Introduction to black and white film photography course at The Gate Darkroom in London
Discover the magic of analogue photography with our hands-on black and white film photography course at the Gate Darkroom. This one day film photography course takes place in our community darkroom in London and is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about black and white film photography in a friendly and supportive environment. We welcome beginners alongside those with more experience, or if you are returning to darkroom photography and are in need of a refresher.
Learn darkroom photography in our friendly community darkroom in South East London
During this intensive one day darkroom photography course, you’ll bring along a roll of black and white film and learn how to process it step-by-step in our fully equipped darkroom. We will cover how to develop your negatives, create a contact sheet, and make your first print from start to finish.
By the end of the day you leave with a practical understanding of black and white darkroom photography, including:
How to develop your own roll of black and white photographic film.
How to work safely with photographic chemicals and equipment.
Using photographic enlargers to make a contact sheet and a print from your own negatives.
Ideas for further experimentation and how to develop your darkroom practice creatively.
Who is this darkroom course for?
The Gate is a community darkroom in London, run for the benefit of our members and we welcome anyone who would like to know more about darkroom practice! Our one day introduction to darkroom photography course is ideal for:
Complete beginners to film photography.
Digital photographers who are curious about trying out analogue techniques.
Anyone who is familiar with darkroom photography but would like a refresher.
Students, enthusiasts and creative professionals looking for some hands-on experience and guidance.
We keep our class sizes small with 4-5 people maximum, so that everyone receives some personal guidance and support throughout the day. We aim to tailor our courses to accommodate different experience levels and interests.
Course details
Date and time
1 day intensive course
10am - 6pm
This course runs monthly. Please check our calendar for the latest dates and availability.
Price
£120
What’s included
All darkroom equipment, paper and chemicals are provided. You should bring an undeveloped roll of 35mm or 120mm film to develop.
Location
The Gate Darkroom, Unit 0, Studio number 03, Thames Side Studios, Harrington Way, Warspite Road, Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, SE18 5NR
Nearest transport links
Tube North Greenwich (Jubilee Line, Zone 2), Free parking (plenty of it!)
Bus 472, 161, 180, 177, Rail Woolwich Dockyard / Charlton (direct to Deptford & Cannon Street)
How to book
To book your place please email thegatedarkroom@gmail.com.
We also offer gift vouchers if you would like to buy a place on one of our courses for someone else.
Course schedule, timings and what you can expect
The course starts at 10am, and you are welcome to arrive from 9.50am. There will be tea, biscuits and fruit provided for the day.
We will need to be a little flexible on the day to allow for analogue surprises and people's suggestions! So this is a rough outline for the day.
Introduction and film processing
10am - 12.30pm
Welcome and introductions plus a bit about the Gate Darkroom. An overview of what you can find in the lightroom and step-by-step development of your own film.
We’ll cover chemicals mixing, correct temperature and using the development chart, washing and drying your film.
Lunch
12.30pm - 1.30pm
We break for lunch. We recommend that you bring your own lunch as food options are limited on site.
Film development observations
1.30pm - 1.50pm
We’ll look at our developed films and discuss our observations and questions about the film development process. We’ll cover how to store films and use the light box to view your images.
Making a contact sheet in the darkroom
1.50pm-2.30pm
We’ll cover what you can find in the darkroom and create a contact sheet on 9.5x12in resin coated paper using your developed film. We’ll look at different enlargers and sizes of negatives, mixing chemicals and making test strips for your contact sheet.
Making a print
2.30pm - 5.30pm
We’ll help you choose the first frame you would like to work with and discuss how to use the enlarger, how to focus your image and make a test strip. You’ll make a print on 8x10in or 5x7in resin coated paper.
We’ll explore some other darkroom techniques like using filters, dodging and burning techniques or creating masks to refine your image.You’ll learn how to wash and dry your print and will have the opportunity to make an additional print as time allows.
Observations and final conversations
5.30pm - 6pm
We’ll discuss our observations and comments from the day and answer any questions including how to continue your darkroom practice with your new found skills.
What you’ll leave with
You’ll leave this one day photography course with:
Your developed black and white negatives.
A contact sheet.
Your first darkroom print made from your negatives.
An understanding of darkroom practice and workflow.
Confidence to continue your film photography journey independently.
Our aim is for you to walk away feeling inspired, confident and excited to continue your analogue photographic practice!
Why choose our film photography course?
This course is designed to feel welcoming, inclusive and practical. We offer hands-on experience in a fully equipped London darkroom, with supportive teaching from one of our experienced darkroom practitioners.
You’ll learn in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with a small group and you’ll leave with practical photographic skills you can start using straight away. If you are looking for a darkroom photography course in London where you’ll feel welcomed and creatively supported then our course is for you!
FAQ - Introduction to film photography course at the Gate Darkroom in London
Do I need any photography experience to attend this course?
No experience is needed. This course is designed for complete beginners, as well as anyone who has tried film photography before and would like a refresher. The course is taught in a supportive environment and in a small group setting.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring along a roll of black and white film that you’d like to develop (35mm or medium format is fine). Everything else will be provided, including chemicals, paper and all darkroom equipment.
We advise bringing lunch and snacks with you as food options on site are very limited. Bring some warm layers in winter as the darkroom can get chilly.
Who teaches the course?
Your workshop will be led by one of our experienced darkroom practitioners. Our facilitators have many years of experience between them, and their work includes a range of experimental and cameraless techniques alongside black and white film photography.
How many people are in the group?
We limit groups to 4-5 people maximum.
How much does the course cost?
Our introduction to analogue film photography one day course costs £120.
How do I book?
To book your place please email thegatedarkroom@gmail.com. Please check our calendar for next upcoming dates.
