School Holidays: Winter Photo Makers

Welcome to the Winter Photo Makers Workshop! Our dynamic two-day adventure is designed for young photographers to explore the artistry of image-making through hands-on activities and creative experimentation.

Led by Claire Fletcher, our experienced instructor, participants will dive into photography basics, from capturing images with digital cameras to experimenting with printing in the darkroom. With a focus on fun and discovery, participants will learn to infuse their shots with vibrant colours and energy while also discovering the magic of traditional darkroom printing. Discover the endless possibilities of creative expression through photography!

This course is for 8-16 year olds.

Dates & Time

Winter Photo Makers runs over two full days at photo access

Tuesday 14 July & Wednesday 15 July, 2026 – 9 am – 4 pm, both days

photo access

Manuka Arts Centre, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith ACT 2603

Program

Day 1, Tuesday 14 July: Digital Photography Basics and Editing

• Introduction to digital photography: overview of camera functions and settings.
• Photo walks: participants explore outdoor environments, capturing images in various modes (e.g., portraits, landscapes).
• Adobe Suite basics: hands-on instruction in editing software to enhance and manipulate images.
• Creating digital negatives: using Adobe Suite to transform captured images into digital negatives.

Day 2, Wednesday 15 July: Darkroom Printing with Photograms

• Introduction to the darkroom and photogram printing: overview of darkroom equipment and safety procedures.
• Chemical handling and safety: instruction on handling darkroom chemicals and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Printing process: participants learn the step-by-step process of traditional darkroom printing using digital negatives from Day 1.
• Photograms: hands-on session exploring the creation of photograms using various objects and digital negatives
• Final presentation of work made

What's provided

• Digital cameras for use during photo walks and digital photography sessions.
• Laptop computers equipped with Adobe Suite for image editing and digital negative creation.
• Darkroom equipment and supplies for traditional printing, such as enlargers, trays, and photo paper.
• Safety equipment and instructions for handling chemicals in the darkroom.
• Photogram materials, including objects for experimentation and exposure.
• Snacks (fruit, chip packets, juice) – please advise of any allergies beforehand

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor photo walks and studio activities (hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, backpack, jumper or hoodie)
• Notebooks or sketchbooks for jotting down ideas, notes, and reflections.
• Personal digital cameras or smartphones for capturing images during the photo walks (optional, as cameras will be provided).
• Lunch for each day
• Water bottles and snacks to stay hydrated and energised throughout the day.
• A USB flash drive or portable storage device to save and transfer digital images and projects created during the workshop (optional)
• Any personal items or accessories that inspire creativity or enhance the photography experience, such as favourite photography books or inspirational images.

The Fine Print

Enrolments for this workshop close at 12 pm Thursday 9 July 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. Alternatively, enrolment can transfer to another workshop plus a $50 transfer fee. If less than 48 hours are given, no refunds or transfers can be given. Please note that memberships purchased in conjunction with a workshop enrolment are non-refundable. 

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.