New Location
89a Shacklewell Ln
Hackney
London, E8 2EB
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm
(Pre-booked appointment only. Evening appointments on request. )
Who we are
E5 Process is a membership based open-access darkroom in Hackney, East London.
With a strong focus on supporting independent analogue processes and experimentation, we offer a unique space and community for artists, photographers and creatives.
Facilities include traditional black and white printing, colour printing and a dedicated space for alternative and experimental photographic processes.
Run and maintained by volunteers, E5 Process is charitable unincorporated association and relies on membership to offer its unique range of facilities.
Our Space
All members are expected to have a good understanding of darkroom practice. You should understand basic safety around chemistry and how to use the necessary equipment to produce work on your own.
We do not have technicians or support staff on site during bookings. Usage of the facilities are expected to be self led and we ask you don’t rely on other members to teach you the basics.
Working around chemistry and equipment can be hazardous so if you are new to or inexperienced with an analogue darkroom, you will be required to attend an introductory course before you can access the facilities.
Using the Space
Sessions are booked in blocks of 4 hours or 8 hours. This time includes setting up and clearing up after your session. You should leave the space as clean as you find it, ready for the next member booked in. Bookings are per person and bring in guest into the space is strictly prohibited.
The darkroom is open from 10:00 until 22:00, 7 days a week. The darkroom can only be used at other times with express permission obtained by making a request, or if you are a keyholder.
We supply basic chemistry for the Black and white darkroom and use an automated replenisher system for colour printing.
You should bring your own photographic paper and or specialist chemistry. Neither of these should be left in the darkroom after your session. Unknown paper or chemistry will be disposed of.
Membership and Inductions
By purchasing individual or advanced bookings, or taking part in a course or workshop, you make up part of the rich and vibrant E5 Process community. Membership of E5 Process is included when booking a session or purchasing advanced bookings. This contributes towards the running and maintenance of the facilities. We offer a significant discount on sessions when booked in advance.
Inductions are required for new members. We need to show you how to set up equipment and chemistry as well as how to pack up ready for the next member. Inductions usually take about 20 mins at the beginning of your first booking at the space.
Booking Online
You can purchase and manage your bookings online. Only available time slots are displayed when booking.
Bookings can be made up to 30 days in advance. Each session lasts 4 hours but can be used consecutively for 8 hour sessions.
Hire of the darkroom is not exclusive so you may be expected to share facilities with other members.
Once the booking or package purchase is confirmed, you will receive an email with a link to manage your bookings. Bookings can be changed manually with the same link (providing the appointment has at least 48h notice)
In the event you cannot make your appointment, you must let us know as soon as possible via email or phone/text using the contact details supplied in your confirmation email.
We will send you a reminder email 24 hours before your booking. No shows and missed appointments are not refundable.
We offer packages of 5, 10 or 15 x 4 hour bookings available to use across our darkroom facilities. Packages expire 3 months from date of purchase. Unused bookings cannot be transferred or refunded after the expiry date.
Full list of rules, terms and conditions can be found here