Weekend Workshop: Photography Swag Portraits with Eddie Otchere

Lead by photographer Eddie Otchere and with cameras supplied by Film’s Not Dead, this two day workshop introduces participants to the studio practice of David Bailey, using analogue photography and East End models.

Faithfully reproducing the aesthetic components of Bailey’s practice, the course is a rare opportunity to shoot on vintage TLR film cameras. The course pays particular attention to the aesthetics of classic photographic portraiture, using a modern photographic studio with a Colorama arctic white backdrop, Elinchrom lights and Bailey’s film of choice, Kodak Tri-X.

The course will begin with a visit to Bailey’s Stardust, where Eddie will discuss key images. Back in the studio, you will be introduced to the Rolleiflex camera, and each participant will have the opportunity to shoot a roll of film, working with a model. Day two will begin with a critical session, discussing the previous day’s work. In the afternoon, you will move on to a second shoot, using a digital camera this time, during which you can refine your work. By the end of the two days you will have produced some portfolio standard work.

Raised in London, Eddie Otchere’s is a graduate of the London College of Printing. His photography career began in 1993. Since then, Eddie’s work has been featured in such magazines as Lodown, RWD, Touch, Trace, iD and Mixmag.  He has photographed music covers featuring Estelle, Lil Louis, Izzi Dunn, Nitin Sawhney, Ginuwine, Black Star, Morcheeba and Omar and captured celebrities Keith Lemon, Jennifer Lopez and Jay Z amongst others. His advertising clients include Converse, Rizla, and Island Records. In 1993 he released his first book, The Junglist, published by Boxtree/Macmillan. In 1996 Eddie made his directorial debut with Future Forces Dead by Dawn video and Cowboy Film for Island/Def Jam. In 2007, he received great acclaim for curating Devotional with artist Sonia Boyce at the National Portrait Gallery. His ongoing community learning project Organised Youth, in collaboration with Photofusion, is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. His work was also featured in Photofusion’s AMPSexhibition.

This workshop is supported by Film’s Not Dead, who are providing Rolleiflex cameras and technical support. Film’s not Dead was started by a group of young like-minded photographers wanting to secure the future of analogue photography. Initially starting in 2010 as a website showcasing the best of analogue photography, along with tips and tricks of the trade, the site has grown to be the voice for the next generation of film users. Since then they have flourished with the increasing popularity of analogue photography, running a market stall and in 2013 opening a shop and gallery in Central London. #FILMSNOTDEAD

All of the materials are provided, and it is suitable for all levels of ability. On day two, you are invited to bring in your own digital camera, or the Gallery can provide these upon request. If you would like to continue to shoot on Rolleiflex on day two, please provide your own film.