Enchanting Experiences

West Wales is such a magnificent and joyful place and Annabel shared the best of it with us in Pembrokeshire. This is the second place in the world where I have audibly gasped at the landscape and views (NZ South Island was the first) and picnicking at the beach with our magnificent chefs, an open fire and local produce is one of my favourite memories of the year. Bleak House Experiences are all about the details and the people. Stunning.

Lauren has re-introduced me to analogue photography during her photography workshop. Since meeting her, I got my old Dad’s camera out and she guided me through the first steps of shooting films again, and working out what all the numbers actually meant. Since, I have not stopped shooting analogue for myself and even clients, and learning about it.

I bought Enchanting Analogue as I had no idea where to start on my analogue journey or what camera to buy. Annabelle and Lauren helped at every step of the way and waiting for and unboxing my first analogue camera; a Pentax K1000 was so exciting. I've bought DSLR's before but haven't got off manual as it all seemed so complicated, but this course breaks everything down and makes it easy. I love how they are on hand to answer any questions, and I'm amazed by my progress with each film I get developed. Each shot has something unexpected, and I've learnt to take in my surroundings and contemplate what I will capture, rather than taking hundreds of photos on my iPhone. Another bonus is that I spend more time being present and not getting distracted by my phone. I can't recommend Enchanting Analogue enough, thank you, Annabelle and Lauren! I'm thrilled with how I'm progressing and already have some 'printable' images. I can hear your advice in my head every time I take a photo!

The effects of being away from London, work, and everything else really surprised me. Having no decisions to make, other than whether you want to go for a walk or read a book by fire, really puts everything in perspective, and meeting new people gives you new perspectives. I came back to London with so much energy and clarity.

I found this class to be extremely enjoyable, and comprehensive. The modules are put together very thoughtfully, each week building upon a concept, whether it is shutter speed, aperture, light metering, or composition. Lauren is a thorough teacher with a calm cadence which is so helpful when learning something new. I have experienced so much pleasure taking photos with film I feel like an artist, which I certainly am not, but in my little world of film I am creating my own unique signature and that is so satisfying, and fun!

From the first clunk of the shutter of Annie’s Pentax I knew I was hooked. This simple sound transported me straight back to childhood, learning to hold the camera and take a photo on my dad’s old Pentax. It felt like home. Luckily my Dad still had that old Pentax, bought in 1977, and now it’s mine. It works perfectly. And with Lauren’s guidance and inspiration I’m exploring, learning and discovering so much. I’m hopelessly in love with the photos it takes, including the mistakes. Lauren and Annie inspired this. I can’t thank them enough.

The enthusiasm and joy with which Lauren and Annabel talk about film photography persuaded me to give it another go. It was over ten years since I had last used a film camera. I was not disappointed - the depth and atmosphere that film brings to your pictures is phenomenal and I’d highly recommend it. It has really made me fall back in love with photography.