This Space Is Ours

Technical Training in Analogue Photography For women, trans and non-binary people only
Hosted by Lakeside Darkroom

Purpose

A supportive, hands-on workshop designed to build confidence, skill and independence in the technical aspects of analogue photography — from camera to darkroom. This is a space for people who are often underrepresented in technical and traditionally male-dominated areas of photography to learn, ask questions freely, share knowledge, and grow together.

What You’ll Learn

This 3 day training (flexible format) covers the core skills needed to feel grounded and empowered in analogue photographic processes:

CAMERA:

  • Understanding manual film cameras (35mm + medium format)

  • Light metering, exposure, and film types

  • Loading and unloading film confidently

IN THE DARKROOM:

  • Step-by-step guide to black & white film development

  • Intro to chemistry: mixing, storage, and safety (Health & Safety essentials)

  • Contact sheets and test strips: reading your negatives

  • Using enlargers confidently — from focusing to filtering

  • Printing techniques: contrast control, dodging/burning, paper types

Extra Tools:

  • Understanding the darkroom as a shared space: etiquette, flow, and rhythm

  • Troubleshooting: common issues and how to fix them

  • Tips for building your own workflow and shooting-to-print process

Who It’s For

This space is for anyone who identifies as a woman, non-binary or gender-diverse, whether you're a total beginner or looking to fill in technical gaps. You may have felt unsure or excluded from technical spaces in the past — this workshop is about taking that space together.

We work at a gentle, spacious pace, allowing time for questions, reflection and shared learning. No previous experience is required — just curiosity and care.

Why This Matters

Too often, technical spaces in photography have been dominated by certain voices. At Lakeside Darkroom, we believe access to knowledge is part of creative safety. We’re committed to building environments where learning feels empowering, not intimidating — and where community and skill go hand in hand.

This workshop is part of that commitment.

Practical Details

  • Location: Lakeside Centre, Thamesmead

  • Duration: 3 half days (4 hours each)

  • Group size: Max 5 participants (to keep it focused and supportive)

  • Cost: Sliding scale or fixed fee, depending on your funding model

  • Materials: All chemistry, paper and film included. Bring your own camera.

Values-Based Space

  • Feminist and anti-patriarchal ethos

  • Kind, clear and honest communication

  • Pace that honours everyone's rhythm

  • Zero tolerance for discrimination or exclusion

  • Every question is valid. Every voice matters.

Join us for three gentle, spacious afternoons dedicated to exploring the full analogue process — from shooting to developing, printing and everything in between.

This is a space where technical learning meets creative freedom. You’ll be introduced to the essential tools and techniques of black & white photography — how to use a manual camera, how film works, how to process it, and how to print your own images in the darkroom. But more than that, you'll learn how each technical decision you make can shape the artistic outcome of your work.

We’ll take our time, giving space for questions, experimentation and reflection. You’ll come away with a better understanding of both the chemical process and your own creative flow — with full control over the decisions you make at every step.

This is about slowing down, working with care, and building confidence — TOGETHER.

No rush. No pressure. Just time, tools, and a space to make it your own.

Workshop Structure – This Space is Ours

This is a 3-day workshop taking place over three Sundays, with each session running for 4 hours. We’ve designed the course to give you space to absorb, reflect and practise between sessions — so there will be a full week between each class.

You’ll also have one extra optional day after the second session, where you can come into the darkroom to process film at your own pace, with guidance available if needed. This is a great chance to reinforce what you’ve learnt and build confidence before our final session.

Format:

  • Sunday 1: Camera skills, exposure, film loading, understanding light, photowalk, film types, ISO, brands

  • Sunday 2: Film development, chemistry, health & safety, creative options: Exploring the Limits of Black & White Photography.

    Midweek darkroom day: Optional supervised film processing session

  • Sunday 3: Printing in the darkroom, using enlargers, creative techniques, papers, chemistry and dulitions.

This gentle rhythm is ideal for taking in both the technical and creative sides of analogue photography — with space to explore, ask questions, and make it your own.