The magic of analogue photography: photography, darkroom, making prints!

There is that one moment that you never forget: when an image suddenly appears on the white photographic paper in a darkroom flooded with red light - out of nowhere, as if by magic. Or when you take the freshly developed film off the spool for the first time - heart palpitating, amazement, relief.

Analogue photography is more than just technology - it is an experience. The click of an old camera, the deliberate selection of each individual image, the feel, the weight, the iconic design of classic cameras. And then there's that special calm that arises when you set off with just 36 shots - attentive, focussed, completely in the moment.

In my intensive 6-hour workshop, we will immerse ourselves in this world together. You'll get to know different camera models, learn how to load film and operate cameras - and then we'll head out into the streets of Neukölln in search of special black and white motifs. Back at the club, we'll develop your films ourselves, and to top it all off, you'll make your own high-quality black-and-white prints in the darkroom - a magical moment that you'll take home with you.

This workshop is a complete 360° introduction to analog photography - practical, decelerating and full of passion.

In eight chapters, you will gain a complete insight into analog photography practice - from your first contact with the camera to the finished print on paper:

1. Introduction to the analog world of cameras. We discover the variety of analog cameras - from half-frame to large format - and talk about the differences between the systems and formats.
2. Loading film into the 35mm camera. Each participant receives their own camera and learns step by step how to load 35mm film correctly.
3. Understanding camera functions - exposure, aperture & modes. Together we will look at how to work with light: manual exposure, aperture selection, setting the time - learning to take photographs consciously.
4. Photo walk through Neukölln - learning photography. We will walk through Neukölln with our cameras. You'll put what you've learned into practice, find your own motifs and take your first analog photos.
5. Preparation for film development - theory & dry practice. Back at the club, it's time to prepare: how does film processing work, what chemicals are needed and how do you wind the film safely into the spool (blindfolded!)?
6. Practical film developing in the dark. We will develop your films in complete darkness, fix them, rinse them - and experience the magical moment together when the exposed film becomes visible.
7. Making contact prints - overview of the shots. We create contact prints of your films so that you can see, evaluate and select your 36 shots at a glance.
8. Enlargements on paper - create 2 of your own prints. Finally, everyone makes three black and white prints of their own on high-quality photo paper. Your picture, your style, your work - to take home with you.

I look forward to travelling with you through light, chemistry and time - and rediscovering the beauty of analogue photography.

Looking forward, Andreas