Darkroom Printing Workshop

  I had the pleasure of attending The Fox Darkroom workshop over the weekend, and loved every minute. Tom has created something very special. A little photography haven in what can only be described as an inspiring location – an old wool store building. The location and Tom’s amazing set-up can only put you in good spirits when you take the workshop. Tom is a great guide, and will tailor the course depending on each individual’s goals. The negative making process was fantastic, being able to create something from scratch. The darkroom experience was something foreign to me, having come into photography in the digital age. I think it’s very important for us to go back and learn these techniques to understand how it was done prior to digital photography. And I really appreciate Tom creating workshops like this to preserve the process, and reinvigorate the film process in this modern tech-focussed age. At the end of the workshop I was also able to see some of Tom’s photography work that he had done over in Ghana for the Photo for Freedom project. I was blown away. Amazing work for a meaningful and important cause. I wish The Fox Darkroom all the best, and look forward to doing the printing workshop in the new year. James

  The Fox Darkroom Hidden in the old Younghusband Woolstores in Kensington - a wonderful building housing every type of creative activity - you will find The Fox Darkroom run by photographer Tom Goldner. Tom provides short courses for those new to analogue photography, or those with prior experience but seeking a process refresh. Introduction to film cameras, developing your own B&W film, and printing and enlarging - the alchemy of the darkroom - are all covered in Tom's courses. The darkroom and equipment are also available for members and others who are seeking access to a well equipped lab to do their own thing! Tom is a wonderful teacher - enthusiastic, knowledgable, sensitive, patient and able to cater for course members with widely varying capabilities, group sizes are kept small allowing for personal teaching and the combination of shooting in a such a photogenic location and then working through the dark room processes in a such a beautiful surrounding is hard to beat! The physical environment at Fox is very special, but it is surpassed by the warmth and welcome and guidance of Tom Goldner! So arrange a time to visit the Fox Darkroom - make time to slow down and think about your photography - have a play with film and developing your own negatives. Very highly recommended. Bruce E

  The Fox Darkroom... what a wonderful escape from our busy city lives.. I was hooked from the moment I walked in the door to find myself face to face with a larger than life lion, and it just got better from there Using B&W film cameras was like taking a step back in time, where every image matters because you only have a few... So you slow down, you consider your subject, the lighting, angle and framing and then, when it's all aligned, you press down on the shutter and hear a satisfying 'click' Tom was an excellent teacher, patient, encouraging, articulate and so very passionate about what he does Having had no previous experience in the dark room I found the developing process fascinating.. From the awesome rotating door, the darkness of the dark room, the detail in the developing process, and seeing your first photo materialise before your eyes, it was magical... By the end of the day I was feeling tired but the process was so addictive that I didn't want to stop, and Tom was there continuing to help me perfect these pictures even though I'm sure he would have been tired too It's been a few months since I experienced the darkroom and reminiscing now makes me want to go back and do it again! I highly recommend The Fox Darkroom and I'll say it again - magical.

  This is my establishment so it may seem slightly bias in me saying this place is AMAZING but hell, I truly believe it is! If you have interest in learning how to take beautiful photos with nice old cameras, producing works of art in the darkroom and or hanging out with some really decent folk come and pay us a visit. Coffee on me.

  So you get given this thing thats basically nothing (ok, its a roll of film). Some cellulose on a strip of plastic. Theres interesting furniture and a really dark room. Somehow though... this dude with an excellent beard calmly and simply explains to you how a camera works. Without your knowing he turns the conversation to why he is (and consequently you are) passionate about photography. Shortly after you're taking photos on a manual camera you couldn't use an hour ago in streets you didn't know existed. Shortly after, that the strip of plastic has turned into something you can look at and make oohh aahh noises at. You even get to pretend you're Walter White. It's awesome, do it.

  What a wonderful space to fall in love with the fascinating art of printing your own vision, telling your story. Tom has a warm and nurturing way, he takes you on the journey of learning techniques of developing and printing, while encouraging you to explore and trail new things. I was so inspired after doing the "shoot and develop" workshop I went home and took 2 rolls the very next day! Anyone would love the easy going nature of the workshops - no experience necessary to attend, fun for all!

  I did the printing/developing workshop here and it was so much fun! Tom is a super easy going, lovely guy and a patient teacher. We all lost track of time, it was going so fast - that's how much fun we were having. I definitely recommend this workshop to anyone beginning analogue photography, as this workshop will be priceless in your learning. I cant wait to go back and do the film developing workshop! (p.s this is the backwards order, I recommend taking the film developing workshop first, then develop your prints you made in the printing workshop). I wish I lived in Melbourne to sign up as a member to use this funky darkroom all the time :).

  Had my fourth Sunday session in the darkroom today. Great place if you're looking for somewhere to print - they'll sell you paper if you need (and you can develop your film as well). Take one of the intro courses and you can be printing your own work 🙂

  This is an amazing space with beautiful, well thought out detailing - it feels like you're in a loft apartment in New York. Tom is super lovely and a rad photographer! So glad to be spending my last week in Melbourne at the Fox Darkroom studio.

  I did both the Photography Developing and Printing workshops and thoroughly loved them both. The studio is a great set up, in a wonderful old warehouse. Our hosts Tom and Harriet are friendly and relaxed and have great advice and tips to share. They make you feel very welcome, unlike some other workshops I've done where the photographers can be a bit arrogant!! We came away from the 2 workshops with a perfectly developed roll of film and 2 framed prints. I highly recommend these guys to anyone wanting to get back to the basics of photography and there's nothing better than watching your pictures appear in front of your eyes. Thanks Tom and Harriet, can't wait to get back and print some more!

  I am the Cambodian team leader for international workshops. We love the fox darkroom and its people! Love from Siem reap

  Had an absolute ball at the photography workshop at The Fox Darkroom! Perfect way to brush up on your analog photography skills. I'll definitely be booking another workshop with Tom and the crew! Thanks Tom and Jake for a great day! �️

  I attended a print making workshop at the Fox Darkroom. It was really excellent, very informative and hands on. I have never worked in a darkroom before, and I absolutely loved the experience, I would recommend to anyone interested in analogue photography. I will definitely be back.

  Amazing place ! Have been searching for somewhere to work with and learn about film for years ! The workshop was more than I could have asked for ! Great information, practical application, and an atmosphere oozing with passion for film! I will never see light in the same way 🙂

  The courses at the Fox Darkroom are something I can't recommend highly enough. The space that has been created here is absolutely stunning and you are made to feel right at home from the second you enter. The beautiful people running this place are what make the whole experience so enjoyable, and exploring the world of darkroom photography kind of magical. You won't want to leave! (especially if they start boosting your ego by putting cool photos of you on the internet). Do yourself a favour and check this place out.

  Thank you Tom and Co for an awesome afternoon in the darkroom printing course! The knowledge and passion you guys share is super inspiring, and I can't wait to get back in there...

  I took a friend on a surprise birth trip to the film photography workshop at the Fox Darkroom. We both totally loved it! The studio and surroundings had a beautiful rich aesthetic, as did the rhythm of the workshop as a whole. Very cool delving into the craft of analogue film photography. A highly recommended gift to yourself or a friend!

  A beautiful place to learn and build your skill set. You can take part in the workshops or attend the wonderful exhibitions there - a perfect location to get your friends to join you for any of the activities taking place. Tom & the crew are so welcoming and accommodating and you will find that you quickly become part of the Fox Darkroom community that they have built. I promise you will enjoy your time there.