Do I need previous photography experience?

No prior experience is required; the workshop starts with basic manual camera handling and film exposure techniques.

Is the camera and film provided?

Yes, all participants receive a 35mm manual camera loaded with film for the duration of the workshop.

Can I use my own camera?

The workshop uses loaned cameras for consistency; personal cameras are not required or recommended.

What happens if my film doesn't develop properly?

Instructors guide you through each step to ensure success, and troubleshooting is part of the learning process.

Are meals or refreshments provided?

No meals are included; participants should plan to bring snacks or arrange for food during the break.

Is this workshop suitable for children or teenagers?

The workshop is best suited for adults and mature teens who can handle careful manual work and follow safety instructions.

Black & White Film Workshop with Dingle Darkroom | Photography Tour

The Dingle Peninsula, a rugged stretch of coastline in County Kerry, Ireland, is not just a playground for hikers and sea kayakers—it's also a place to dive deep into the craft of analog photography. At Dingle Darkroom, situated in Murreagh just minutes from the town of Dingle, enthusiasts gather for an immersive one-day workshop focused on developing black and white film. This experience isn’t your typical tour; it’s a hands-on journey into the technical and artistic side of photography using vintage 35mm manual cameras.

Over two well-paced sessions totaling eight hours, participants get comprehensive instruction on exposing and processing their own film. The workshop begins with mastering the manual camera—learning to meter light and adjust exposure in real time, a skill that sharpens your eye for the variable Irish light conditions. The Dingle Peninsula’s dynamic weather and unique landscapes—from windswept beaches lined with sandstone cliffs to rolling green fields dotted with wildflowers—offer compelling subjects for shooting.

After capturing images, the group returns to the darkroom where the tactile magic of film development unfolds. Guided by experienced instructors, each participant loads their film into developing tanks and chemically processes it, witnessing the gradual emergence of their images. This blend of outdoor creativity and indoor craft sets Dingle Darkroom apart as an essential stop for photophiles and creatives visiting the area.

Dingle Peninsula’s distinct geology, including Devonian sandstone formations and thriving Atlantic flora, enhances the photographic appeal. Coupled with the region’s cultural touchstones—Gaelic heritage and time-honored traditions of storytelling—this workshop offers more than a technical class; it’s a chance to connect deeply with the place and medium. For anyone wanting to engage with the outdoors through a lens both literal and metaphorical, Dingle Darkroom delivers an authentic, hands-on adventure steeped in local character.