Introduction
Welcome to the Negative Development Docs—your guide to the world of analogue photography, film developing, and darkroom printing. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a structured way to learn, an experienced photographer in need of reference materials, or an educator building a curriculum, this documentation is designed to be a comprehensive and practical guide.
Why this resource exists
This documentation is made possible by the support for our physical darkroom, a community space hosted in Pollard Yard, Manchester. The workshop sales and direct support from our community fund not only the physical space but also the hosting and ongoing development of this resource. Our goal is to ensure that the knowledge and techniques of analogue photography remain accessible to everyone, regardless of location.
How to use these docs
The documentation is structured to provide clear, practical guidance for independent learning. While our physical darkroom offers hands-on workshops, these docs are designed to stand on their own—giving you everything you need to start experimenting with film at home or in your own workspace.
- New to film? - For beginners, start with the analogue photography section.
- Develop your own film - Ready to develop film? Explore the film development section.
- Printing in the darkroom - Want to print in the darkroom? Check out our darkroom printing section (coming soon).
Additional resources
- Visual guides & images - Revisit key diagrams and images in our list of illustrations.
- Further reading - The appendix offers in-depth coverage of related topics.
- Glossary - Our glossary explains key terms and phrases to help you understand the language of analogue photography.
Searching
Easily search through all articles to find specific information. Use key phrases or terms to quickly locate relevant content.
Get involved
We believe knowledge should be open and community-driven. If you find areas that could be improved, expanded, or clarified, we welcome contributions! You can find more details on how to contribute in the contribution guide section of this documentation.