This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the fundamental techniques of black and white (B&W) film development and printing using traditional darkroom methods. By the end, attendees will have a strong understanding of developing exposed B&W negatives, making B&W enlargements from negatives, using darkroom equipment such as development tanks and enlargers, and handling specialised materials such as silver gelatin paper and B&W photo chemicals.

2. Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Understand the basic theory behind film-based B&W photography.

• Learn how to safely use darkroom chemicals.

• Develop negatives from their exposed B&W film in a photographic darkroom.

• Produce silver gelatin prints from B&W negatives in a photographic darkroom.

• Develop confidence working in a shared darkroom space.

  
  

3. Workshop Structure & Activities

Session Duration: 5 hours

Activities:

• Introduction & Safety Briefing (15–30 mins)
  Overview of the space, PPE, handling of chemicals, safe light rules.

• Demonstration: Film Loading (15-30 mins)
  Participants learn how to load film onto reels for loading into development tanks.

• Hands-on: Film development (60–90 mins)
  Each participant develops their own film in the darkroom under guidance.

• Lunch break (30-45 mins)
  While film is fan-drying in the cabinet, we break for lunch. Participants may bring lunch and eat in our “lightroom” or visit one of the nearby food options.

• Demonstration: Easel & Test Strips (15 mins)
  Instructor shows how to set easel borders and use test strips to interpret exposure.

• Hands-on: Making Enlargements (90–120 mins)
  Participants work independently to produce a working print.

• Final Review & Clean-up (15–30 mins)
  Participants cut and sleeve negatives in our lightroom and clean stations.

4. Materials & Equipment Provided

• Film developing tanks (suitable for 35mm, 120 and 4x5 film).

• Enlargers (LPL 7700, VC7700 and 7451 models).

• Lenses and negative carriers (suitable for 35mm, 120 and 4x5 film).

• Ilford Multigrade RC paper (8” x 10”).

• Trays, tongs, grain focusers, easels.

• PPE (Apron, gloves and glasses).

• Negative sleeves for roll film developed in the darkroom.

  
  

5. Chemicals Provided

• Film developer: Kodak XTOL (1+1 dilution).

• Film & Paper Stop Bath: Kodak Indicator Stop Bath (1+63 dilution).

• Film & Paper Fixer: Ilford Hypam (1+4 dilution).

• Paper Developer: Ilford Multigrade (1+4 dilution).

  
  

6. Safety & House Rules

• No food or drink in the darkroom.

• Always wear PPE when working in the darkroom.

• Wash hands upon exiting the darkroom.

• Dispose of chemicals as instructed.

• Ask before using unfamiliar equipment.

• Chemical SDS are available on-site and on our website.

  
  

7. Notes for Participants

• Bring your own exposed, undeveloped B&W negatives. 

• Bring developed negatives from your archive which you would like to print.

• Wear closed toe shoes.