Film Photography & Developing Workshop

  The Fox Darkroom is an incredible space and the photography and developing classes are an equally incredible experience. Tom is such a patient and passionate teacher who can cater for people of all abilities and levels of experience. I was lucky enough to do the photography, developing and printing workshops and loved every second. It gave me a true appreciation of photography and the planning, techniques and knowledge that go into producing a beautiful image. It's a far leap from the world of digital cameras and iPhones, but it's a leap worth taking!

  I was lucky enough to recently be among the first groups attending the Film Photography and Traditional Printing workshops at The Fox Darkroom. The studio space Tom has built here is crying out to be photographed, yet alone the beautiful surrounds of Kensingtons industrial past. The Wool store buildings in which the studio are set are a treasure trove of urban landscapes, still life studies and edgy portraiture back drops. Tom and his friends at The Fox offer a wealth of creative and technical know how shared through friendly and informative workshops. I would challenge anyone with an interest to spend the afternoon at a printing workshop and not be queuing for darkroom membership by the end of the day. Keep up the great 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.

  The course I did with Tom was incredible. I have so much more of an appreciation for what it takes to create a good photo after spending some time with Tom. The course is great for both novices (like me) or those with a background in photography. The atmosphere is really laid back and the Fox Darkroom is a great environment in which to learn. If you are looking to either fine tune your photographic skills or just try something a little different, I would thoroughly recommend getting in touch with these guys. Tom is clearly an expert in his field and loves what he does. Very easy to learn from and takes the time to make sure you get the most out of your experience. 5 stars!

  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.

  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

  Tom is an excellent teacher and the space/the whole building is just divine! Highly recommend

  So friendly and welcoming to everyone who comes through those doors. I keep shooting just to come back for more 🙂

  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 :).

  I had a blast at the photography and developing workshop. The class was interesting and extremely hands-on, the darkroom was beautiful and well equipped, and Tom was a lovely, genuine guy with plenty of wisdom to share. I can't wait to go back again and again. And, to top it all off, the course was one of the cheapest of its kind I have ever found. Great value, great atmosphere, and great practical learning. The Fox Darkroom is a fantastic place to go to spend time with like-minded film enthusiasts.

  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 🙂

  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!

  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!

  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 received a membership for The Fox Darkroom as a present and it is the best present ever! Tom and the Fox crew are very welcoming and helpful. It's been great going in to develop film, print photos and have a place to discover and share the magic of film. As well as working on my own prints, it's nice to go visit the gallery and be inspired by other artists and be a part of a bigger community.

  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! �️

  Attended the darkroom basics workshop last weekend and I had a blast. Jake is great to learn from as he is passionate about the topic but also very personable and not condescending like many people teaching basics tend to be. Looking forward to attending more workshops.

  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!