Introduction to Alternative Instant Photography with Willow Belle (In-Person Learning – One Session)
- Saturday
January 30, 2027
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Discover the expansive world of instant photography manipulation techniques. This six-hour workshop (including a one-hour lunch break) begins with an exploration of instant film’s rich history, unique chemistry, and profound impact on the photographic world. After uncovering the concepts and mechanics behind modern Polaroid film layers, students will dive straight into creative experimentation. The class covers a diverse range of methods for altering visual outcomes before, during, and after development.
One Session
Tuition: $345 + $35 materials fee (Become a Member today and receive 5% – 20% off!)
Enrollment Limited to 15 Students
© Photo by Willow Belle
About
In-Person Learning
Discover the expansive world of instant photography manipulation techniques. This six-hour workshop (including a one-hour lunch break) begins with an exploration of instant film’s rich history, unique chemistry, and profound impact on the photographic world. After uncovering the concepts and mechanics behind modern Polaroid film layers, students will dive straight into creative experimentation. The class covers a diverse range of methods for altering visual outcomes before, during, and after development.
Throughout the day, students will explore a wide range of creative techniques, including dye and physical manipulation, film soaking, and creating transparencies. Attendees will also be given demonstrations on advanced techniques like negative reclaiming from peel-apart film and transferring imagery onto unique alternative substrate alterations like wood, glass, or canvas.
The class will include designated Polaroid shooting time to obtain instant images to work with, allowing creation of raw materials on the spot. Students are encouraged to explore multiple options covered in the presentation. Guidance will be provided throughout the given work time, as participants explore the possibilities of instant film alternative processes.
Willow Belle (b. 1998) is an American artist based in Los Angeles whose practice lives at the boundary between analog photography and fine art. While navigating permanence in subject, material, and technique, she finds herself reaching for outlandish means of creation, often working directly off parts of herself — physically and conceptually — whether that be her own hair, her memories, or the residue of experiences that refuse to be left behind. Working with unconventional methods and matter, she relinquishes control to the unorthodox, allowing light and chemistry to become her collaborators. Throughout themes of nostalgia, identity, loss, and isolation, her work appears untethered to physical existence, yet manifests from the tangible. By incorporating alternative printing techniques and unreliable methods of manipulation, each photograph functions as a kind of thin veil, draped over something deeper—secrets suspended in emulsion, waiting to be lifted. By pushing the boundaries of her body and her medium, she lets go of the expectations of what a photograph is supposed to be.
Details
- One Session
- Dates: Saturday, January 30, 10 am – 4 pm
- Enrollment Limit: 15 students
- Skill/Experience Level: Open to all levels.
- Tuition: $345 + $35 materials fee (Become a Member today and receive 5% – 20% off!)
- Location: Downtown Los Angeles (LACP Headquarters), 252 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Parking: Street parking, Public parking: Terasaki Budokan Recreation Center (paid, underground, just across the street from LACP. Exact cash only, and no Amex) and Joe’s Auto Parks Parking, 330 Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (paid, surface).