PLEASE NOTE!
2025 was a busy year for me and has resulted in a very full calendar for 2026. To avoid ‘burnout’, I will therefore not be taking further bookings for talks or judging this year. I will be at full steam again in 2027 with a fresh lineup of talks (see below). All enquiries will be answered.
​
Workshops and current bookings are not affected
TALKS & WORKSHOPS
Would you like to learn from a former industry professional? I have a range of talks and workshops available to camera clubs, small groups or 1-2-1. Choose from a range of topics below. This is not a commercial business, however due to to current demands on my time, I need to charge a nominal fee to cover my costs and expenses.
​
Regrettably, I no longer do conference/Zoom talks.
Use the Contact Form to make any enquiries and I will confirm my availability and fee arrangements.
TALKS (2027)
BLACK & WHITE
In the post darkroom era, the art of producing a good B&W image is fading fast…..
Having an understanding of how to convert your digital colour images effectively (without plug-in filters) can be a minefield. This talk walks through the science and 5 ways (1 bad, 4 good) of image conversion from colour to monochrome entirely within Lightroom/Photoshop, quickly and without fuss.
We will also discuss (with examples) how to get the best from the final print. Attendees have the opportunity to supply their own images to Tom for conversion during the evening.
THE PRINT SHOW
For those audiences that want something other than digital projection!
A selection of Tom’s personal work (Monochrome and Colour) in Print form, ranging from Giclée Prints, Glass Plate and Alternative process Darkroom work.
WET PLATE COLLODION
A walk through the History and techniques of the wet plate process, developed by Frederick Scott Archer in 1851. Archer was the first person to make photography accessible to the masses and was the instant photo of the time!
Tom will also demonstrate how he uses the technique in his own practice, what you need if you want to take it up yourself and can demonstrate with a live portrait during the talk (if time allows).
PICTORIALISM
Pictorialism emerged in the late 19th century, driven by photographers’ desire to reinvent the medium of photography as an art form, emphasising beauty, tonality and composition to elivate it to the same level as painting.
Pictorialists used soft focus, experimental techniques and processes, artisan chemicals and papers to create their atmospheric images and increase their artistic impact.
It waned with the rise of ‘straight’ photography which valued sharpness and documentary precision, but set the stage for future artistic innovation in the field of photography.
​
A 90min - 2hr presentation. (£50)
A HYBRID APPROACH (Orotones)
A shorter version of my 'Digital Meets Analogue’ workshop, specifically designed for club talks. We discuss my fascination with Pictorialism and how I use a Hybrid approach to producing glass plate images. A keynote presentation on laptop and sample glass plates will be available for examination.
​
A 90min - 2hr presentation. (£50)
AN INTROVERTS GUIDE TO STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
This Keynote presentation and slideshow will talk about the skills and techniques required to obtain good street photography images without unnecessary confrontation. We will also discuss equipment (and lack of), and show an array of imagery from Tom’s ‘100 Project’.
​
Into the Dark is an extension of my street photography and pictorialist work. I go through some of my recent material which takes on the etherial and mysterious nature of the light as it changes from twilight through to darkness.
​
A 90min - 2hr presentation. (£50)
WORKSHOPS
For up to 10 Participants (£400)
A full day workshop based class at your location. Requires a room that can be kept dark (no external light)! Any location fees must be the responsibility of the body booking the event!
For 1 or 2 participants at my studio (£250)
Easier to learn with more focussed personal instruction. Can be arranged at outdoor location with mobile darkroom facilities (add £100).
DIGITAL MEETS ANALOGUE (OROTONES)
An introduction to making contact negatives from digital files and their use in alternative photography. Tom will detail his method for producing digital negatives and make traditional glass plate positives.
We will discuss a ‘dimroom’ setup that can be made anywhere in the home or studio with minimal outlay. Get back into the ‘craft’ of making images the traditional way and you can truly create unique images that can enhance any photography business.
Limited to 10 places, delegates will have the opportunity to take away their own glass plates made in the classroom, under supervision from pre-prepared negatives. All materials will be provided.
WET PLATE COLLODION
Ever wondered what it was like before digital? Perhaps even before film? Maybe from the birth of photography as we know it today? Well, here’s your chance……a remarkable experience of making portraits exactly as they were done in the 1850’s. Tom will demonstrate the wet plate historical technique in an all-day, hands-on workshop.
​
You may well have heard the term ‘Tintype’ before, but not really known what it was or how it relates to photography. If you would like to own your own ‘Tintype’, places will be limited to 2 or 10 participants based on needs. All necessary equipment and materials will be provided.
​
* Learn about the process of Wet Plate Collodion
* Use a 5x4” Large Format Camera
* Learn to sensitise and develop a wet plate
* Take and process your own Portraits
* Go home with your own ‘one of a kind’ unique portrait
* Free resource