TAYPORT WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Printing with the Tide: Making Phytograms in Tayport’s Seaweed Darkroom
A hands-on, two-hour workshop in Tayport that teaches an unusual photographic process—using seaweed, photo paper and sunlight—to create camera-free images.
Printing with the Tide: Making Phytograms in Tayport’s Seaweed Darkroom.
Join local artist Kit Martin for Seaweed Darkroom, a focused workshop that guides participants through creating phytograms—experimental, camera-free photographs made with seaweed, photo papers and sunlight—working both indoors and out in a garden setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Phytograms: Image-making without a camera
An unusual photographic method that produces magical, mysterious images of seaweed by laying specimens on photo paper and using chemistry and sunlight to fix impressions.
A chemical collaboration of light and seaweed
The workshop emphasizes the chemical and photographic processes that transform fragile seaweed forms into bold, textural prints.
Strange, botanical portraits
Participants leave with striking, one-of-a-kind phytograms that reveal the structure and mystery of coastal plant life.
What the day feels like
What the workshop feels like
Under the guidance of Kit Martin, the session moves from demonstration to hands-on making: arranging seaweed on photo paper, exposing pieces to sunlight and observing the chemical transformations. There’s no camera or prior darkroom experience required; the work happens both inside and in the garden as you explore this experimental photographic technique.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits—and who should check details first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
All materials are provided by the workshop operator.
The workshop runs for two hours.
Participants meet at The Dolphin Centre, 4 Gladstone Square, Tayport, Fife DD6 9EW.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to bring a camera?
No — this is a camera-free workshop; phytograms are made with seaweed, photo paper and sunlight.
Do I need prior darkroom experience?
No — no darkroom photography knowledge is required to take part.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop duration is two hours.
Where do we meet?
The meeting location is The Dolphin Centre, 4 Gladstone Square, Tayport, Fife DD6 9EW.
Will materials be provided?
Yes — all materials required for making phytograms are provided by the workshop.
Will part of the workshop take place outdoors?
Yes — the workshop includes working inside and in the garden for sunlight exposures.