- LanguagePortuguese, English, French
- Duration3-4 hours
- DifficultyBeginner
- Next Date29/01/2026
Analog Photography Walk & Darkroom Experience (35mm Black & White)
Join me for an immersive introduction to analog photography using a 35mm film camera. These are personal, small-group classes with a maximum of two students, allowing for individual guidance and plenty of hands-on learning. The class is perfect for beginners and anyone curious about shooting on film.
We begin in a cozy café, where I’ll show you how the camera works and how to load a roll of film. From there, we’ll take a 25-minute walk to my studio, passing through a park, a miradouro (viewpoint), and the streets of Lisbon. Along the walk, I’ll be there to guide you in creating the effects you’re looking for, give practical tips, and help you refine your approach. We can also experiment with creative techniques such as double exposure (two images on one frame) and long exposure, playing with movement and time. If you’re interested in street portraits, I can also share advice on how to respectfully approach strangers and photograph people with confidence.
At the studio, you’ll learn how to load your film into a development tank in complete darkness. After with will develop your black-and-white film using traditional chemicals this time with the light one. If you’re claustrophobic, there’s an option to load the film using a changing bag in a room with light.
Please wear clothes that can get damaged, as photographic chemicals can stain or ruin fabrics if spilled. All safety equipment is provided, including gloves, and the darkroom is well ventilated to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
The film needs up to 24 hours to dry completely. Once dry, I’ll scan your negatives and send you the digital files of your images. We can meet again so you get your developed negatives or by post if you live far.
No prior experience needed — just curiosity and a desire to explore analog photography.
Why join?
- Learn the basics of 35mm analog photography, perfect for beginners
- Personal classes with a maximum of two students
- Shoot while walking through Lisbon’s streets, park, and viewpoints
- Experience the full process, from shooting to developing your own film
- Receive digital scans and your developed negatives
What’s included:
📸 Camera and black and white roll of film
📸 All darkroom materials and chemicals
📸 Your developed negatives to take home
📸Digital scan of your film.
Related Tags: Photo & Video, Art, Photography
FAQ
What equipment is needed for an analogue photography workshop?
All equipment is provided including a camera, a black and white roll of film. and complete darkroom materials and chemicals. Participants only need to bring comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for both outdoor photography and darkroom work. Please wear clothes that can get damaged, as photographic chemicals can stain or ruin fabrics if spilled.
How difficult is it to learn film photography and darkroom development?
Film photography and darkroom development may seem intimidating at first, but this class is designed to make it simple and accessible. You don’t need any prior experience. I guide you step by step, from using the camera to developing your film, explaining everything in a clear and hands-on way. With a small group and plenty of personal guidance, most students are surprised by how quickly they feel confident and enjoy the process.
What will I take home from a film photography workshop?
You’ll leave with a solid understanding of how to use a 35mm film camera, confidence in shooting on film, and a complete introduction to black-and-white darkroom development. After the workshop, you’ll receive digitally scanned images of your photos and your developed negatives, along with the knowledge and inspiration to continue exploring analog photography.
Reviews (3)
More about your Teacher Lea Thijs
Léa Thijs is a South African–Belgian creative driven by a deep love for storytelling through photography. Originally trained as a documentary photographer, she captures everyday life and emotional narratives through analogue processes. Based in Lisbon, she draws from both her South African roots and European influences.
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pt portuguese
Luis
04/01/2026 at 17:12Great experience.
Helpful ReviewLea is a great teacher and a super friendly person.
Tatiana
28/11/2025 at 08:15The workshop was excellent from start to finish. The teacher brings great energy, clear guidance and a smooth rhythm to the whole day. The developing session was calm, well-structured and easy to enjoy. A full, inspiring day dedicated to analogue photography with someone who knows how to teach.
Helpful ReviewNairam
27/11/2025 at 23:44The workshop was amazing, Lea is a great teacher and as a very nice way of explaning everything, with a beatiful route to photograph in lisbon in analog, giving you all the help you need to master ıt along the way and finishing by developing the film and seeing the pictures you took is the cherry on top of the cake, 1000% recommend! Great expirience will repeat for sure!