and white, 300 dpi, and mirrored/flipped horizontally.
Process Considerations: For Salted Paper, high-contrast images are preferred. For Mordancage, images require areas of deep black for the effect to work. Bringing your own black and white film negatives is the most efficient method for processes like Mordançage.
4.What do I need to bring to the workshop? Please bring your own lunch and wear comfortable working clothes, as the studio can get cold. Sessions are 11-5pm unless agreed otherwise.
5. Grant applications Many of the artists working with me apply for grants and funding such as Arts Council England DYCP or Arts Council Wales prior to sessions. You can use pricing above for one or two day budgeting when submitting your applications & enquire about personalised quote for longer collaborations.
6.Can you accommodate specific accessibility or safety needs?
Yes. I have experience structuring inclusive sessions for diverse learners, including neurodivergent practitioners. My studio is a relaxed and open space. English proficiency is usually not a concern, I work with practitioners from all parts of the world.
7.Payments
Payment is typically via invoice for bank transfer. Many international clients use Wise for transfers.
Credit card payment via Stripe is an option, but be aware that standard international card fees apply (typically 3.25% + 20p per transaction, plus an additional 2% if currency conversion is needed).
You can also pay by cash, or use a combination of a 20% deposit (card/bank transfer) and the remainder in cash
Instalments can be arrange on request.
You will be required to pay instalment or pay in full ( depending on the amount) in advance to secure dates.
8. Cancellations & rescheduled sessions
See full conditions here
EXAMPLES OF MENTORING & PROJECT SUPPORT
REVIEWS
Magda Kuca's hands-on wet collodion workshop helped me understand how Julia Margaret Cameron produced her pioneering work with Victorian techniques. We spent hours in Magda's studio framing our shots and then carefully preparing the plates and fixing the images. Magda was a patient and expert guide through every step of the process. At the end it was a real thrill to hold in my hands the glass negatives we produced ourselves. I left with a lovely artifact from an engaging and informative afternoon.
Victoria Olsen, Biographer of Julia Margaret Cameron, author of From Life: Julia Margaret Cameron and Victorian Photography
Vacation with an Artist: 3 DAYS Creative Apprenticeship in Historic PROCESSES
This immersive 3-day residency introduces you to my holistic exploration of historic photography, blending both the creative possibilities and technical skills of the historic photographic processes with deeper explorations of London’s creative scene, its galleries, museums, feeding those experiences back into the sessions. Tailored for all levels, from beginners to advanced photographers, the apprenticeship includes visits to my favourite creative institutions, hands on time in the studio and opportunities to meet other photographers for broader inspiration. You’ll receive a personalised plan for the 3 days tailored to your interest in photography that will include visits to local museum, photo walks in the city and studio sessions based on your area of focus. This apprenticeship is offered exclusively with Vacation with An Artist >>>