Equipping the Photosynthesis Community Darkroom

A Darkroom for All

Photosynthesis has established a community darkroom to make the magic of analogue photography accessible in Ōtautahi.

At affordably-priced regular sessions, you can:

• develop your own black and white rolls of film,
• make silver gelatin prints,
• learn from others, work together and develop new skills.

By sharing costs and space, we lower the challenges of setting up hard-to-find equipment in a sufficiently light-proof space.

This space is for everyone: if your first experience of analogue processes is part of the current resurgence of film, or if you want to return to hands-on photo practices you did last century. 

As part of this vibrant community, you will be able to participate in workshops, connect with others, and collaborate to both develop new skills and enhance those you already have. How is the person on the enlarger next to you going to shape your artistic practice, and how will you change the way they see their work?

It’s Time to Go Big

Our space at the Climate Action Campus is well equipped: but a lot of the coolest stuff is second hand, made before the dominance of digital photography. Funders need competing quotes, so this equipment is the hardest to fund - but you can make it happen. We can extend from 35mm to medium and large format film development and printing; get a large format film camera for the studio; and make it so you can scan your own film - giving you control over every step of the process!

All or Nothing - And More!

The goal of $10,000 is all or nothing - if we miss the target, all donations are returned.

Great news, though, we are halfway there! We have $5,000 pledged from the Rātā Foundation as a match donor. When you give a dollar, it unlocks a dollar from them, and we cross the line twice as fast! 

Once we get over that line, every dollar goes towards bringing colour processes into the darkroom.

Get Involved

> Share our campaign, and tell everyone you know about the new darkroom.

> Come to the Open Darkroom sessions, see the space in action and be part of the community:

• Sun 01 Sep
• Sun 08 Sep
• Sun 15 Sep

> Donate!

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What is Photosynthesis?

A non-profit dedicated to empowering photographers in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Our team of volunteers run the Photosynthesis studio, a rentable space with professional gear. We make using the studio equitable and affordable: with low standard rates, discount memberships, and free use for qualifying projects that involve historically underrepresented groups. We build community ties, inspire people, and promote local artists through our regular events, workshops, exhibitions, artist residencies and more.

We continue to build a passionate local photography community since our launch in 2022 following the success of founder Federico Corradi’s “intimi = photosynthesis” Boosted campaign.