Essential Black & White Darkroom

Who should take this class

Are you a digital photographer looking to expand your knowledge of photographic technique and history?  Maybe you took a darkroom class in school and want to get back to your roots?  Is there something about photos shot on film that you love but can't explain why?  If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you should definitely check this class out.

What you will learn

The great standard-bearer of photography is the black & white darkroom.  Over a hundred years of innovation can be accessed here, and we'll introduce you to a wealth of techniques photographers have been honing for decades.  

Over 8 weeks we'll cover basic darkroom skills, including black & white film processing, test strips, contact sheets and negative enlargement.  We'll delve deep into more advanced techniques like contrast filtration, dodging and burning, combination printing, print toning, hand-coloring, cyanotype, mural printing and more.  You'll complete printing assignments each week with included lab hours, plus a final project to be submitted to our regular Student Shows.

What to bring

A 35mm or 120mm film-based camera.  All darkroom chemistry included with the price of this class.  Film and paper may be purchased separately.

You'll get a temporary membership at the darkroom during the course of the class ($400 value) with printing time included in the price of this class.

Includes 2 month student membership to Gowanus Darkroom ($550 value)

Student Membership includes unlimited booked access to darkroom space and facilities during normal operating hours.