Future Events
‘The Sky was Under Everything…’
Scarborough was Britain’s first seaside resort. From the earliest days of photography there were photographers in Scarborough capturing images of the place and those who visited it. The town’s first camera obscura was set up on the beach by 1823 and the first photographic studio in 1842.
This installation showcases images taken both through portable camera obscuras and pinhole cameras constructed of recycled materials, and developed using sustainable methods. Exploring Scarborough and its changing ecology through modern eyes and old-fashioned equipment.
An Installation at St Mary’s Parish Church, Castle Road, Scarborough as part of Scarborough Lights.
14 November - 14 December 2025
Past Events
Pinhole Camera Workshop
Have a go at making your own pinhole camera and developing images using eco-developer made of coffee, and fixed using sea salt. Pinhole cameras are one of the most basic cameras that will give you the experience of early photography. The cameras will be made from salvaged materials.
No previous skill is required and all equipment provided, including tea and biscuits!
When: Sunday 28th September 2025, 13.30-14:00
Where: Beeforth Hive, South Cliff Gardens, Scarborough Located a 15 minute walk from Scarborough Town Centre and train station, there is parking on-street around the venue.
Who: Over 18+, this workshop is open to anyone, no skills required, no need to bring anything
Access: Beesforth Hive is step-free and has an accessible toilet, if you have any more questions about access, please email: photoscarborough@gmail.com
Cost: tickets are £3-5 to cover workshop materials, if this cost is prohibitive, do let us know
Booking: Please go to the Eventbrite booking page.
Camera Obscura Workshop
We are really excited to bring you our first two workshops! First up have a go at making your own Camera Obscura.The Camera Obscura has a long history in Scarborough, and there has been around four public versions in Scarborough during the 19th century alone. It is a device that uses a small pinhole and lens to create an image in what is considered as a very early form of image maker. In the workshop we will go over the history of the camera obscura, their various apperances in Scarborough, and then make our own and use it to explore the views and nature of South Cliff Gardens. Hot drinks and biscuits will be provided.
When: Sunday 28th September 2025, 10.30-12.30
Where: Beeforth Hive, South Cliff Gardens, Scarborough Located a 15 minute walk from Scarborough Town Centre and train station, there is parking on-street around the venue.
Who: Over 18+, this workshop is open to anyone, no skills required, no need to bring anything
Access: Beesforth Hive is step-free and has an accessible toilet, if you have any more questions about access, please email: photoscarborough@gmail.com
Cost: tickets are £3-5 to cover workshop materials, if this cost is prohibitive, do let us know
Booking: Please go to the Eventbrite booking page.
Back Stories: imagery on the reverse of 19th century photography
Castle Book Bindery, Scarborough Market Hall
10 May - 10 June 2025
During the 1860 and 1870s Carte de Visite portraits were collected by many people and displayed in albums. The photographers who took these images are now largely forgotten, but they took the opportunity to publicise their business on the backs of the portraits, only seen when the portraits were taken from the album. They are sometimes decorated with elaborate fonts and imagery and on others there is just a simple stamp. They tell us not only how photographers sought to advertise themselves, but also about styles of late 19th century print and design.
This small exhibition is presented by Photo Scarborough and hosted by Castle Book Bindery.
Part of Big Ideas by the Sea: find out about what else is on here - https://www.bigideasbythesea.com
Find out more about Castle Book Bindery: https://castlebookbindery.co.uk
Free to attend - No need to book
Photo Social
7-9pm, 28 May 2025
Shakespeare Gallery, St Helen’s Square, Scarborough
Calling all Scarborough photographers…
A chance to meet other photographers- chat and share your work too in a casual and open space. Tea and coffee provided but bring something stronger if you prefer! If you want to share your work please bring printed images or a memory stick - no more that 3 photos and be prepared to talk for just 3 minutes about your work.
This event is open to everyone, all styles of photography welcome from cyanotype to digital, and all skill levels welcome - Something you took on your phone to a medium format camera or polaroid to name just a few! You are also welcome to just come to listen and chat, there is no pressure to present your work.
Part of Big Ideas by the Sea: find out about what else is on here - https://www.bigideasbythesea.com
Free to attend
18 May 2024, 3-4pm
Photo Scarborough - We will talking at Big Ideas by the Sea, St Martin’s Church, Scarborough. Exploring Scarborough’s photographic history and seeing where we might go next with our project.