Sustainable 16mm camera-less Workshop with Chloe Charlton & Jess Holdengarde

This workshop offers an introduction to plant-based film chemistry and cameraless filmmaking using the phytogram method*—a technique in which organic matter leaves a direct trace on light-sensitive materials. For this workshop, participants will work specifically with 16mm film.

Working collectively, participants will produce an abstract, earthy film using plants gathered around Lyth Arts Centre. Foraged material will be used to both imprint images directly onto the film strip, as well as form the plant-based chemistry used in the hand-processing. The film will be screened on Sunday as part of Between Two Beaches closing event, alongside a Q&A with the artists behind the project, Jess Holdengarde and Chloe Charlton.

This session builds upon the processes and techniques developed in the first phase of the Living Camera project that took place in 2025. The Living Camera is a collaborative, site-specific analogue project that brings together camera obscura, darkroom practice, moving image, and plant-based photographic chemistry. The project continues to evolve through collaboration, ecological processes, and slow, site-responsive image-making, with further development and events unfolding throughout 2026.

*The phytogram method was developed by filmmaker Karel Doing.

This workshop is aimed at all ages from 14+. Please note: this is a guide, if young people are below this age guidance but have a strong interest in the workshop please get in touch.