Become the Camera: Cameraless Photography and The Magic of the Darkroom

11.15am-4.30pm | 10+ with a responsible adult

Step into the Darkroom and discover the magic of making images without a camera!

Create your own photograms by placing everyday objects onto light-sensitive paper and exposing them to light. Watch shapes, shadows, and textures transform into striking works of photographic art.

Families will learn traditional darkroom techniques, experiment with light and composition, and explore photography in its purest form, where you become the camera.

What will the class cover and how will it be taught?

What You’ll Learn:

• The process of creating photograms using darkroom techniques
• The Cyanotype process (Sun Prints). Experiment with using different surfaces, additives and materials to create your own beautiful, one-of-a-kind, Cyanotype prints.
• How light, shape, and texture influence photographic composition
• Experimental approaches to cameraless image-making
• Foundational principles of exposure and contrast

Who is it suitable for?

Anyone curious about exploring the creative possibilities of photography beyond the camera and wants to discover the magic of the darkroom. No prior experience required, just curiosity and creativity!

What do I need to bring?

Photograms

Bring a small selection of flat or semi-flat objects from home to use in making your photogram. Choose items with interesting shapes, textures, or levels of transparency — these will create more dynamic and visually engaging results.

Think about objects that tell a story or reflect your personality. Bring a variety so you can experiment with different combinations and effects.

Cyanotype

If you would like to use your own photos to make cyanotype prints, please email up to 2 x black and white photos to Helena.mcgregor@breweryarts.co.uk 48 hours before the workshop, to be turned into negative images on acetate or tracing paper, there will be some images available to use during the workshop supplied by the tutor.

Are there any additional costs?

No.

Important Information

This course will be held in Studio 3 & Dark Room.

About the tutor

Russell Colman. Russell is a professional photographer and qualified youth worker who first discovered the magic of the darkroom and the creative possibilities of analogue photography at Brewery Arts over 30 years ago.

Since then, he has taught a wide range of subjects to both young people and adults, sharing his enthusiasm for creative image-making in diverse educational and community settings. He also operated a Lake District family portrait practice for many years and has exhibited his work in a variety of venues in the UK and Europe.

Russell’s current practice explores analogue processes through both traditional and experimental techniques, pushing the boundaries of time and movement. He believes the darkroom offers a uniquely physical and meditative experience — a space where you’re not just pressing buttons, but truly crafting an image.

Helena McGregor. Helena McGregor is a visual artist and a qualified Art Teacher with 15 years of experience in UK and International Schools, teaching in a range of creative subjects and year groups. She is now part of our Creative Learning team at Brewery Arts, overseeing the Exhibitions and Youth Visual Arts programmes as well as teaching visual art classes for both young people and adults. Helena enjoys an exploratory approach to creativity, focusing on experimentation with different media, techniques and ideas and believes in the importance of play.

See all Creative Learning courses here.