In order to help those interested in traditional wet darkroom practices, Peter Heaton - former head of photography at York Art College - has created Vale of York Darkrooms; a darkroom and teaching solution at Stillington, 10 miles north of York, North Yorkshire. Vale of York Darkrooms offer a range of Black and White photographic courses throughout the year. They are suitable for absolute beginners through to the more experienced photographer, and cover traditional and experimental photographic techniques. The fully equipped darkroom is also available for hire to groups or individuals, though a low-cost annual membership is required prior to any hire usage.

Website: Vale of York Darkrooms

Press Release

Vale of York Darkrooms - making traditional film-based photography, processing and printing accessible to everyone

With the advent of digital cameras, and even camera phones, photography seems to have become more accessible in recent times. But the skills and processes involved in traditional film-based photography are invaluable for those who want to be more involved with the medium.

But where can you find the facilities and guidance to help meets these needs?

This was a problem identified by Peter Heaton - former head of photography at York Art College, and an award-winning artist with more than 25 years experience working with the photographic medium. So, earlier this year, Peter decided to create Vale of York Darkrooms - a darkroom and teaching solution at Stillington, 10 miles north of York, North Yorkshire, at the edge of the Howardian Hills.

Vale of York Darkrooms offer a range of Black and White photographic courses throughout the year. They are suitable for absolute beginners through to the more experienced photographer, and cover traditional and experimental photographic techniques. The fully equipped darkroom is also available for hire to groups or individuals, though a low-cost annual membership is required prior to any hire usage.

Adjacent to the darkrooms is a large comfortable teaching / print finishing / social area, with views out across open countryside. Here students can relax and chat, or source ideas from the small library of specialist photography books. This area also has two digital imaging workstations, one is a PC and the other is an Apple Macintosh. As well the existing courses, Peter is happy to discuss one-to-one tuition. Or tuition to group bookings of students and camera club members. The darkrooms also offer an opportunity for exhibiting photographers to print and prepare their works for any forthcoming shows or their portfolios.

Anyone interested in enrolling on the courses, or becoming a member and having access to the darkroom hire facility can find out further details from the website - www.valeofyorkdarkrooms.co.uk

Following a large amount of requests, Peter is now also offering personal tuition in Digital Photography, aimed at beginners new to the medium, who wish to understand more about using their digital compacts, and also to more advanced students wishing to get the most from their Digital SLR cameras and Adobe Photoshop. Please use the contact details found on the website to enquire about this new development.

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