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1:1 Workshop Availability Update for Feb-June
1:1 Workshops are currently only available on
Mondays & Fridays.
Weekends & the summer months are becoming limited.
For Darkroom Hire
please see the hiring schedule here.
Upcoming Events
Browse upcoming group workshops, opportunities and other news
Exploring Cyanotype
SATURDAY 13th JUNE
10am to 1pm
What is a cyanotype?
The cyanotype printing technique is one of the earliest forms of photography, invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel and made famous by botanist and artist, Anna Atkins, who used the process to create innovative and beautiful records of seaweed types.
A cyanotype print is created by exposing UV sensitive paper to UV light. First, objects are laid on top of the paper and exposed to UV light. Once the print has been exposed, the print is washed in water to fix the image to the page. The result is a striking blue & white silhouette image of the object you laid on top.
What you can expect:
In this workshop you will learn how to mix cyanotype solution, and prepare your surfaces for printing. You'll arrange objects onto your UV sensitive paper and expose it to sunlight. (If the weather is poor, we will be using UV lightboxes in place of the sun).
Once you have got to grips with the printing process, you will plan and create your final prints.
What to bring:
• All materials are supplied, however if you would like to bring a selection of objects to experiment with then feel free!
Ideas:
buttons
lace/textured fabric
stencils/cut outs
feathers
flowers/plants
What you'll take away:
• A set of your own unique cyanotype prints
• The knowledge and skills to continue making cyanotype prints at home
Suitable for: Adults of all skill levels; You might be a complete beginner, or looking for a refresher.
PLEASE NOTE! We also have a 'tint and tone' workshop in the afternoon, where you can learn how to alter the colour of your cyanotype prints with natural materials. Why not book both and make a day of it?!
Your tutor: Emily Rose Parris is an experienced photographer & arts educator. Read more about Emily on our Tutors page.
Tea and coffee is provided, and you are welcome to use our small kitchen. There is a shop a short walk away, and parking at the weekend is easily available just outside. We're on the first floor, unfortunately there is no lift.
10am to 1pm
What is a cyanotype?
The cyanotype printing technique is one of the earliest forms of photography, invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel and made famous by botanist and artist, Anna Atkins, who used the process to create innovative and beautiful records of seaweed types.
A cyanotype print is created by exposing UV sensitive paper to UV light. First, objects are laid on top of the paper and exposed to UV light. Once the print has been exposed, the print is washed in water to fix the image to the page. The result is a striking blue & white silhouette image of the object you laid on top.
What you can expect:
In this workshop you will learn how to mix cyanotype solution, and prepare your surfaces for printing. You'll arrange objects onto your UV sensitive paper and expose it to sunlight. (If the weather is poor, we will be using UV lightboxes in place of the sun).
Once you have got to grips with the printing process, you will plan and create your final prints.
What to bring:
• All materials are supplied, however if you would like to bring a selection of objects to experiment with then feel free!
Ideas:
buttons
lace/textured fabric
stencils/cut outs
feathers
flowers/plants
What you'll take away:
• A set of your own unique cyanotype prints
• The knowledge and skills to continue making cyanotype prints at home
Suitable for: Adults of all skill levels; You might be a complete beginner, or looking for a refresher.
PLEASE NOTE! We also have a 'tint and tone' workshop in the afternoon, where you can learn how to alter the colour of your cyanotype prints with natural materials. Why not book both and make a day of it?!
Your tutor: Emily Rose Parris is an experienced photographer & arts educator. Read more about Emily on our Tutors page.
Tea and coffee is provided, and you are welcome to use our small kitchen. There is a shop a short walk away, and parking at the weekend is easily available just outside. We're on the first floor, unfortunately there is no lift.
Cyanotype Tint + Tone
SATURDAY 13th JUNE
2pm - 5pm
TINT AND TONE
Traditional cyanotype printing captures silhouettes and textures in luminous white against rich blue, a process rooted in the 19th century and embraced by artists ever since.
But what if blue is just the beginning?
Tinting introduces colour to your cyanotype before or after exposure. By incorporating natural pigments (such as tea & coffee, avocado skins), watercolour washes, or toned paper, artists can shift the emotional atmosphere of a print - warming it with earthy undertones or softening it with subtle hues.
Why Tint & Tone?
Basic cyanotype printing teaches you the foundation: coating, exposing, rinsing, and revealing that magical blue image. Tinting and toning take you a step further:
• Expanded Colour Palette: Move beyond blue into warm, earthy, or dramatic monochrome tones
• Greater Emotional Range: Match colour mood to subject matter
• Creative Control: Each bath and blend produces subtle variations, making every print one of a kind
• Professional Depth: Elevate simple prints into wall art
In this workshop, you will:
• Learn or revisit the basics of cyanotype printing
• Plan and expose your designs onto UV sensitive paper
• Wash your prints to reveal their typical Prussian blue
• Using tannin rich liquids such as tea and coffee, tone your prints, exploring a variety of different effects
What you'll take away:
• A set of your own unique cyanotype prints
• The knowledge and skills to continue making cyanotype prints at home
Suitable for:
All skill levels. This workshop is suitable for newcomers to cyanotype, or for those with some experience who would like to explore a new aspect of this magical process.
All materials are provided for this workshop, however feel free to bring along:
• Natural paper or fabric to prepare with the cyanotype chemistry
• Plants and organic shapes to use for printing (such as leaves, feathers, flowers
Your tutor: Emily Rose Parris is a Kent-based photographer and arts educator. Read more on our tutors page.
Tea and coffee is provided, and you are welcome to use our small kitchen. There is a shop a short walk away, and parking at the weekend is easily available just outside. We are on the 1st floor, with no lift.
2pm - 5pm
TINT AND TONE
Traditional cyanotype printing captures silhouettes and textures in luminous white against rich blue, a process rooted in the 19th century and embraced by artists ever since.
But what if blue is just the beginning?
Tinting introduces colour to your cyanotype before or after exposure. By incorporating natural pigments (such as tea & coffee, avocado skins), watercolour washes, or toned paper, artists can shift the emotional atmosphere of a print - warming it with earthy undertones or softening it with subtle hues.
Why Tint & Tone?
Basic cyanotype printing teaches you the foundation: coating, exposing, rinsing, and revealing that magical blue image. Tinting and toning take you a step further:
• Expanded Colour Palette: Move beyond blue into warm, earthy, or dramatic monochrome tones
• Greater Emotional Range: Match colour mood to subject matter
• Creative Control: Each bath and blend produces subtle variations, making every print one of a kind
• Professional Depth: Elevate simple prints into wall art
In this workshop, you will:
• Learn or revisit the basics of cyanotype printing
• Plan and expose your designs onto UV sensitive paper
• Wash your prints to reveal their typical Prussian blue
• Using tannin rich liquids such as tea and coffee, tone your prints, exploring a variety of different effects
What you'll take away:
• A set of your own unique cyanotype prints
• The knowledge and skills to continue making cyanotype prints at home
Suitable for:
All skill levels. This workshop is suitable for newcomers to cyanotype, or for those with some experience who would like to explore a new aspect of this magical process.
All materials are provided for this workshop, however feel free to bring along:
• Natural paper or fabric to prepare with the cyanotype chemistry
• Plants and organic shapes to use for printing (such as leaves, feathers, flowers
Your tutor: Emily Rose Parris is a Kent-based photographer and arts educator. Read more on our tutors page.
Tea and coffee is provided, and you are welcome to use our small kitchen. There is a shop a short walk away, and parking at the weekend is easily available just outside. We are on the 1st floor, with no lift.
CAMP BESTIVAL 2026
FREE
30th July-2nd August 2026
Use the power of the sun to create prints! Cyanotype printing is one of the earliest forms of photography, dating back to 1842! To create a print, objects are arranged onto of UV sensitive paper. The paper and objects are then left in the sunshine to expose, the paper will begin to change colour in front of your eyes. Once the paper has been in the sunshine for long enough, it can be washed in tap water to reveal a striking blue and white print.
Suitable for all ages and abilities. Ticket holders only.
All materials will be provided.
30th July-2nd August 2026
Use the power of the sun to create prints! Cyanotype printing is one of the earliest forms of photography, dating back to 1842! To create a print, objects are arranged onto of UV sensitive paper. The paper and objects are then left in the sunshine to expose, the paper will begin to change colour in front of your eyes. Once the paper has been in the sunshine for long enough, it can be washed in tap water to reveal a striking blue and white print.
Suitable for all ages and abilities. Ticket holders only.
All materials will be provided.
Donate via Patreon
✨In 2015, I began to put together a small darkroom onsite at Beach Creative. 10 years on I have been lucky enough to have met and taught so many people. As we step into a new decade of The Darkroom, I have decided to add a bit more spine to this community focused darkroom
✨With this Patreon, I aim to bring in a trickle of funds to bolster the hard work I have put in over the last 10 years. Via various monthly donations of support, you can access behind the scenes content and receive photography related perks in the post. The behind the scenes content will grow as time goes on
✨Your donations will help to support the basic runnings of the darkroom, materials and help keep workshops and other opportunities affordable for all
✨Over the last 10 years I have continued to keep affordability and access at the heart and soul of what I do. Many of my workshops are free or low cost
✨In 2023 I began offering artist residencies within the darkroom, self funded* and free for artists to enter and attend. I’d love to expand this and offer more artist residencies in Herne Bay
*edit: to clarify, I personally funded the artist residencies. I didn’t ask the artist to self-fund
✨Most of the work I do focuses on enabling children & young adults to gain new skills. Enabling them to access photography skills, darkroom experience and exhibition opportunities is vital in this ever changing screen based world.
✨I’d like to take a moment to say a huge thank you to everyone who has attended my workshops and courses since 2015. And a special thank you to all the partner organisations who have invited me to their spaces. Here’s to 2025!
‼️Find my Patreon link on my website, in my Instagram
bio or in my newsletter
✨With this Patreon, I aim to bring in a trickle of funds to bolster the hard work I have put in over the last 10 years. Via various monthly donations of support, you can access behind the scenes content and receive photography related perks in the post. The behind the scenes content will grow as time goes on
✨Your donations will help to support the basic runnings of the darkroom, materials and help keep workshops and other opportunities affordable for all
✨Over the last 10 years I have continued to keep affordability and access at the heart and soul of what I do. Many of my workshops are free or low cost
✨In 2023 I began offering artist residencies within the darkroom, self funded* and free for artists to enter and attend. I’d love to expand this and offer more artist residencies in Herne Bay
*edit: to clarify, I personally funded the artist residencies. I didn’t ask the artist to self-fund
✨Most of the work I do focuses on enabling children & young adults to gain new skills. Enabling them to access photography skills, darkroom experience and exhibition opportunities is vital in this ever changing screen based world.
✨I’d like to take a moment to say a huge thank you to everyone who has attended my workshops and courses since 2015. And a special thank you to all the partner organisations who have invited me to their spaces. Here’s to 2025!
‼️Find my Patreon link on my website, in my Instagram
bio or in my newsletter
ON PAUSE Wild Swim Project
Wild Swim is a self funded project by Emily Rose Parris. The aim of the project is to photograph Kent based wild swimmers and dippers at all stages of their wild swimming journey as a form of celebration. Emily will photograph participants across a year using 35mm Ilford HP5 film in a candid, un-posed style. The exposed film will then be processed by hand and printed at The Darkroom at Beach Creative, Emily’s studio and small business based in Herne Bay.
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