Limited-Time Film Photography Experience – Coming to Queenstown October Only

Film photography is a bit messy, kind of smelly, often slow — and completely magical. There’s no shortcut, no undo button, no instant preview. Just a beautiful, hands-on process that rewards patience and play.

Step off the beaten track and into the red glow of a real darkroom — tucked inside a converted shipping container with a story to tell. The Wakatipu Community Darkroom invites you to discover (or rediscover) the joys of old-school photography, where the results aren’t guaranteed — but the experience absolutely is.

This hands-on workshop takes you from loading a roll of 35mm black & white film into a classic retro SLR, to shooting the scenes of Queenstown on a relaxed photo walk, and finally into the darkroom itself — where you’ll learn to develop your film and create a contact sheet to take home.

No instant gratification. Just time, chemistry, and a little magic.

What you’ll get:

  • A real 35mm film camera to use for the duration

  • A short photo walk to capture your shots and learn some basic tips

  • A crash-course in developing your own roll of film

  • A contact sheet of your photos, made by you

  • A piece of physical, frameable art to take home

  • And a memorable creative experience to tell your mates about

  • 1:1 guidance from your workshop host (that’s me!) — I’ll walk you through every step, from loading your film to making your first darkroom print

What you won’t get:

  • Razor-sharp digital perfection

  • Anything rushed or instant

  • A touristy, cookie-cutter Queenstown experience!

This is slow photography, made to be savoured. You’ll need to allow around 4 hours for the full experience. And because it’s real darkroom work, results aren’t guaranteed — even the experts don’t get it perfect every time! But that’s part of the charm.

Book your class.

I still have questions.

  • Not at all. We’ll show you the basics and guide you through the entire process.

  • Absolutely — this is a great experience for families or groups who want to try something creative together.

    Sessions are designed for small groups of up to 4 people, which is the max we can comfortably fit in the space and still give everyone the attention they need.

    That said — if you’re a family or group of 5, we might be able to make it work with a bit of tweaking. Just get in touch before booking and we’ll see what’s possible.

    Due to the technical nature of film handling, chemicals, and the equipment involved, this experience is best suited to high school aged children and up (approx. 13+ years).

    Please note: This workshop isn’t suitable for very young children or anyone uncomfortable in low light or darkness.

  • Film loves texture. Embrace the weather – rain or shine.

    The class will go ahead, but it would pay to come dressed for the conditions. We will be out taking pictures on for part of the course so warm layers and wet weather options are a good idea. We have space to store your outdoor coats and hats at the darkroom.

  • Food and drink are not included as part of this experience — but you’ll have time during the session to grab something nearby.

    The darkroom is located within easy walking distance of several excellent cafés and lunch spots in Queenstown. There’s a natural break between shooting and developing where you’ll have time to refuel.

    You’re also more than welcome to bring your own packed lunch or drinks, especially if you have dietary needs or prefer something quick and familiar.

    Please note: we kindly ask that no food or open drinks be brought into the darkroom itself — we’ll have a safe space nearby for storing your things.

  • Yes, absolutely! If you have your own 35mm film camera, you're welcome to bring it along and use it for the experience. We’ll still supply the roll of film and walk you through the process of loading and shooting — whether you're using one of our cameras or your own.

    Just a heads-up: this experience is currently designed around 35mm black & white film only. That means we’re not set up to process medium format, large format, or colour film at this time.

    The price stays the same whether you use our camera or yours, since all materials, chemistry, guidance and development are included.

    If you're unsure whether your camera takes 35mm film, flick us a message and we’ll happily confirm it with you.

  • Everything you need for a complete start-to-finish analogue photography session is included in your booking:

    You’ll receive:

    • Use of a 35mm manual film camera (or bring your own)

    • 1 roll of black & white 35mm film (20 exposures)

    • A guided intro to using the camera

    • A self-paced photo walk around the local Arthurs Point area of Queenstown

    • Access to the Wakatipu Community Darkroom

    • All chemistry and materials for developing your film

    • Help and guidance while you develop your own negatives

    • A hand-made 8×10" contact sheet of your full roll to take home

    • Your original negatives, processed and ready for archiving or scanning

    We provide all the gear, film, chemistry, equipment, and know-how — just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure.

  • Yes, if you’re open to slowing down and reconnecting with the basics.

    This is a beginner-friendly experience with no advanced techniques — but it’s a great way to remember why you fell in love with photography in the first place. Shooting film, developing it yourself, and seeing your frames come to life is a creative reset — not a technical deep-dive.

    For more advanced or private sessions, see the next FAQ.

  • Not just yet — but we’re working on it.

    This October trial is focused on our core group session. In future, we’re planning to offer private darkroom time, advanced workshops, and creative printing sessions for those wanting to go deeper.

    If that sounds like you, let us know when you book — or join the mailing list to hear when new options launch.

 

Our story and vision

The darkroom itself has roots in the local community — a rescued slice of Queenstown High School history, revived and repurposed by photographer Paul Green and a group of local film photography enthusiasts. Every session helps keep this analogue dream alive and supports the longer-term goal: building a creative community hub right here in the Wakatipu.

Please note: This is a hands-on experience involving low lighting, smelly chemicals, and a bit of analogue unpredictability. It's not suited to those with limited vision — and results may vary. But that's half the fun. We take all reasonable precautions to keep you safe, and we provide all the necessary PPE (gloves, aprons, etc.) so you can focus on the fun, not the fumes. This workshop isn’t suitable for very young children or anyone uncomfortable in low light.