Photographic darkrooms and studios

The photography department has a thriving analogue photography facility which both students and staff of the Faculty are encouraged to explore after attending an induction to the area.

The Film Processing Room (Scott 202) is located on the 2nd floor and is a dedicated space for the processing of black and white and colour films from 35mm to large format. Specialist processes, such as dish film processing of panchromatic or orthochromatic films or the production of cyanotypes, can also be supported following consultation with the technicians (to evaluate any potential health risks).

Scott 203 houses the traditional darkroom to produce black and white prints from negatives of any size, from 35mm to large format (5”×4”). As with film processing, the accessories required to use this room are available from the Media Hub during normal working hours. There is also the facility to dry prints – either passively using drying racks (any resin or fibre papers) or using an Ilford 1250 print dryer for resin-coated paper.

Chemistry for the darkrooms is provided and replenished by technicians. Black and white film (35mm and medium format) and white resin-coated paper can be purchased from the Media Hub.

The Specialist Digital Darkroom (SCB205) provides access to Apple Mac Pros running Adobe Creative Cloud software including Photoshop, Lightroom Classic and InDesign on colour-accurate Eizo high resolution displays. For digital input, we have installed a number of Epson V700 flatbed scanners, and one Hasselblad Flextight film scanner. There is also a Light Table to organise your negatives and a Colour Viewing Booth to assess your prints.

The Epson V700 flatbed scanners are capable of scanning film negatives and positives from 35mm up to 8×10 inches in sizes up to 4800 dpi. Film holders for the various formats can be borrowed from the Media Hub once an induction into the safe use of the scanner and its software has been attended.

The Hasselblad Flextight X1 film scanner is capable of scanning film negatives and positives at these resolutions up to 6300dpi.

Scott 205 is open from 8am–6pm Monday–Friday.

The Digital Darkroom (SCB215) provides access to Apple iMacs running Adobe Creative Cloud software including Photoshop, Lightroom Classic and InDesign.

For digital input, we have installed a number of Epson V700 flatbed scanners. There is also a roller cutter for trimming your prints.

Scott 215 is accessible whenever the Scott building is open.