From smartphone to handmade book: a day of journalling and memory-making - Bradford-on-Avon, Saturday 5th September

How often do we look back at our photographs and feel that something is missing, that the image captured the place but not how it actually was to be there?

Many of the memories that we record are shared on social media but lost amongst the hundreds of millions of images shared every day.

For many people, journalling is the answer. But most of us have never thought to combine journalling and our own photographs. This workshop is about changing this.

Are you interested in journalling and want to explore new ways to expand your practice? Or are you a photographer who wants to explore how to display and share their images in new ways? If so, this workshop is for you.

We spend our day in beautiful Bradford-on-Avon near Bath (do consider spending the whole weekend here) in a relaxed, informal group of no more than eight people. 

We begin our day by exploring different approaches to physical journalling: how words and images work together, and how to build image-making into a journalling practice without it taking over. We also work through three simple but powerful exercises that shift the way you use your smartphone: moving from recording what is there to expressing how it actually feels to be somewhere. These are the images that mean something when you look back at them.

Then we’ll go on a short walk to create some more memories.

During the day you create your own handmade notebook containing your photos

After a light lunch and excellent cake, you learn how to make a Japanese stab bound notebook. It is a memory book of our time together, with moments that are personal to you. We will print some of the images you make on site. Your book will be filled with images and words that you have made that day! 

We have time to print your photographs and for you to write about them in your new book. There’s nothing quite like a physical book that you made, especially when it contains your images and words. And you leave knowing how to make books like this in the future.

No experience is needed for this workshop. All equipment and materials are provided as well as lunch. Just bring your smartphone and a pencil and paper!

Please note that that this is not a technical photography workshop.

Your tutor for the session is Matt Parker

Your tutor is Matt Parker — photographer, journaller and maker of handmade books. Matt has been making smartphone images for years and has published four books of his own work. He is also a professional educator who believes that the best creative learning happens in a relaxed, encouraging environment where people feel free to experiment. He will be with you throughout the day, offering personal feedback, practical tips and the occasional nudge in an interesting direction.

The details

Please bring your own smartphone.

The workshop takes place at Stone, Paper, Scissors, Unit 4, Tithebarn Workshops, Pound Lane, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LF. It starts at 9.30 and ends at 4pm.

The workshop involves some gentle walking. Please make sure you dress appropriately for the weather.

Access issues: disabled, parking can be arranged very near the venue if required. Please note that the walk is only suitable for off-road wheelchairs and that the toilets have a cobbled floor and are up two steps.

This workshop is subject to a minimum of four people booking.