Nellie: Camera Obscura & Plant-Based Photography Workshop

CultureCam: Photography, Nature and Light with Nellie

As part of photoILKLEY 2026: HUMAN:NATURE, step inside a caravan-turned-camera and experience photography from the inside out.

Delivered by Photo Hub North in partnership with photoILKLEY, this hands-on workshop invites participants to meet Nellie – a lovingly repurposed caravan that serves as a working camera obscura, eco-friendly darkroom and creative classroom on wheels.

Inspired by this year’s festival theme, HUMAN:NATURE, the workshop explores the relationship between people, light, landscape and the photographic image. Participants will discover how a camera works, experience the world projected upside down inside the camera obscura, and create photographic portraits using sustainable, plant-based darkroom processes that are gentle on the environment.

Combining curiosity, creativity and experimentation, CultureCam offers a rare opportunity to engage with photography in its most elemental form – using light, natural materials and hands-on making to better understand how we see and connect with the world around us.

Suitable for all ages. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Venue: Ilkley Manor House Courtyard
Dates: Saturday 4 July & Sunday 5 July
Tickets: £15 per person

Please choose one of the available 90-minute workshop sessions when booking.

Each session is a complete workshop and places are limited to 6 participants.

Available sessions:

Session 1: Saturday 4 July, 11:00am–12:30pm
Session 2: Saturday 4 July, 1:30pm–3:00pm

Session 3: Sunday 5 July, 11:00am–12:30pm
Session 4: Sunday 5 July, 1:30pm–3:00pm

Accessibility Information
This workshop takes place outdoors in the courtyard of Ilkley Manor House. Please note that the courtyard surface consists of uneven historic flagstones.