About Us
At Bexhill Darkroom Services, we specialize in professional black and white hand printing, offering unmatched quality through traditional darkroom techniques. Alongside our expert black and white printing, we create and sell alternative and historical photographic kits, chemistry, and accessories, supporting photographers exploring classic and experimental processes. Our services include alternative photographic process hand printing and print sales, darkroom hire, expert-led printing courses, and film processing and high-resolution scanning. Whether you're a photographer, artist, or enthusiast, experience the timeless craft and tonal richness that only traditional and alternative darkroom printing can deliver.
Join the Alternative Photographic Process revolution.
Discover the magic of alternative photographic processes at Bexhill Darkroom — where creativity meets chemistry! These historic, hands-on methods like Cyanotype, Van Dyke Brown, Salt Printing, and Kallitype transform simple materials into stunning, one-of-a-kind photographic prints. Perfect for artists and experimenters, each process offers its own unique tones, textures, and charm. We’re excited to offer complete kits for all these processes — including Cyanotype Kits, Van Dyke Brown Kits, Salt Printing Kits, and Kallitype Kits — along with all the individual chemicals and materials you need to mix, coat, and create your own handcrafted prints. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your darkroom artistry, Bexhill Darkroom has everything you need to explore the beauty of hand printing with light.
Tuition: Learn to print like a pro.
With over 30 years of experience across educational, practical, and technical areas of photography, Bexhill Darkroom has the knowledge and passion to help you PRINT LIKE A PRO.
Backed by over a decade as a media technician, I specialise in breaking down complex photographic techniques into clear, easy-to-follow steps — perfect for beginners and experienced photographers alike.
We offer expert tuition in film processing and black & white darkroom printing, with half-day and full-day sessions available at competitive prices.
At Bexhill Darkroom, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, relaxed environment where creativity can flourish — and yes, refreshments are on us throughout the day!
Have a specific project or requirement in mind? Get in touch today — we’ll tailor the experience to suit your goals and help you bring your photographic vision to life.
Darkroom Hire.
Darkroom Hire – Create, Explore, and Print Like a Pro
At Bexhill Darkroom, you can hire a fully equipped darkroom designed for photographers of all experience levels — from curious beginners to passionate hobbyists.
If you’re new to darkroom printing, we recommend starting with a half-day training session to help you feel confident and get the most from your time. Every hire also includes a complimentary 15–20 minute introduction, where we’ll cover the essentials — from understanding variable contrast papers and paper grades to making your first successful print.
You’ll also receive a quick health and safety briefing and practical tips on darkroom best practices. Throughout your session, Jim will be on hand to offer expert advice, guidance, and support whenever you need it.
With a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere and all the tools you need to create stunning hand-printed images, Bexhill Darkroom is the perfect place to learn, experiment, and bring your photographic vision to life.
Hand Printing / black & white film processing.
At Bexhill Darkroom, every print is created with care, precision, and attention to detail. We take pride in producing beautifully balanced hand prints from the negatives you supply — bringing out the full depth, tone, and character of your images.
We can print from 35mm up to medium format (6x7cm) negatives, using professional-quality fibre-based or resin-coated papers up to 16x20 inches. Each negative is handled with the utmost care — we carefully clean for fingerprints, use an air blower to remove dust, and ensure the best possible exposure and contrast. While we don’t currently offer a spotting service for scratched or damaged negatives, we guarantee to spend the time needed to achieve the very best results from your originals.
When sending your negatives, please ensure they are securely packaged, tracked, and insured, with your order reference enclosed. Unfortunately, we cannot accept liability for items lost in transit.
All prints, negatives, and developed films are returned to you insured and fully trackable, ensuring your work arrives safely back in your hands.