Welcome to The Sheffield Darkroom - the city’s only purpose-built, publicly rentable darkrooms. A quiet haven for anyone who loves the slow craft of film photography and traditional printing.
Black & White Photography Workshops
This two-day immersive workshop is designed for anyone who wants to step beyond quick results and learn how to make considered, expressive black and white portraits - from first frame to finished print.
Working with a classic medium format camera, the Hasselblad 500cm, you’ll learn how to use light, time and collaboration to create portraits with presence and intention. Over two days, you’ll shoot on film, process your own negatives and print your images by hand in the darkroom.
No rushing. No presets. Just craft, attention and a deeper understanding of how portraits are made. Skills that will work in studio and out on the streets.
Day One - Making the Negative
You’ll start by learning how to load and use a medium format film camera, before exploring simple, repeatable lighting setups and how to work confidently with a portrait subject.
With guidance throughout, you’ll shoot a roll of black and white film, learning how to slow down, observe and make deliberate decisions. The day finishes in the darkroom, where you’ll develop your own negatives and see your images emerge for the first time.
Day Two - Interpreting the Image
Day two is dedicated entirely to printing.
You’ll learn how to read your negatives, create contact sheets and make expressive black and white prints using traditional darkroom techniques. This includes contrast control, test strips, dodging and burning and an introduction to split-grade printing.
By the end of the second day, you’ll have a small selection of finished prints to take home - each one made by hand, from your own negatives.
All materials supplied including camera, film, chemicals and paper.
Two people required so posing and shooting are shared. You will process and print simultaneously in the darkroom.
Already got your own negatives and ready to bring them to life? This session is all about printing. Bring your black and white negatives and spend a half day in the darkroom learning how to enlarge and perfect your images under expert guidance. Whether you’ve never printed before or just want a refresher, we’ll walk you through each step and help you get the most out of your work.
£150 (1 person) / £200 (2 people). Choose below.
What’s Included:
Guided induction to darkroom printing
3–4 hours of hands-on printing with your negatives
Materials provided (paper, chemistry, trays, gloves)
Take home your own 10x8" or smaller prints
Tea, coffee & good vibes included
Bring your film, bring a friend, or just bring yourself.
Experience the full analogue process in just a few hours — a perfect introduction to film photography or a hands-on refresher. You’ll shoot a roll of black and white film (camera and film provided if needed), process it in the darkroom and create your very own contact sheet to take home.
£150 (1 person) / £200 (2 people). Choose below.
What’s Included:
Guided photo walk (indoors or outdoors depending on preference)
1 roll of B&W film (and use of a 35mm camera if required)
Hands-on film processing (chemistry & tools provided)
Make your own contact sheet in the darkroom
All materials included
Perfect for curious beginners, returning analogue lovers, or as a gift.
