Community Focus - Negative Development Posted On 28th January 2026 To Magazine & Community Focus
Let’s start easy. Tell us A little about the darkroom, what it’s called and how it started.
Negative Development is a community darkroom in Manchester. The project took shape after I began searching for a community space, and when none could be found, the idea became to create one.
The first studio was a small unit in Pollard Yard, Ancoats, with two enlargers and a focus on one to one workshops. From there, the darkroom has grown through regular use and our loyal community. We now work from a more central studio at SeeSaw on Princess Street, with professional-grade equipment and the space to run group workshops and support collaborative member events.
What is the best piece of printing tip or advice you have ever received?
Always print for the highlights first - get them where you want them, then worry about the shadows. The enlarger only adds black, so if your whites are ruined nothing can fix that.
Where are you based?
Our darkroom is hosted in SeeSaw, right in the centre of Manchester. It’s about 10 minutes walk from both Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly train stations, with plenty of links by bus and tram.
What facilities do you have? How many enlargers etc.
We have two enlargers—one for black & white and one for colour printing. For film development, we use Jobo tanks and drums, along with a Jobo CPE2 processor for precise temperature control. It’s a small, private space available to rent by the hour. You even get to choose the music, so it really feels like your own space.
Who can use the space?
Absolutely anyone is welcome to attend a workshop. We cover everything from the basics of film photography to the finer details of darkroom printing. Private darkroom hire is available to our community members, but we encourag photographers of all skill levels to apply—it’s a friendly and welcoming space.
What’s the best way for people to get in touch with you?
The best place to start is our website, where you can book workshops or find out how to hire the community darkroom. If you’d like to stay in the loop, our mailing list is the way to go—no spam, just occasional updates and opportunities.
What can they expect when they visit and so they need any experience to come along?
Our workshops are designed for all experience levels, and all materials and equipment are provided. You can go from complete beginner to confidently working solo in the darkroom in no time. For those looking to go deeper, we also run multi-session courses that explore more
advanced techniques.
Do you charge a membership or any fees?
Membership is completely free, and we welcome photographers of all experience levels to apply. Workshop prices vary depending on the topic and how many sessions are included. Private darkroom hire is charged by the hour.
Do you have any social media?
We post occasionally on Instagram (@negative.dev), but if you’d really like to stay in touch, our newsletter is the best bet!
Why should people come along?
Because we make film developing and darkroom printing approachable and enjoyable. If you’ve ever wanted to try either but weren’t sure where to start, we’re here to guide you.
Give a shoutout to your personal favourite retailer.
Camera Crib on Police Street in Manchester! The team there are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly—they’ve been a huge support to us over the years.
Shoutout your favourite photography/darkroom YouTube channels.
The Attic Darkroom – They always try something new… usually trichroming.
Nominate one other person you think should fill in this form and we will reach out to them.
Negative Thinking in Bristol – @negative_thinking_bristol. We haven’t met them in person yet, but a few of our members who’ve moved to Bristol speak really highly of the space and the community they’re building.
As this is an ILFORD interview it would be remiss of us not to ask about your favourite ILFORD darkroom products.
ILFORD Delta 100 printed on ILFORD Multigrade Pearl—it’s a perfect combo. Crisp tones, beautiful grain.
