Photography, widely recognised as one the most important visual mediums of the 21st century, embodies our modern notions of instant gratification and the sharing of information. It is a form of communication, a language, which we all understand and engage on a daily basis.

Introducing photography at school level may seem a daunting a task at first, but there are many different approaches to introducing this medium. In essence, photography relies on simple principles, consisting of light and its capture on a light-sensitive surface, whether it is analogue or digital. Photography is, however, fraught with technological constraints. To introduce photography at school is thus not an easy undertaking, and various components need to be critically considered including technical knowledge, equipment and facilities.

An ideal way of introducing photography at school is by considering the historical photographic processes. These processes are easy to teach and apply, does not require expensive materials and/or equipment, requires minimal changes to be made to working environments, and are characterised by a hands-on approach accompanied by instant and gratifying results. The processes teaches first-hand how photography works, by breaking it down to its core essentials, and is applicable to a large variety of methods including multi and mixed media approaches. All the processes are highly educational and consist of a beautiful fusion of history, applied science and chemistry, and creativity.

Join us for our Educator’s 3-Day Course in handmade photography techniques. Structured specifically for educators and considering the classroom environment and class hours, the course explores the technical implications and creative possibilities of different processes that can be easily taught at secondary level. Our standard course covers 3 days, but due to increased interest an extended 2-day option is available for discerning darkroom enthusiasts.

For more information please contact us to acquire a brochure with detailed information.

Educator’s 3-Day Photography Course
Day 1: Cyanotype
Day 2: Pinhole
Day 3: Creative Darkroom
Extended 2-day option: Darkroom Photography

In addition to our photographic educator’s course we offer a series of printmaking workshops aimed specifically at educators in conjunction with Niall Bingham. Bingham teaches printmaking at the Wits School of Arts. The Educator’s Printmaking Course is structured over three consecutive days and the techniques covered include Linocut, Drypoint, and Hardground and Aquatint.

Educator’s Printmaking Course
Day 1: Linocut
Day 2: Drypoint
Day 3: Hardground & Aquatint

School Workshops APW is actively involved teaching these beautiful processes at schools. A number of options are available. At Roedean School we hosted a series of workshops for the Grade 9s and 10s (Cyanotype) and Grade 11s (Pinhole), which was run over the course of a term with weekly theory and practical sessions. At St. Mary’s Diocesan School we hosted two separate workshops, again Cyanotype and Pinhole, with duration of half a day each. The Cyanotype workshop was scheduled on an Open Day and caused quite a bit of excitement among prospective scholars and their parents. For St. John’s College we hosted a mini Pinhole workshop at their biennial Arts Fest as well as school visits to the Alternative Print Workshop where the Grade 10s, 11s and 12s learned the Cyanotype and Van Dyke Brown processes. Dennis and Janus also give practical demonstrations at schools. Please contact us for more information.