MUSINGS DARKROOM
Women in Analogue: Film Photography & Darkroom Technician & Educator Training
A 9-Month Technical Training & Mentorship Programme
Learn. Create. Exhibit. Grow.
A 9-month analogue photography training programme for women and women-identifying individuals. Meeting weekly in our London darkroom, you'll master film processing, hand printing, alternative processes, and studio lighting—while developing your own body of work and exhibiting it in a group show.
Applications now open for our 2026/27 cohort.
About the Programme
Musings Darkroom: Women in Analogue is a feminist, inclusive, and hands-on training programme designed to equip women with the technical skills, creative confidence, and professional experience to pursue a career in analogue photography.
Over 9 months, you'll meet once a week for 3 hours of intensive training, guided by our director Naroa Perez—a photographer and darkroom technician with years of experience at Photofusion, Darkroom London, and Chan Photographic.
The programme is rooted in collaboration, experimentation, and community. You'll learn not just how to process film and make beautiful prints, but how to curate exhibitions, price your work, apply for funding, and navigate the photography industry as a woman.
This is not a casual workshop. This is a transformative creative journey.
Programme Structure
Duration: 9 months (October 2025 – June 2026)
Schedule: One 3-hour session per week
Group 1 Every Monday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Group 2 Every Saturday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Capacity: 5 participants Max per group
What You'll Learn
1 Foundations: B&W film processing, darkroom safety, social media & research skills
2 Printing: B&W hand printing, contrast control, dodging & burning, colour processing
3 Advanced Printing: Fine-tuning prints, personal project definition.
4 Studio & Professional: Studio lighting, pricing work, business basics, exhibition planning
5 Alternative Processes: Liquid emulsion, cyanotype, pinhole photography, exhibition design
6 Exhibition: "Musings" group show.
7 Deepening Practice: Independent projects, advanced techniques, portfolio development
8 Professional Development: Collaborative projects, career planning, grant applications
9 Final Project: Final exhibition installation, graduation celebration
What's Included
Technical Training Comprehensive analogue photography skills from film processing to advanced printing
Studio Lighting Workshop Hands-on experience with professional studio equipment
Alternative Processes Cyanotype, pinhole, liquid emulsion on unconventional surfaces
Free Darkroom Time Additional access outside of scheduled sessions for personal projects
One-on-One Mentoring Regular mentoring with Naroa Perez to guide your artistic and professional development
Exhibition Experience Two group exhibitions: a mid-programme "Musings" showcase and a final graduation exhibition
Portfolio Development Sessions on pricing, framing, grant applications, and industry networking
Community Join a supportive cohort of women photographers and become part of the Musings community
Who This Is For
This programme is for women and women-identifying individuals who:
Are passionate about analogue photography and want to deepen their practice
Have some experience (or are returning to film) and want to build technical confidence
Are recent graduates seeking to develop a professional portfolio
Want to exhibit their work and learn the business side of photography
Are looking for a supportive, feminist, and inclusive creative community
No previous darkroom experience is required—just curiosity and commitment.
Fees & Accessibility
Standard Fee: £100 per month (payable monthly via direct debit)
Concession Rate: £50 per month (for low-income participants, students, and carers—please enquire)
Supporter Rate: £150 per month (for those who can pay more to support concession places)
Payment Options:
Monthly direct debit
Quarterly payment (£300 / £150 / £450 per term)
Full payment (10% discount)
A Note on Our Fees
Musings Darkroom is a Community Interest Company (CIC), and all profits are reinvested into the organisation. Participant fees cover our rent, materials, and running costs.
We are committed to keeping this programme accessible. If the standard fee is a barrier, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We offer sliding-scale places and can work with you to find a solution.
Your fee supports: Rent, chemicals, paper, and equipment—and helps us offer concession places to women who might not otherwise afford this opportunity.
If you're able to pay the Supporter Rate, you'll directly fund a concession place for another woman. Thank you.
How to Apply
Applications are open for our 2025/26 cohort.
1 Complete our online application form
2 Tell us about your interest in analogue photography and your goals
3 Optional: Share examples of your work or creative projects
4 We'll invite you for a chat to get to know you and answer any questions
Application Deadline: 10th of September 2026
What Our Interns Say
"The Lakeside Darkroom internship completely transformed my practice. I went from feeling unsure about my skills to confidently printing my own work and exhibiting it. The mentoring was invaluable, and the community of women was so supportive."
— Former Intern
"I learned more in 3 months at Lakeside than I did in my entire photography degree. The hands-on training and exhibition experience were life-changing."
— Former Intern
About Musings Darkroom
Musings Darkroom (formerly Lakeside Darkroom) is a Community Interest Company (CIC) opened in August 2022, dedicated to celebrating and honouring women photographers globally and throughout history.
We provide a feminist, safe, and collaborative space for photographers of all levels to engage with analogue photography. Our ethos centres around inclusivity, collaboration, experimentation, and learning from mistakes.
Director: Naroa Perez is a photographer and darkroom technician with years of experience at Photofusion, Darkroom London, Chan Photographic, Darkroom London, and Arteleku Darkroom in San Sebastian (2010) She opened Musings Darkroom in 2022 and has since trained over 20 women through our internship programme.
Our Commitment
We stand firmly against racism, sexism, colonialism, and discrimination. We are committed to creating a space where all women feel welcome, valued, and empowered to create.
Get in Touch
Musings Darkroom and Studio
Rosetta Arts, 1 Hamilton Rd London E15 3AE, UK
Email: info@musingsdarkroom.com
Website:www.musingsdarkroom.com
Instagram: @musingsdarkroom
Director: Naroa Perez
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FAQs
Do I need previous darkroom experience?
No. We welcome beginners and those returning to film photography. The programme builds from the foundations.
What equipment do I need?
You'll need a 35mm film camera (we can advise on affordable options). All darkroom equipment, chemistry, and paper are provided.
What if I can't afford the fee?
We offer concession rates and sliding-scale places. Please get in touch—we want to make this accessible.
Will I get a qualification?
This is a non-accredited training programme. You'll leave with technical skills, a professional portfolio, exhibition experience, and a network of women photographers.
What happens after the programme?
Many interns continue as members of Musings Darkroom. 43% of our graduates remain with us, while others join other darkrooms to continue their practice. 37% go on to find jobs in the photography industry.
Where are you based?
Musings Darkroom is at Rosetta Arts, 1 Hamilton Rd London E15 3AE, UK
Musings Darkroom: Where women learn, create, and exhibit analogue photography.