Category: Workshop

Dark Box Studio Visit

LoFi was invited to the studios of Dark Box Photography to make some wet plate collodion images.

The “Dark Box” in this instance is their travelling darkroom in the shape of a well known police box – just the right size to pour the collodion plates , sensitise them in the silver bath and develop after exposure.

Dark Box’s director (and LoFi member) Gregg McNeill generously showed us round his studio and lighting set up before letting us loose on his beautiful victorian cameras.

A very enjoyable day even with all the covid secure measures! A collodion club when possible would be wonderful.

Plate in final water bath.

Our guided efforts turned out very well but please look at the Dark Box portfolio to see just how beautiful the unique plates can be.

Dark Box is available for portrait sessions in the studio and on location – full details can be found on their website.

Join in with the Dark Box photographic explorations on www.patreon.com/darkboximages including the new film about John Mawson and his petzval lenses.

Anthotypes Workshop

6:30pm, 11th June, 2020 (TBC)

An anthotype is an image created using photosensitive material from plants – In 1842 Mrs Mary Somerville created an emulsion from crushed flower petals, which when exposed to direct sunlight bleached the parts not covered by a mask and created an image. Sir John Hershel later presented her letters to the Royal Society sharing her findings with the world. Learn how to create your own at home with simple equipment, sunshine and plant juices in this months virtual photography workshop, run by Brittonie Fletcher.

Spinach example – B Fletcher

The workshop will comprise of an overview of the process/ how and what to set up / a demo. Brittonie will then be online a couple of days later to troubleshoot your process and answer questions.

Plant materials – B Fletcher

Basic materials:

  • paper which will withstand coating (watercolour for example)
  • brush to apply
  • plant grinder (pestle and mortar or improvised)
  • seive or cloth to filter fibers from liquid
  • apron/old clothes
  • newspaper/plastic sheet etc. to protect work surface
  • printing frame (clip frame)
  • plant materials (such as spinach, turmeric)
  • items to use as a mask – digital negatives, stencils, leaves etc.
Colour swatches – B Fletcher

Please email brittoniefletcher@edinburghlofi.com for full information on materials required, payment details and live workshop link.

Coronagrams – Online Photography Workshop

6pm, 29th April, 2020

From writing with light to writing with chemicals, the chemigram uses photosensitive material, chemical solutions and resist materials to form a unique print directly on the paper surface.

This fun workshop, run by Brittonie Fletcher, will add a lockdown twist to the process by using everyday long expired items found while cleaning out cupboards to show you how to produce your own “coronagrams”.


Basic materials:

  • light sensitive photo paper
  • developer and fix (DIY recipes or standard)
  • trays to holds chemicals
  • disposable gloves / tongs
  • apron/old clothes/safety glasses
  • newspaper/plastic sheet etc. to protect work surface
  • a selection of kitchen/bathroom/cleaning closet disposable things for resists

Please email brittoniefletcher@edinburghlofi.com for full information on materials required, payment details and live workshop link.

Chemigram image: Cthutlu flies through time and space by Brittonie Fletcher.