Terms & Conditions
for Darkroom Hire

Graham Cann

The S.P.A.C.E - The Southend Photographic And Creative Environment

1. DARKROOM HIRE PRICING & TIME

1.1 Flat-Rate Pricing Structure

The S.P.A.C.E operates a flat-rate pricing model for darkroom hire:

  • Up to 4 Hours: £50 (flat rate)

  • Up to 8 Hours: £100 (flat rate)

This is a FLAT RATE, not an hourly rate.

Whether you use 1 hour or the full 4 hours (or 8 hours), the price remains the same. This pricing reflects:

  • The cost of chemicals and materials (which deteriorate once opened)

  • Exclusive access to the darkroom space

  • Preparation and reset time between bookings

No refunds or credits are given for unused time.

1.2 Darkroom Hire Time Rules

Up to 4 Hours Darkroom Hire

  • You may book any start time available on the booking system (9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, or 1:00 PM)

  • Your session can last up to 4 hours maximum from your start time

  • You must vacate the darkroom by your end time with all personal items removed

  • All equipment must be cleaned and returned to its designated location

Example: If you book at 10:00 AM, you may use the darkroom until 2:00 PM maximum.

Up to 8 Hours Darkroom Hire (Full Day)

  • Only available starting at 9:00 AM

  • Your session runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (8 hours)

  • You must vacate the darkroom by 5:00 PM with all personal items removed

  • All equipment must be cleaned and returned to its designated location

1.3 Early Departure

  • If you finish using the darkroom before your booked time ends, you are welcome to leave early

  • However, you will not receive a refund or credit for unused time

  • The darkroom remains exclusively yours for the full booked duration

1.4 Overrunning Your Time

  • If you overrun your booked time without prior arrangement, you will be charged an additional £50 per hour (or part thereof)

  • Overrunning disrupts other bookings and may not always be possible

  • If you require additional time, contact us during your session to check availability and arrange payment

1.5 Late Arrival

  • If you arrive late, your booking end time remains the same (we cannot extend your session)

  • No refunds are given for time lost due to late arrival

  • Example: 4-hour booking from 10 AM - 2 PM, arrive at 11 AM = you still must leave by 2 PM

1.6 Respect for Other Bookings

·       The S.P.A.C.E operates a busy schedule with multiple bookings daily.

·       Vacating on time ensures fairness to all clients and allows us to maintain our service standards.

·       We appreciate your cooperation in respecting other creatives' booked time.

By booking darkroom hire at The S.P.A.C.E, you agree to these timing and vacating terms.

2. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR DARKROOM HIRE

2.1 Chemicals & Materials Provided

Your darkroom hire includes:

Black & white developing chemicals:

  • Developer

  • Stop bath

  • Fixer

Darkroom equipment:

  • Enlarger

  • Developing trays

  • Film developing tanks and reels

  • Thermometer

  • Timer

  • Safelights

  • Print washer

Basic workspace:

  • Wet bench

  • Dry bench

  • Running water

  • Red safelight illumination

2.2 What You Must Bring

❌ Your own film (undeveloped or negatives) ❌ Your own photographic paper (if printing) ❌ Any specialist chemicals you prefer to use instead of ours

Optional to bring:

  • Gloves (we have some available)

  • Apron (we have some available)

  • Your own film developing equipment if preferred

3. DARKROOM SAFETY & USAGE RULES

3.1 Chemical Safety (MANDATORY)

By booking darkroom hire, you confirm that you:

☑ Understand how to safely handle darkroom chemicals
☑ Know how to develop black & white film and/or make prints
☑ Are aware of the risks associated with chemical exposure
☑ Will follow all safety guidelines provided

If you are a beginner or unfamiliar with darkroom processes:

  • You MUST inform us at the time of booking

  • We can arrange a supervised session or training (additional fee may apply)

  • We cannot provide unsupervised darkroom access to individuals without darkroom experience

3.2 Health & Safety Requirements

You must:

Wear appropriate clothing (chemicals can stain - avoid your best clothes!)
Tie back long hair
Remove jewellry that could get caught in equipment
Wash hands thoroughly before leaving
Report any chemical spills immediately
Ensure adequate ventilation (do not block air vents)

Do NOT:

❌ Eat or drink in the darkroom
❌ Use your phone near chemical trays (risk of contamination + damage)
❌ Mix chemicals unless you know what you're doing
❌ Pour chemicals down the sink without proper dilution (follow disposal guidelines)

3.3 Light Discipline

CRITICAL DARKROOM RULE:

🔴 NO WHITE LIGHT when light-sensitive materials are out

  • The darkroom operates under red safelight only when film or paper is exposed

  • Opening the door or turning on white lights will ruin your work and potentially other users' work

  • If you need to leave the darkroom, ensure all light-sensitive materials are safely stored first

Failure to follow light discipline may result:

  • Ruined film/prints (yours and potentially others')

  • Forfeiture of your session

  • Charges for ruined materials

3.4 Equipment Use

You are responsible for:

Using all equipment carefully and correctly
Reporting any equipment malfunctions immediately
Cleaning all equipment after use
Returning equipment to its designated location

Do NOT:

❌ Force or disassemble equipment
❌ Use equipment if you don't know how it works (ask us first!)
❌ Remove equipment from the darkroom
❌ Modify any settings on the enlarger or other equipment without returning them to standard afterward

3.5 Chemical Handling & Disposal

Used chemicals must be disposed of properly:

  • Developer, stop bath, fixer: Pour into designated waste containers (we will show you)

  • DO NOT pour undiluted chemicals directly down the sink

  • Rinse trays and equipment thoroughly after use

  • Wipe down all surfaces

If you spill chemicals:

  • Notify us immediately: 07902 107313

  • Do not attempt to clean large spills yourself

  • Ventilate the area

4. CLEANLINESS & RESPECT FOR THE SPACE

4.1 Leaving the Darkroom

Before you leave, you MUST:

Clean all trays, tanks, and equipment used
Wipe down wet and dry benches
Dispose of used chemicals properly
Return all equipment to its designated location
Remove all personal items and rubbish
Ensure safelights are turned off
Leave the darkroom as you found it

Failure to clean up properly:

  • £25 cleaning fee will be charged

  • May affect future booking privileges

4.2 Respect for Other Users

The S.P.A.C.E may have back-to-back bookings

Vacating on time and leaving the space clean ensures fairness to all users

If the previous user has left the darkroom in poor condition, notify us immediately

5. DAMAGE, BREAKAGE & LIABILITY

5.1 Damage to Equipment

You are liable for:

  • Any damage caused by misuse, negligence, or failure to follow instructions

  • Broken equipment (enlarger lens, thermometer, trays, etc.)

  • Chemical stains or damage to surfaces caused by improper handling

Charges:

  • Minor damage/replacement: Cost of repair or replacement item

  • Major damage (e.g., enlarger): Full repair/replacement cost

Accidents happen! If you break something:

  • Notify us immediately

  • We'll assess the damage

  • Work out a fair resolution

5.2 Your Film & Materials

The S.P.A.C.E is NOT liable for:

❌ Damage to your film caused by user error
❌ Ruined prints due to incorrect chemical use
❌ Lost or damaged personal items
❌ Film damaged by light exposure (user error)

You use the darkroom at your own risk.

  • We provide functional, well-maintained equipment

  • We ensure chemicals are properly mixed and within expiry dates

  • However, you are responsible for correct darkroom technique

5.3 Personal Belongings

  • The S.P.A.C.E is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items

  • Do not leave valuables unattended

  • Lock the darkroom door when inside (access instructions provided)

6.1 Payment Requirements

Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your darkroom hire

6.2 Cancellation & Refund Policy

48 Hours or More Notice:

  • If you cancel 48 hours or more before your scheduled session start time:

  • ✅ Full refund provided

Less Than 48 Hours Notice:

  • If you cancel less than 48 hours before your scheduled session:

  • ❌ No refund will be provided

  • ❌ Payment is non-refundable

Why This Policy Exists: Darkroom chemicals and materials are prepared in advance specifically for your session. Late cancellations result in wasted materials and lost revenue, as we cannot re-book the space or re-use prepared chemicals at short notice.

6.3 Rescheduling

  • 48 hours or more notice: You may reschedule at no additional charge. Your payment transfers to the new date.

  • Less than 48 hours notice: Rescheduling is not permitted. Any attempt to cancel within this period will be treated as a cancellation and your payment is non-refundable.

7. Acceptance of Terms

By completing the intake form and ticking the boxes:

☑ "I confirm that I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy"
☑ "I confirm that I have read and agree to the Darkroom Hire Terms & Conditions"

You confirm that you:

  • Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions

  • Have experience with darkroom processes (or have arranged supervised access)

  • Understand chemical safety and equipment use

  • Accept responsibility for damage caused by misuse

  • Agree to clean the darkroom thoroughly after use

  • Understand the flat-rate pricing structure

Payment of the full session fee constitutes acceptance of these terms.

8. ADDITIONAL FEES

Potential additional charges:

Late vacating: £50 per hour (or part thereof)

Cleaning fee (darkroom left in poor condition): £25

Equipment damage: Cost of repair/replacement

Chemical waste disposal (excessive/improper): £20

By booking darkroom hire at The S.P.A.C.E, you agree to these terms and conditions.

9- For any further questions or concerns, please contact us at:

Graham Cann - The S.P.A.C.E Studio - The Southend Photographic And Creative Environment
📧 hello@the-s-p-a-c-e.co.uk
📞 07902 107313

Last updated: 23rd March 2026