The Shipping Container Community Camera

This project involved the transformation of a shipping container into a giant camera with a built in darkroom - a workable teaching space capable of producing ultra large traditional analogue photographic prints.

The camera is wheelchair accessible, fully ventilated, solar powered and capable of accommodating large groups of all ages and abilities. It has a built In print washing system, lens movements and a working mechanical shutter.

On many of the days the camera was in operation people from local charities, community groups and education centres were invited along for workshops in which we created paper negatives and then contacted printed these inside to produce a positive image. Other days the camera was open to the public, offering the opportunity for people to experience traditional image making processes for free. At the end of the time the space was transformed once again into a gallery where all of the images made within it were exhibited.

The aim of the project was to reach out to and work with a diverse range of people & invite them to make portraits of the community by the community & then to bring these together to create a series of images that collectively touched on themes of inclusion & collaboration, celebrated diversity, promoted acceptance, & inspired engagement & participation in the arts. 

The project was Arts Council England funded and made possible with support from a variety of local  and national partners including Exeter Phoenix, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, The Photographers Gallery and Exeter School of Art.

To watch a short documentary about the project made by Exploredinary visit here.