About us
At Silver and Grain, we celebrate the art of photography by blending the tactile nature of film with the versatility of digital.
Our workshops are designed to help you explore the immediacy of digital and the alchemic magic of analogue photography while building confidence and skills through hands-on learning.
Next workshop: Sunday 26 January, 10am-4pm
UPDATE: Only 2 of 5 spaces available at our St Albans studio. A sandwich lunch, black and white film and developing chemicals will be provided. Parking spaces available, and you can have the use of one of our analogue film cameras for the day.
Get in touch to secure your place. £150 per person
Why Silver and Grain?
We chose the name Silver and Grain to honour the essence of film photography. “Silver” comes from the silver halides in film, which react to light and create the basis of the image that appears as a negative, while “grain” reflects the distinctive texture and characteristic of the surface of analogue film. Together, they symbolise the alchemy, depth, and tactile nature of film that makes it so timeless. It’s a name that celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship and creativity that is present in every frame.
What you’ll do in the workshop
Mastering film and digital photography
We bridge the gap between film and digital photography, creating a unique learning experience that’s both approachable and inspiring. You’ll get expert guidance in a fully equipped studio, and access to film processing materials.
You’ll start by exploring the relationship between film and digital photography. You’ll use digital cameras as teaching tools, and learn to test and refine your understanding of exposure, composition, and lighting – critical skills for mastering film.
You’ll also do a guided portrait sessions where you’ll use both digital and analogue cameras. This dual approach allows you to experiment with composition and lighting in real time using digital cameras, and then apply those lessons to film, gaining confidence in your settings and choices.
Creativity Through Practice
From composing your first shot to crafting a storytelling series, our workshops focus on developing your unique artistic vision. We’ll also give you confidence in loading and handling various types of film cameras (35mm, medium format, etc.), as well as using light meters to make intentional exposure decisions, and embracing the slower, thoughtful process of film photography.
Hands-On Experience
You’ll also experience photography in its purest form. From loading film to processing it in a darkroom, you’ll immerse yourself in the entire creative process—both digital and analogue. You’ll use processing tanks and chemicals, and understand the nuances of timing and technique to bring your images to life.
Confidence in your skills
Whether using a digital camera to refine your technique or mastering the deliberate art of film photography, we’ll help you build the skills you need to create images you’re proud of. And you’ll leave with your own digital images, and we’ll scan your negatives in and send them to you after the event so you can print your film shots too. You’ll be able to compare digital and film results, seeing the difference in texture, depth, and witnessing the distinctive qualities of film.
Exploring Film Cameras
Discover the magic of film photography by diving into its unique processes.
Learn how to load film, choose the right film speed, and properly expose your shots by mastering the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Film teaches you to slow down and shoot with intention.
Developing, Scanning Film
Step into the darkroom and bring your film to life.
You’ll learn to process your negatives with care, exploring the chemistry and craft behind analogue photography. Once developed, scan your negatives to view your work instantly, comparing it to your digital results and appreciating the unique texture and depth of film.
Who we are
Ben Richardson
Ben runs a corporate content consultancy but is also responsible for a film and photography studio in St Albans, Foster Studios
Milan Juza
In his day-job, Milan is a technology leader and value catalyst and builds high-performing agile organisations. He also has a passion for film photography in all forms, shapes and sizes. He even has his own darkroom
What are you waiting for?
Ready to take your photography to the next level? Come and spend some time with us to update your skills and build your confidence as a photographer. And if you also manage to master the use of old fashioned film cameras, even better… Drop us an email to find out more