Boomsatsuma’s new BA Degree in Photography and Print, begins this Autumn. In preparation, boomsatsuma is creating an exciting new space, which will include a colour darkroom, a photographic studio with framing, bookmaking, mounting ‘making’ space and print room. International fine art print company, Shiraz, has installed two state of the art, large format printers in the new space, giving students opportunities to develop their print and publishing skills and enhance their employability through working with the company. 

The development of this facility represents a significant investment in Bristol's cultural landscape, reaffirming the city's status as a centre for photography and artistic innovation. As the demand for analogue photography experiences continues to rise, this new facility is poised to become a cornerstone of the local photography community.

Boomsatsuma’s Photography and Print degree is the only degree in the South West supported by The Royal Photographic Society (RPS). Dan Jones, CEO at RPS, believes this will be a welcome addition to the city's creative sector:

"RPS is very pleased to support the Photography and Print degree and we are excited to see the impact the new studio facility can have on the thriving creative sector in Bristol and the Southwest region."

Located on the same site as boomsatsuma’s film and TV studios, the new facility is designed for students but also, out of term time, will be offered to amateur and professional photographers wanting access to dark room or studio facilities. One day taster courses on colour printing and studio photography, as well as photography masterclasses, are being planned. The facility will, in time, offer a membership plan to the city’s photographers to extend its use when students aren’t on site. The aim is to revolutionise the way students and local photographers engage with their craft.

Sam Fordham, Head of Photography believes this development will be ground breaking for students:

"This new space will enable our students to develop their craft and creativity but also enhance the ecology of photography in the city. It will connect Bristol’s photographers to each other, create a space where artists can co-create and inspire and train young people in key analogue and digital photography skills."

In the Autumn boomsatsuma will run an ‘open door’ event so photographers and film-makers can discover firsthand the opportunities this new space - and the film and TV studios - can offer.

Interested in developing your photography skills? We're still offering places on our BA (Hons) Photography and Print degree, commencing September 2024. Check out the Course Page or book onto our Open Day at the Royal Photographic Society on 15th June to learn more.

Image Credits: Jamie Horrigan (article body - first image), Amber Mylius-King (article body - second image)