Open Access Darkroom Photography

Course overview

This Open Access Darkroom Photography course provides supervised access to professional darkroom facilities for learners who wish to work independently on their own projects.

This is not a taught course. Instead, it is designed for individuals who already have some experience with darkroom processes and can work safely and confidently with minimal guidance. A qualified technician will be present during all sessions to provide supervision, ensure safe working practices, and offer limited technical support where required.

Access is granted on a competency basis. All learners must complete a pre-course questionnaire and attend a mandatory induction in the first session, during which they will demonstrate their ability to use the space and equipment safely before independent access is approved.

What you’ll learn

As this is an open-access course, there is no formal teaching programme. However, you will have the opportunity to:

Develop and refine your existing darkroom skills
Improve your workflow and technical consistency
Build confidence using professional darkroom equipment
Produce high-quality black and white prints
Work independently on your own projects

How you’ll learn and be assessed

Learning takes place through independent practice supported by technician supervision.

Work at your own pace on personal projects
Use industry-standard darkroom facilities in a structured environment
Receive guidance on safe working practices and equipment use when needed
Sessions run weekly, with supervised access throughout

Please note:

No formal tuition or step-by-step instruction is provided
This course does not include teaching how to develop film or produce prints

What do I need?

To take part in this course, you must:

Have prior experience of darkroom photography
Complete a pre-course questionnaire to assess your suitability
Attend and successfully complete a mandatory induction on the first session
Demonstrate safe and competent use of equipment and chemicals

You should also bring:

Black and white photographic paper
Any specialist materials you wish to use (where appropriate)

Additional information

Darkroom Facilities Include:

10 black and white enlargers for 35mm film
Black and white film development facilities
Print drying rack
All essential chemicals for processing and printing

Supervision and Access

A technician will be present
Access is only granted once competency has been demonstrated and signed off
The technician has the authority to restrict or withdraw access if unsafe practices occur

Important Notes

This is a supervised open-access environment, not a taught class
All learners must follow the darkroom code of conduct and health & safety procedures
Independent working is only permitted after successful induction and approval
There will be no access to the UV exposure unit or photographic studio
Access to equipment will finish at 8:15pm to allow 15 minutes for tidying up