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In a world where digital photography reigns supreme, the art of film photography has become increasingly rare. However, one photographer’s innovative approach is bringing the timeless craft back to life, one frame at a time. Andy Zakeli, a seasoned press photographer, has transformed an old caravan into a fully functional mobile darkroom, offering workshops that allow participants to shoot, develop, and print their own black-and-white film photographs.
A Passion for the Analog
Zakeli’s journey into film photography began decades ago, during his early training as a photographer. While he later went on to build a successful career in digital photography, the pull of analog film never faded. Despite the convenience and speed of digital cameras, Zakeli found himself longing for the tactile, hands-on experience of shooting with film, something many modern photographers have never had the opportunity to experience.
“I wanted to bring this skill to a new generation,” Zakeli explained. “There’s something magical about watching an image appear in front of your eyes, not on a computer screen, but in a darkroom, using chemicals to reveal a photograph you’ve created from scratch.”
The Mobile Darkroom Concept
After years of collecting equipment and searching for the right space, Zakeli and his business partner, Katie Rivers, decided to create a mobile darkroom in the form of a caravan. The idea was to bring film photography directly to communities and schools, offering a unique, hands-on educational experience.
The caravan, which was originally just an empty shell, was retrofitted with everything needed to facilitate a complete film photography experience. It houses eight enlargers, enabling up to eight people to work simultaneously in a confined space. Despite the tight quarters, the caravan surprises participants with its functionality.
“It’s like a TARDIS. people walk in, and it’s bigger than they expect,” Zakeli said. “It’s a production line, but we’ve made it work. The space is tight, but it’s efficient, and it allows people to get the full experience of shooting and developing their own photographs in one day.”
A Hands-On Photography Workshop
The workshops hosted in the mobile darkroom are designed to give participants a comprehensive introduction to film photography. Each session allows individuals to shoot with film, develop their photos in the darkroom, and leave with a printed image all in the span of a few hours.
“It’s about taking people through the entire process,” Rivers said. “From shooting to developing, we guide them through every step. By the end of the day, they’ve learned how to process their own film and create a print from it, which is a truly rewarding experience.”
The workshops focus exclusively on black-and-white photography, a medium that Zakeli and Rivers both cherish for its simplicity and depth.
“I started with black-and-white 30 years ago, and I’ve always gravitated toward it,” Rivers said. “There’s something pure about working with black-and-white, it strips away all the distractions and forces you to focus on light, composition, and technique.”
The Mindful Practice of Film Photography
One of the most striking aspects of film photography is its inherent mindfulness. Unlike digital photography, where you can take hundreds of photos in a short amount of time, shooting with film requires careful consideration. Each shot is precious, as every frame costs money and requires intentional thought about exposure, composition, and light.
“Film is real photography,” Zakeli stated. “It’s hands-on, and it forces you to slow down. When you’re working with film, you’re more present in the moment. Each photo has value, and you have to think about the shot before you take it.”
For many participants, this slower pace and the lack of instant feedback provide a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced world of digital photography. The process of developing photos in a darkroom also offers a sense of ritual, as participants watch their images gradually come to life in the chemical baths.
“It’s like magic,” Zakeli said. “You see something appear on the paper, and you realize you did that with your own hands. It’s a very personal and rewarding experience.”
A New Generation Embraces the Darkroom
The mobile darkroom has become more than just a traveling workshop, it’s a way of preserving the art of analog photography for future generations. By bringing the darkroom to schools, communities, and photography enthusiasts, Zakeli and Rivers are sharing the rich history of film photography in a way that is engaging and accessible.
“People are fascinated by the process,” Rivers said. “A lot of them have never seen a darkroom before or watched a photo develop in front of their eyes. It’s an experience they’ll remember.”
For Zakeli, the success of the mobile darkroom is about more than teaching a skill. it’s about reigniting a passion for an art form that has stood the test of time. “It’s about connecting with the roots of photography,” he said. “Film takes you back to where it all started, and in today’s world, that’s something worth preserving.”
The mobile darkroom, housed in a humble caravan, serves as both a classroom and a testament to the enduring power of analog photography. In a fast-paced, digital world, Zakeli and Rivers are proving that slowing down and embracing the craft of film can be just as rewarding, if not more so than the instant gratification of modern technology.
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