Botanic Gardens: From lens to print Workshop

Join us for a partnered workshop with Megalo Print Studio and the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and learn the unique process of photopolymer photogravure printing. In this weekend workshop, you’ll explore and capture the beautiful Australian National Botanic Gardens, guided by photo access tutor Claire Fletcher. She will teach you camera basics to get the most out of your camera, while also being joined by a Botanic Gardens ranger to guide you through the flora and fauna.

The second part of the workshop will take place at Megalo Print Studio, where you will learn the photopolymer photogravure process, an eco-friendly method that transforms original photographs into textured prints on cotton rag paper. At the end of your workshop, you’ll take home a small edition of handmade prints!

Whether you’re passionate about photography, curious about printmaking, or simply seeking a fresh creative outlet, this workshop warmly invites individuals of all experience levels. Don’t miss out on this remarkable chance to learn from some of Canberra’s most esteemed organisations.

Botanic Gardens: From lens to print runs in partnership with

Date & Time

Botanic Gardens: From lens to print runs over a single weekend

Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 November, 2026

Saturday – participants will meet tutor Claire at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre at 9:45 am to ensure a 10 am start

Sunday – participants will meet at Megalo Print Studio at 10 am – *Bus Depot Markets are held on Sundays, so please allow extra time for parking*

Program

Day One: Immerse Yourself in the Botanic Gardens

Explore the beauty of the Australian National Botanic Gardens with a seasoned photo access tutor. Capture stunning spring flora and fauna while receiving expert guidance on composition, lighting, and various photography techniques. A Botanic Gardens ranger will also guide the group on the specific plants on display. We will break for lunch, where the group is welcome to join at Pollen Cafe at the Gardens. The day will conclude at photo access, where you’ll be guided through preparing your digital images for the upcoming printing process.

Day Two: Craft Your Prints at Megalo Print Studio

On day two, you’ll meet at Megalo Print Studio, where you’ll be guided by an expert Megalo printmaker on the intricacies of photopolymer photogravure printing. In this hands-on session, participants will expose their photopolymer plates using UV light, learn water-based development, and finesse final printing with rich, oil-based etching colours on Megalo’s top-tier etching presses. Building on the images captured during the Botanic Gardens exploration on Day One, participants will print A5-size plates, using the ‘direct to plate’ method, which means the images will go from computer to plate without the need for a film. This immersive experience ensures the prints reflect the Gardens’ essence, offering a tangible expression of the natural beauty captured through the lens.

What to bring

• Camera or smartphone with charged battery and memory card
• Drink bottle
• Enclosed walking shoes and comfortable clothes you can get dirty
• Snacks and lunch (lunch can be purchased from the Pollen Cafe at the Botanic Gardens or Kingston Foreshore if you wish)
• Laptop (optional, as for the first day, you will have to carry it during the walk)

The Fine Print

Enrolments for this workshop close at 4 pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026. As a not-for-profit, our financial margins are narrow and classes require a minimum number of participants to run. In the event that photo access cancels a workshop, refunds will be paid in full or a transfer allowed free of charge. If a class is postponed, we will endeavour to reschedule at a time convenient to enrolled participants.

photo access will happily refund or transfer workshop fees up to 7 days prior to the start date of the workshop. If less than 7 days’ notice is given, photo access can offer a partial refund of 50%. Alternatively, enrolment can transfer to another workshop with a 50% transfer credit. If less than 48 hours are given, no refunds or transfers can be given.

If you are unwell and unable to make the course, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice. If you are absent from the class and have not notified us beforehand, no refunds or transfers can be given.