In an age of seemingly endless consumption – of resources, and of images – what can we learn from slow, tactile, and ecologically-minded approaches to photography? 

Wonder’neath is pleased to present Slow Photography Synthesis with visual artist natalie goulet!

In this full day workshop, participants will obtain practical experience with cameraless processes, learn to make their own eco-friendly developer for film and paper negatives, and engage in critical discussion of ecological and ethical implications in photography. We will discuss the physical and chemical components and impacts of photography, how to integrate sustainable approaches, and how these ways of thinking and working can be echoed across disciplines.  

What you’ll learn: This workshop covers how to make vibrant, colourful images with traditional black and white photo paper through Lumen printing (photogenic drawing) and Phytography, which activates the internal chemistry of plants and common household ingredients to selectively develop areas of silver gelatin paper and film. 

Participants will then learn the basics of creating a B&W developer from plants, seaweeds, and food waste. We will discuss safe, effective, and regenerative ways of working with analogue photographic processes beyond the traditional darkroom.  

Who is this for: No science or photography background needed. This workshop is for anyone curious to learn alternative forms of image-making, informed by an intersectional ecofeminist research perspective. 

Content:

AM – Workshop: Lumen printing & Phytography Seminar: Sustainability and material consciousness in photographic practice (Photography, Ecology & Ethics) 

PM – Workshop: Introduction to low-toxicity developers & large format paper negatives  

All materials will be provided.  Natalie Goulet (she/they) is a Canadian visual artist, photographer, and educator. Her practice situates itself on the disciplinary fringes of photography and critically examines entangled material relationships in favour of remediative futures, fostering an empathic response to histories of harm and extraction. Natalie lives and makes in Kjiupuktuk / Halifax, on unceded Mi’kmaq territory.  

Capacity: 12 participants, min 7 to run

Format: Day-long session, July 12th, 2026 10-5pm

Location: 2482 Maynard Street. Fully accessible!

Ticket $165, proceeds supporting CARFAC fee, workshop materials and Wonder’neath’s ongoing, free community programming.