Eco Darkroom Series: Eucalyptus Developing

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.