Eco Darkroom Series: Eucalyptus Developing

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A black and white image of a stream in heavy shadows by trees
Image by Melanie Cobham, developed with eucalyptus

Part of photo access‘ Eco Darkroom Series, this workshop explores sustainable film developing using eucalyptus leaves, salt, and vitamin C. In this two-day hands-on experience, you’ll learn to brew your plant-based developer from locally foraged ingredients and use it to process a roll of black and white 35mm film in our darkroom!

Whether you’re new to film or an experienced photographer curious about eco-friendly darkroom alternatives, this workshop offers a creative and sustainable approach to analogue image-making.

Session One: Forage, Brew and Shoot

  • Meet at photo access, brief history and head out to forage eucalyptus leaves
  • Brew your own developer and fix using natural ingredients
  • Group photo walk using supplied Ilford HP5 film rolls

Session Two: Develop and Process

  • Process your film in the darkroom using the solutions made on Day 1
  • Learn the basics of plant-based chemistry and sustainable darkroom practices
  • Rinse and hang your film to dry
  • Optional: leave your film with us for scanning ($17)

What to bring

  • A working 35mm film camera (please ensure it’s in good condition)
  • Lunch or snacks for the day
  • Comfortable shoes for walking and foraging

If you don’t have a 35mm camera, contact us to borrow one for the weekend.

  • 1x roll of Ilford HP5 35mm film
  • All chemistry ingredients, equipment and materials for developing
  • Use of PhotoAccess’ darkroom facilities
  • Staff support throughout the process
  • A notebook and pen for taking notes and recording discoveries
  • Tea and coffee

Scans of developed film available for $17 post-workshop.

Tutor

Melanie Cobham

Melanie Cobham is a Uruguayan-born, Melbourne-based artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores the complex relationship between identity and place. Her diverse body of work interrogates the nuances of language, colonisation, migration, and belonging.

Cobham has a background in design, fine arts, filmmaking and silversmithing. Her work spans drawing, printmaking, installation, photography and sculpture, thoughtfully combining material and form.

View artist profile

A black and white image of a girl with short hair, overlapped with a double exposure image

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