Polaroid Photo Emulsion Lift Workshop (ages 15-100yrs)

Learn the art of ethereal, mesmerizing photographic art for the creatively curious.



2 hours

Class size 1 to 10 (public classes), 6 to 20

  $55 - $65 ($65 per guest when you book for 1 guest, $63/guest for 2 guests, $60/guest for 3 guests, $55/guest for 4+ guests) (Afterpay available)

In this captivating photography class in Melbourne, you'll delve into the mesmerising technique of Polaroid Photo Emulsion Lifting. Discover how to craft enchanting, one-of-a-kind images using Polaroid or zinc-backed instant photos that you'll take home as beautiful keepsakes.
  • Learn the delicate process of Polaroid Photo Emulsion Lifting, where you transfer the image from a Polaroid photo onto watercolour paper or your chosen surface.
  • Experiment with separating the image layer from the Polaroid and floating it onto a new canvas.
  • You don't need to bring your own Polaroid camera, but feel free to bring it along for some creative play.
This workshop caters to all levels, from beginners to experts. You'll receive step-by-step guidance to kickstart your journey, and as you gain confidence, you'll unlock more creative freedom. Enjoy a supportive environment where you can nurture your skills or explore new techniques without pressure.
Immerse yourself in a calming, whimsical studio nestled in the enchanting Montsalvat grounds, exuding old European charm. Connect with your creativity in this serene space that fosters imagination and self-expression.
Indulge in this transformative activity, gifting yourself or a loved one the chance to experience the therapeutic art of the Photo Emulsion Lift process. Leave with a sense of fulfillment and connection, armed with your own unique creations from the class.

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 2 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.
What you'll get
  • Free entry to Montsalvat.
  • All materials included (except lefties, please bring your scissors along!)
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Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly to expert. All levels are welcome.
What to bring
  • If you’re a leftie, please bring along your leftie scissors.
  • Bucketloads of curiosity.
Optional:
  • If you have a Polaroid camera, please bring it along for a play.
  • Photos you love (from any time period - we won't ruin them, promise!).
  • Your smartphone with a handful of selected favourite images.
  • Stain some watercolour paper with teabags at home and bring those along (make sure they've dried).
  • Water bottles are highly encouraged. Please make sure they can safely close to avoid spillage on paper materials.
Add-on available for this class
  • Collage Mystery Pack ($25)
You can add this when you book (optional).
Suitable for

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 15 years old).

Adult accompaniment is not required.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.

Location

Storyholding Art Studio (White Barn Studio) - Montsalvat Arts Community, Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham VIC

Just google "Montsalvat How to get there" and it will provide you with all the relevant information.

Your teacher can also travel within 50 kms of Eltham, to a venue of your choice for a private class.

Polaroid Photo Emulsion Lift Workshop (ages 15-100yrs) location
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Your teacher

Storyholding
Storyholding

4.9 (26)
female Women-owned

My name is Rochelle Van Der Merwe, a multidisciplinary artist with a special interest in storytelling through the written word, contemporary collage, gelli plate printing and fine art photography. I practise and teach from my gorgeously enchanting mudbrick studio at the legendary Montsalvat (Eltham), which is Australia's oldest, still-running arts commune.
As an Eltham (Melbourne)-based artist, I've been a fine art, intimate events and portrait photographer since 2013 and a contemporary collage artist since 2020.
Born and raised in a small Zululand town in South Africa in the mid-70’s, I found solace and beauty in books, and the surrounding wild beaches and bushveld, a constant whilst growing up in a political landscape I could really never make sense of.
My work creates a portal to a wondrous, fantastical world that celebrates the powerful healing nature of simple, mostly every-day pleasures, transcending external societal values, such as status, race and gender.
Apart from national South African newspaper, The Rapport, my portraiture photography has also been featured in Australian media, such as The Age, The Weekend Australian Review and The Big Issue.
I've also been a two-time winner of Montsalvat’s Art Festival Photography competition (2015 & 2017).
With two solo exhibitions since (2022 & 2024), I have also enjoyed taking part in multiple group exhibitions and events.

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