Note: this course is for just a small number of people  (max. 5 people; 4 students and a tutor) but we will struggle to keep social distance at all times as it's a practical workshop. The darkroom is well-ventilated, and we have a second, smaller darkroom that can be used if needed. If the Covid-19 situation in makes it unsafe to go ahead with the course, we will postpone it. If that happens, deposits or full fees can be refunded if you wish.
All Photocourse NZ tutors are double-vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19, and all have current Vaccine Passes.
Please see the Conditions and Payment page for more information.

Darkroom 1 - Black & white film & darkroom skills

Running next in autumn and winter 2023.
This course runs over 4 Monday evenings, 5.30pm-7.30pm
Please book now as there are only 4 places available on the course.
Note: we also run a weekend workshop covering these skills.

The course will cover:

• camera control and basics for shooting film
• developing film in the darkroom
• making contact sheets and editing
• making black & white prints in the darkroom.

Most people taking up photography this century will have started out on a digital camera. Marvellous tools that they are, there remains a great attraction to doing things the old way - silver-based analogue photography.

This course will uncover the mysteries of the darkroom, and you will find it's relatively simple to get started and add a new dimension to your photography. Anyone wanting to give their photography a lift should try shooting black & white film and experience developing and printing it themselves, by hand.

If you haven't used a darkroom for a few years, or decades, this course will provide you with a good brush-up on techniques. It is also suitable for those teaching photography as an art subject and wanting practical darkroom skills and an understanding of how the process works, and to pass on the knowledge.

Tutors: John Williams / Mark Beehre

Course fee: $320.00, including GST.
- A deposit of $90.00 will be required to confirm your place.
- Limit: 4 students only.
- Materials are covered by the course fee.
- 35mm film cameras are available to borrow if needed.
- Please see Conditions & payment information before paying your deposit for the course.

Please email James Gilberd to register your interest.

Courtenay Studios' darkroom in use - photo by John Williams

Karori Teachers' College demolition, Wellington, Photo: J.Gilberd

Photo: John Williams

Photo: Mark Beehre

Slideshow photos by John Williams, 2015