B&W Plant Based Film Developing Workshop with The Sustainable Darkroom
Saturday October 24th October 12:00–4:00pm
Take It Easy Lab, Leeds
Discover an alternative approach to black and white film developing using chemistry made from plants, foraged materials and food waste.
In this hands-on workshop, The Sustainable Darkroom will introduce participants to low-toxicity, plant based photographic developers and the principles behind more environmentally conscious analogue photography. Together, you'll explore how everyday natural materials can be transformed into working photographic chemistry before developing your own roll of black and white film.
Alongside the practical session, the workshop will also consider sustainable waste management and how photographers can rethink the environmental impact of traditional darkroom processes.
After developing your film, we'll take you down to the the film processing lab, where we'll show you how we scan your negatives. We'll then send digital copies of your photographs directly to your email, so you can view and share your images digitally while taking your original negatives home with you.
Whether you're new to film developing or an experienced analogue photographer, this workshop offers a unique introduction to one of the most exciting contemporary approaches to sustainable photography.
What you'll do
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Learn how plant based and food waste developers are made
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Explore low-toxicity photographic chemistry
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Develop one roll of your own black and white film (35mm or 120)
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Explore sustainable approaches to darkroom practice and waste management
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Have your developed negatives scanned at Take It Easy Lab
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Receive digital copies of your photographs by email
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Take your original negatives home with you
What to bring
Please bring one exposed roll of black and white film to develop.
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35mm or 120 film
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Black and white only, no colour film
All chemistry, equipment and materials are provided.
What are Guest Workshops?
At Take It Easy Lab, we want to celebrate the wonderful creative community we’re part of here in Leeds. We love working with artists, makers and creatives to bring exciting new workshop experiences to our space.
We believe one of the best ways to support Leeds’ creative ecology is by providing the space, resources and support for other creatives to share their skills and ideas. That’s why we’re always excited to meet new artists, discover new approaches and work together to bring inspiring workshops to Take It Easy Lab.
Workshop FAQ's
Do I need darkroom experience?
No. This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced photographers alike.
What film can I bring?
Any exposed roll of 35mm or 120 black and white film.
Do I need to bring chemicals or equipment?
No, everything is provided except your film.
Will my film be scanned?
Yes. After the workshop, we'll take your developed negatives to the Take It Easy Lab film processing lab, where they will be scanned. Digital copies will then be sent to the email address you provide when booking.
Will I get my negatives back?
Yes. You'll leave the workshop with your original developed negatives, as well as receiving digital copies of your photographs by email
Minimum numbers
Guest workshops require a minimum of 6 participants to go ahead. If the minimum number is not reached, Take It Easy Lab reserves the right to cancel or postpone the workshop.
If the workshop is cancelled
If Take It Easy Lab or the workshop facilitator needs to cancel because the minimum number of participants has not been reached, all participants who have booked will be offered a full refund or the option to transfer their booking to a rescheduled date.
Booking and payment
Places are confirmed once payment has been received. Your place is reserved specifically for you and cannot be transferred to another person without prior agreement from Take It Easy Lab.
Cancellations by participants
If you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible. Refunds for participant cancellations will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on how close the cancellation is to the workshop date and whether your place can be filled.
Workshop content
Guest workshops are delivered by independent artists and creatives. While Take It Easy Lab works closely with each facilitator, the content, approach and delivery of each workshop are the responsibility of the individual workshop leader.
Photography and documentation
Take It Easy Lab or the workshop facilitator may take photographs or video during workshops for documentation and promotional purposes. We will always aim to let participants know when photography or filming is taking place. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please let us know when you arrive.
