I love Negative Thinking. About six months ago I dug out my old 35mm film camera, rattled off a couple of rolls and memories of the joy of developing black and white prints came rushing back…. But I’d forgotten everything. With Tim’s gentle 30 minute reminder I was immediately back up and running again, and have since moved on to colour printing and a course on gum bichromate, both of which are entirely new to me. 

Tim and Emily, and others using the darkrooms, are always there to help, support and advise if needed… the love of photography and printing is infectious - this is the Best Place to get (back) into it all.

- Anthony R.

Negative Thinking has become far more than just a place to make work, it has become a creative home. I started using the darkroom a year ago and was not ready for the change that my artistic practice would undergo. Having the opportunity to learning through amazing workshops, experiment with new analogue processes in the darkroom and have Tim regularly share the seemingly limitless possibilities of analogue photography has meant that I have been able to push my ideas further than I ever thought possible  

What makes this space so special is its authenticity. It's a place built on generosity, curiosity and a genuine passion for analogue photography, where knowledge is shared openly and experimentation is encouraged. I've learnt an incredible amount from Tim, Em and the dedicated and knowledgeable community that use the space. Alongside this I've also found a community, the friendships I've made here have become an important part of my life, and the darkroom has given me a real sense of belonging which as it grows begins to feel more and more like a creative family. 

This Negative Thinking has played a huge part in my growth as an artist, giving me the confidence to trust my ideas and continue developing my creative practice. I genuinely can't imagine my work without it! 

-Sula D.

I had the excellent fortune of discovering Negative Thinking in 2024. I’m in my 40s and returning to analogue photography after a couple of decades spent chasing megapixels. What drew me in was the variety of workshops where Tim shares his extensive expertise in darkroom skills. My original aim was to progress from being a dabbler in my COVID lockdown instigated DIY bathroom darkroom to achieving some semblance of proficiency.

What kept me coming back has been not only Tim and Em but also the community built around Negative Thinking. The conversations over the chemical trays and the opportunity to see others' work has a value hard to describe.

The help and support of the community, with its diverse array of people and artistic expressions, is never more evident than at the Darkness Calling exhibition. I recently introduced my 7 year old daughter to the darkroom, which resulted in her print being exhibited as well, demonstrating that Negative Thinking is for all ages and everyone, regardless of where they are on their analogue journey.

-John T.

Tim and Emily have created something extremely special with Negative Thinking: a space that feels genuinely safe, friendly and inclusive.

As someone completely new to darkroom practice when I joined, I had the usual worries that I wouldn’t understand the technical side or, at 47, be able to keep up with learning new things. Instead, I found workshops that are clearly explained and demonstrated, a culture where questions and curious experimentation are actively encouraged, and absolutely no gatekeeping of knowledge.

It’s also a real community. I’ve been travelling from Nottingham to Bristol for a year now and, like me, many people who attend one workshop quickly become regulars, having been welcomed into the fold from the very beginning.

Negative Thinking has played a huge part in my confidence and development as an artist, and I’m incredibly grateful to Tim and Emily for creating the kind of space that so many creative communities aspire to be.

-Jodi M.

I have done several of the brilliant workshops and courses at Negative Thinking over the last year and have loved every minute of it. Tim and Emily are so welcoming and their passion for analogue photography and hand printing shines through. When I started visiting I hadn't shot anything seriously for years. Now there is film in my cameras constantly and I visit the darkroom regularly to make prints. Everyone who attends is so supportive and generous in sharing their knowledge, no matter what level you are at. I can genuinely say it is like a second home - so much so that my son is also hooked and we print our work together there.

-Matt D.

Negative thinking has become like a second home to me over the last year and a half. I'd dabbled in dark room printing as a student but had always felt out of my depth. I met Tim and Emily around two years ago and they were so welcoming and encouraging that after a 15 year gap I decided to sign on to their darkroom basics course and the rest is history.

Emily has the fantastic ability to connect people and make sure everyone feels genuinely welcome in the space while Tim is able to share his wealth of darkroom knowledge in such a way that is never intimidating, or overwhelming but instead is captivating. 

The quality of the equipment and facilities is top class, and the workshops are exceptional. I've now taken part in half a dozen or so, and am always amazed by how far people have travelled to take part. Given the quality of teaching though, it isn't surprising.

There is much more to Negative Thinking than equipment and teaching though. They have such a genuine desire to make the dark room as accessible as possible which is not only evidenced by the affordable pricing but by the community endeavours they lead; the annual 'Darkness Calling' group exhibition, graduate residencies, the regular 'Crit Club' sessions, and more recently hosting solo 'Portfolio' exhibitions of community member's work. They work so hard to give other people opportunities and experience. 

Speaking of community; Negative Thinking has such a vibrant and passionate community of artists from all ranges of backgrounds and experience levels, who work in all kinds of analogue techniques. The warmth and support that Tim and Emily bring to their work echos through the community in which everyone encourages, supports and cheers on one another. 

If you're thinking about booking a workshop or a darkroom session at Negative Thinking I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so.

It can be a life changing experience, it certainly was for me.

-Kieran H.