The people behind the prints
A film photography collective sharing one darkroom, six enlargers, and a lot of opinions about developers.
Who we are
Started over a sink, kept alive by stubbornness
Black Mountain Darkroom began with a handful of Abergavenny photographers who were tired of developing film in their kitchens and printing in cupboards. We pooled our gear, found a room, and built a community darkroom with six enlargers that anyone in the collective can book.
We meet fortnightly to look at each other's work, run monthly print nights and technique workshops, and argue — warmly, endlessly — about whether your fix should really be alkaline. Beginners and old hands are equally welcome; if you shoot film, there's a spot at the bench for you.
What makes us us
A shared bench
Six enlargers, shared chemistry and trays you can book any week — no kitchen sink required.
Hands in the dev
Monthly workshops in lith printing, caffenol and alternative processes, taught by members who actually use them.
Honest critique
Fortnightly meets where we lay out prints, talk them through and argue about developers until closing.