Welcome to the Darkroom

a place to slow down and experience photography in its original form.

Tucked away in the heart of Manly, our space is home to the Northern Beaches’ only dedicated black and white darkroom.

Whether you’re completely new to film photography or returning to the process after years away, our darkroom experiences are designed to be hands-on, personal, and immersive. Learn how to develop your own black and white film, create traditional hand-made darkroom prints, and understand the analogue process from start to finish.

Sessions are intentionally kept small, with private tuition and group classes capped at just three people, allowing for a relaxed and personalised experience. From developing negatives to producing final prints by hand, every stage of the process is guided in a welcoming studio environment.

What makes the experience unique is the opportunity to take the process even further - learning how to professionally frame your final darkroom print by hand. Combining traditional darkroom printing with custom picture framing offers a rare chance to create a finished photographic piece entirely from start to finish within the same studio.

For experienced photographers, independent darkroom hire is also available.

GET A QUOTE

EXPERIENCES

1. Introduction to Film Developing

Develop Your Own Black & White Film

Learn how to hand-develop your own black and white film using traditional darkroom techniques.

Includes:

  • chemistry and equipment introduction

  • loading reels and tanks

  • developing one roll of film

  • negative drying and handling

Perfect for beginners wanting to start shooting film confidently.

2. Darkroom Printing Session

Create Your Own Darkroom Prints

Learn how to produce traditional black and white prints from your negatives using a professional enlarger.

Includes:

  • enlarger setup

  • exposure testing

  • contrast filters

  • producing hand-made 8x10" prints

Can be booked as a standalone session or combined with film developing.

3. Contact Sheet Workshop

Print a Traditional Contact Sheet

Create a full-size contact sheet from your negatives — an essential part of the traditional photographic workflow.

Includes:

  • negative preparation

  • exposure setup

  • darkroom printing process

  • one 10x12" contact sheet

Great for photographers wanting to review and archive their work properly.

4. Film Scanning Session

Scan & Digitise Your Film

Learn how to professionally scan and prepare your negatives for digital use, archiving, and online sharing.

Includes:

  • negative cleaning

  • scanning workflow

  • basic file preparation

  • high-resolution digital exports

5. Print & Frame Experience

From Negative to Finished Frame

A complete analogue photography experience - develop, print, and professionally frame your final image.

Includes:

  • darkroom printing session

  • mounting and handling

  • custom frame selection

  • hands-on framing guidance

DARKROOM HIRE

Independent Darkroom Hire

For experienced printers and previous students wanting access to a fully equipped black and white darkroom.

Available for:

  • film developing

  • enlarging and printing

  • contact sheet printing

Hourly and full-day hire available.
Chemicals included. Paper available separately or bring your own.

ADD-ONS

  • Additional 8x10" paper

  • Additional chemistry usage

  • High-resolution scans

  • Custom framing upgrades

  • Archival mounting

  • One-on-one tuition