Workshops - Haelio Photo

Join us for a different kind of photography workshop ...
learn the art of photographing on film while discovering a hidden side of Melbourne!
workshop options
Photography workshop options
Our workshops are suitable for everyone – from beginners who haven't used a SLR camera before, to amateurs and advanced photographers, as well as teenagers with an active interest in photography.
35mm film SLR photo workshop
Take home your own unique perspective on Melbourne

This photo workshop will show you some of the iconic and hidden locations in Melbourne, all while appreciating them from a photographic perspective. A basic understanding or interest in photography is required, as well as a willingness to learn something new while discovering and documenting what this amazing city has to offer.

You'll learn about how to use a film SLR camera, how to use the Sunny16 rule to decide on your aperture and shutter speed, and how to think about your composition in black and white before pressing the shutter button.

Location – Central Business District (CBD) Melbourne, Victoria
Duration – 3.5 hours (appx)
Equipment – Participants will be provided with the loan of a 35mm SLR for the duration of the workshop, along with a roll of film which will be developed and scanned for you (see How it works).
Cost – $180

ALL WORKSHOPS ARE RUN ON DEMAND WITH MAX 3 PEOPLE

GET IN CONTACT WITH YOUR PREFERRED DATE AND TIME OPTIONS TO BOOK
How our film photography workshops work

1
Meeting location
Ahead of your workshop date you will be provided with details on where to meet your guide.

The location will be in central Melbourne, close to public transport.
2
Camera
Knowing that film cameras aren't able to be bought off the shelf as easily these days, we will provide you with a loan camera for the duration of the workshop.

Your camera will be a manual 35mm SLR, with interchangeable lenses.

Of course, if you have your own film camera you are more than welcome to bring it along to use in the workshop (refer to FAQs).
3
Film
We will supply you with one roll of black and white film.

The first thing you will learn is how to load the camera with a roll of film. Then we head off through the streets of Melbourne to start learning how to use the camera and explore some of the city's hidden locations.
4
Learning
Throughout the workshop you will learn about using the camera's light metre as well as how you can use the Sunny16 rule to select appropriate exposure settings for your shots, how aperture selection can impact exposure and change the depth of field in your shots, and how to use the available light and composition decisions to create an impactful photograph.
5
Finish up
The workshop will end in a central location, close to public transport.

You will be shown how to re-wind the film and remove it from the camera.
6
Film development
At the end of the workshop we will arrange for your film to be developed and scanned through our preferred film development business right here in Melbourne.

Within a week you will receive scans of all of your shots via email, and if you would like the negatives they can be posted to you.
Gallery of images taken by workshop participants
Frequently asked questions
If your question isn't answered below, please get in contact.
What will be included on the workshop?
The loan of a 35mm SLR for the duration of the workshop
One roll of film* for use in the workshop, the film type and ISO will be selected based on the most suitable option for the workshop time of day and locations we will be visiting.
Film development of one roll of film*
Film scanning of one roll of film* (low-resolution)
A drink when we stop for a rest and chat
A workshop guide will teach you how to use your camera, a variety of techniques and will take you to a range of different location.

*Should you take the entire roll of film in the first 30 minutes of the workshop (for example), you can purchase an additional roll of film, development and scanning from your workshop lead mid-workshop, so you can continue to take photographs for the full duration of the workshop. Costs for purchasing and additional film development will be provided on the day.
I am no longer able to attend the workshop I have booked, can I change the dates?
If it is more than 48 hours ahead of the workshop, you can change to book your workshop on another available date. Please get in touch with the details, and we will do what we can to help.

Cancellation fees:
up to 48 hours ahead – none, and you can re-book onto another workshop date/time
48 hours to 12 hours ahead – Forfeit 50% of the workshop cost, if you re-book onto another workshop date/time, or forfeit 100% of the workshop cost if you don't re-book
12 hours to 0 hours ahead or a No-show – Forfeit 100% of the workshop cost (whether re-booking or not)

(Please note a no-show is considered to be if you are 15 or more minutes late for the start of the workshop, or do not arrive at all).
What if I'd like to book a private workshop?
Currently, all workshops are private and for between 1-3 participants. No one else will be booked to attend your session time without being notified.
I’ve never taken photos on anything except my smart phone, is this workshop for me?
Definitely, at the start of the workshop your guide will ask questions to ascertain everyone's photography level and knowledge.
How long will it take to receive my photos?
Your film will be developed and low-res scanned within 7 days of your photo workshop (usually a shorter amount of time). Scans will be emailed through to you once ready. Negatives can be posted to you for an additional cost, if desired. Higher resolution scanning is also available. Let your workshop guide know on the day if you wish to receive your negatives and/or have higher resolutions scans done (extra cost will be incurred).
Will the workshop still run if it is raining?
Absolutely, there are many locations we can visit if it is raining, and remain (mostly) dry. The camera equipment we are using can't be used in the wet, so photographs will only be taken indoors or undercover. Ensure you bring along appropriate clothing, including a rain coat, as we will be walking outside to move between locations.
I’d like to do a workshop but I have mobility issues, can I still attend?
Please contact us to have a chat. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy learning film photography, and can arrange a workshop and locations to suit your needs.
I am a school teacher and am interested in this for my students, is it possible to run a specific session for them?
Definitely, we love helping school students learn the art of photography and how to use film.

Please contact us with the details of what you would like to do, and we can figure out the best way to achieve this with you.

Your workshop lead will hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.
My child has booked on a workshop, do I need to attend with them?
Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian over the age of 18 book and attend the workshop as well.

The minimum age for workshop participants is 12.

The workshop lead will hold a current Working With Children Check.
What if I'm running a bit late for the start of the workshop
Workshops will commence within 5 minutes of the allocated start time, if you don't arrive within 15 minutes of the start time you will be considered to be a no-show and will forfeit 100% of your workshop cost and may not be able to join the workshop.

We recommend arriving at the starting location at least 5-10 minutes before the workshop starts.

We will cover a lot of relevant information at the commencement of the workshop, and it would be detrimental to other participants if time needs to be allocated to go through this again.
I own my own film camera, can I use this on the workshop?
Absolutely, if you feel more comfortable using your own camera, and you already understand the basic functions of how to use it, please bring it along. This workshop teaches how to select your own shutter speed and aperture, so please ensure your camera has the ability to select these independent of each other, and you know exactly how to change the settings.

If you have a new film camera that you haven’t used yet, we are more than happy to give you some tips on how to use it, however you may wish to use our loan camera for the workshop. Every camera is different, so your guide may not be familiar with exactly how your own camera works, but will endeavour to help you out with its functions.
Why does my booking not include GST?
We are currently not registered for GST.
What if I accidentally drop or damage the loan camera during the workshop?
All cameras have a neck strap, and it must be used at all times throughout the workshop, to help mitigate the possibility of the equipment getting damaged. The equipment is insured, and if something occurs during the workshop, please let us know at the time it happens.
What if my photos don't work out?
Using film can provide variable results, and sometimes rolls of film just don't work for a variety of reasons. We consider the entire workshop to be an interesting learning experience and enjoyable day to be a part of, and the final images are just a small part of this.

If your photographs don't work out or aren't as good as you had hoped, we consider this to be a part of the film photography learning experience, and we may provide you with some information to learn from in future when you are sent your images.

If none of your photographs work and the entire roll of film is blank, we will be in touch to discuss why this may have happened.
I'd love to do a workshop, but interested in doing this in a different location.
Please get in contact with the details of what you would like to do, and we can discuss the possibility of putting together a custom workshop.
We have a large group interested in doing the workshop together, is this possible?
Please get in contact to discuss what we can offer.
I've seen that you shoot with medium format and other unique cameras, can I learn how to use these too?
Currently, workshops are only offered using 35mm cameras, but we hope to offer other options in the future.
My partner/friend is attending at workshop, can I come too if I don't take any photographs?
Sorry, we only take participants who are actively joining in on the workshop.

If they've never tried taking film photos before or don't know anything about photography, please don't let this stop them joining in.
Do I have a choice of shooting with colour or black and white?
The workshop is designed around taking photographs in black and white. If you are an experienced film photographer and keen to photograph with colour, we can discuss the possibility of you shooting with colour film and can provide a roll of colour film, development and scanning.
Does your business have insurance?
Yes, we have public liability insurance.