
Explore RA4 hand printing the easy way. We provide everything you need to discover the art of printing colour negatives, including enough paper and chemistry to print multiple images.
We cover various techniques required to produce high quality prints of your 35mm or 120 colour negatives, including colour balancing, dodging and burning, and masking and framing your final print.
If you don’t yet have a developed roll of film, why not try our C-41 film developing workshop.
At the end of the workshop, you not only leave with newfound skills and a collection of beautifully hand printed photos, but also with a deeper appreciation for the darkroom process.

Darkroom paper included
All necessary chemistry and equipment is included and darkroom paper is provided in during the workshop. While some paper will be used for test prints, attendees often leave with at least 2-4 images per workshop, depending on the sheets included.
Darkroom location
Hosted within Pollard Yard, on the outskirts of Manchester city centre, our community darkroom is a mere 2-minute stroll from the Holt Town tram stop, and a leisurely walk from the scenic Ancoats marina.
Workshop bundles
-
Introduction to film photography bundle
This workshop bundle introduces you to black & white film photography and developing. You'll learn how to shoot on film then return to develop it by hand - and ideal way for absolute beginners to explore the full process, from camera to negatives. More info → -
Introduction to black & white darkroom bundle
This workshop bundle offers a hands-on introduction to the full black & white process - from developing your own film then returning to printing your images in the darkroom. It's an ideal starting point for beginners. More info → -
Advanced black & white darkroom printing bundle
This workshop bundle focuses on black & white darkroom printing. You'll return to our darkroom multiple times to develop skills and work on several images - perfect for those who want to learn the darkroom printing process in depth. More info → -
Introduction to colour darkroom bundle
This workshop bundle covers C41 colour film developing and RA4 colour darkroom printing. You'll learn how to process your own colour negatives and then return to print them by hand - ideal for anyone ready to explore colour workflows in the darkroom. More info →
Still have questions?
If you have any questions about our workshops, membership scheme or the facilities available in our community darkroom, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Contact form
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.