Darkroom 101: Silver Gelatin Printmaking

In this 3-hour immersive workshop, learn how to create silver gelatin prints from your own black and white film negatives. Participants will receive hands-on instruction and guidance to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to produce their own prints using an enlarger and darkroom techniques.

You will learn about silver gelatin printing and its unique qualities and aesthetics. You will get to know common darkroom equipment, including enlargers, trays, easels, and safelights, find out how to set up the darkroom for printing, and learn about printing papers and contrast filters. Step-by-step instruction will take you through evaluating and preparing black and white negatives for printing; basic darkroom techniques, including contact sheets and test strips; practice using an enlarger to create prints; techniques for exposing, developing, and processing prints; how to dodge and burn for creative control; how to fine-tune print quality, evaluate results, and achieve desired aesthetics; and how to troubleshoot common issues during printmaking.

All materials are included and no prior experience in silver gelatin printing or darkroom techniques is required.

Participants are required to bring 35mm or 120 6x6 developed black and white film negatives for printing.