Black and white darkroom printing workshops and courses with Dave Butcher are now run with a maximum of 2 people. Previously they usually ran with 3 but we have changed to 2 people in order to give more time for individual help. We are also running more 1-to-1 darkroom courses for even better individual tuition. More details below.

These are appropriate for anyone with an interest in learning the basics or improving their black and white darkroom techniques with an Ilford Master Printer. All courses last 1 day and are based at my darkroom and gallery in the Derbyshire Peak District.

My darkroom is well equipped with 4 enlargers all able to take 35mm or up to 6 x 7 cm 120 negatives (3 x Durst M670 enlargers). There is also 1 enlarger with an Ilford MG500H Multigrade head capable of taking up to 5 x 4 inch negatives. A large processing area (complete with extractor fan), archival print washers, dryers for RC and FB papers, as well as a film dryer, and associated equipment completes the darkroom. Here are some images to give you an idea of the darkroom as used for courses.

I learnt my techniques whilst working for Ilford Photo and still do ad hoc work for them in their Ilford Darkroom Masterclass scheme and exhibitions, etc.

I can tailor courses to the needs of each individual. I recognise that each individual will have different needs and we will work on whatever is appropriate with each participant. These are not group sessions where everyone has to do the same thing!

The maximum number on any black and white darkroom printing course is 2 so you will have lots of attention from me.

I will start each session by showing example black and white prints of what can be achieved in the darkroom, then a short demo of split grade printing and, apart from short breaks for food and refreshments, the rest of the day will be spent hands-on in the darkroom.

You will be using Ilford Multigrade RC 16 x 12 inch paper throughout and will usually be able to take away 4 or 5 competition / exhibition quality prints from your day with me.

Ilford Photo support Dave Butcher Photography by kindly providing all paper and chemicals used on darkroom workshops free of charge. The value of this alone is worth over £60 per course.

Usual number of places available: 2

Cost: £150 each, including paper, processing chemicals and buffet lunch

Approximate Times: 9.30 am start, 5 pm finish

Meeting Point: Briarwood, Tunstead Milton, Whaley Bridge, High Peak, SK23 7ER