Founded by artist and educator Ian Phillips-McLaren, this space grew from decades of working with analogue materials, alt-process printing and hybrid darkroom practice. Over the years, Ian has taught, mentored and worked alongside hundreds of photographers and artists — and one thing became clear:
there are fewer and fewer places for thoughtful, hands-on, process-driven work to live.

Taming the Light exists to change that.

Here, we focus on the craft as much as the outcome:
the texture of handmade papers, the rhythm of coating, the chemistry settling in trays, the alchemy of silver, pigment and UV. It’s a community for people who take their time — people who appreciate imperfection, materiality, and the gentle surprises of analogue practice.

Whether you work in gum bichromate, salt printing, Photogravure, cyanotype, large format, film, or hybrid workflows, you’re welcome here. This isn’t a place for competition or noise — it’s a place for curiosity, generosity and conversation.

And because communities grow best from the inside out, early members can join as founder members — free for early adopters — and help shape the direction of the space as it evolves.

Pull up a chair.
Slow the pace.
Let the light do what it does best.

Welcome to Taming the Light.