Beginner Darkroom
Upcoming Workshops
This workshop is held in the DCP darkroom from 9am-5pm.
Photography can be so much more hands-on than pixels trapped behind a glass screen. Liberate your images into the real world! You’ll learn to process your own black and white film, make contact sheets, select the best frame for printing and work with an enlarger. Using chemistry and light, you’ll create unique prints, completely hand made by you.
This introduction to black and white darkroom is for both new and returning analog enthusiasts!
Our darkroom facility was custom built specifically for teaching small groups. We have a film processing area, a printing darkroom with 10 enlarger stations, custom sinks, ample air conditioning and ventilation systems, and wise teachers to help you develop your skills.
What to bring:
- One roll of exposed black and white film that you would like to process. We can work with the following:
- 35mm
- 120mm
- Ilford black and white film
- Kodak black and white film
No XP-2 or similar C41 process film. If you aren’t sure, write us and ask!
This 3-part class is to provide film shooters with the basics of developing and printing their own black and white film.
Part 1: Overview of the darkroom setup and basic tools and materials for processing and printing film.
Part 2: Step-by-step demonstration of film processing and hands-on film roll development.
Part 3: Step-by-step contact sheet basics demonstration and hands-on printing.
- Cost per person is $265.
- Advance registration and payment is required.
- DCP members receive a 10%-20% discount on all class registrations. Not a member? Join now!
- Workshop price includes: lunch and a $20 material fee (film and print processing chemistry and archival sleeve for processed film, and up to 10 sheets of Ilford RC printer paper).
- Aprons and non-latex gloves will be provided.
- Maximum number of students is 10. Minimum number to make a class is 6.
- Doors open at 8:45am. Workshop starts promptly at 9:00am and ends at 5:00pm.
- Classes may be held in the upstairs classroom, up one flight of stairs, no elevator access.
Q: What is DCP doing to keep instructors and students safe during COVID?
A: The health and safety of our instructors, staff, and students is DCP’s top priority. You can view our COVID policy and procedures here.
Q: Will we learn how to use film cameras?
A: No, we won’t be covering basic camera operation or shooting concepts.
Q: Is lunch included in the workshop?
A: Yes, we will be providing individually packaged lunches. The cost is included in your registration fee.
Q: I’m under 18. Can I take the classes or workshop?
A: Yes, but only if an adult registers to take the classes with you.
Q: How will I know if a workshop makes or not?
A: If a class doesn’t make and has to be cancelled, you will receive an email no later than the night before the scheduled class date.
Q: What if I have to cancel?
A: If you cancel 7 days or more ahead of the scheduled date of the class, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. A cancellation between 5 to 7 days ahead of scheduled date will receive 50% refund minus a $25 administrative fee. There is no refund or transfer credit for cancellations within 4 days of start time of the class or workshop. Full details on cancellations are on our Policies page.
Whitney J. Daude-Willis
Originally from Ding Dong, Texas, Whitney assisted her parents in loading their 35mm cameras with film in hotel rooms on vacation from a young age. She received her BFA in Art, with a concentration in Photography, from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2017. After graduation, she accepted the Photo Lab Coordinator position at UTA, assisting students in navigating lighting studios, digital print labs, an alternative process lab, and a black and white darkroom. More passionate for the black and white darkroom, Whitney has found that the safelights have proven to be a safe space since graduation. Since 2015, she has assisted instructor and photographer Scott Hilton in professional projects. Additionally, she assisted both renowned wet plate photographer Lisa Elmaleh in tintype workshops and Alan Ross in fine art printing during their DCP workshops.