COVID-19 update – As soon as possible, we’ll be running courses again, as well as launching an expanded programme with more opportunities to get involved. In the mean time please follow us on FB and IG. Keep well, keep shooting!
“When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in Black and white, you photograph their souls!”
― Ted Grant
There is a magic, under the alchemical red light, to seeing your first print fading in from white, in the quiet of the darkroom. The process, especially for those used to mobile and digital image making and sharing, can be a revelation also for the refinement its pace and craft brings to your photography, how its constraints make you think slower, look closer and value your images more: you will have made them – no algorithms involved.
This course is a comprehensive introduction to traditional analogue black and white photography, designed to equip participants work in a darkroom to produce high quality negatives and prints. It is suitable for novices, those with digital photographic experience, and photographers wanting to consolidate or refresh their knowledge or practice. With 20 years experience leading photographic workshops your tutor will cover all the fundamental technical and practical aspects of traditional silver based darkroom practice.
Course Structure
Day 1 AM: Principles of exposure (shutter speed, aperture, ISO), loading film, focus, and general camera operation over of a range of analogue film formats: 35mm, medium format (6×6, 6×7) and large format (5×4”).
Bring your own camera or borrow one by arrangement. All materials and other equipment provided.
Guided shoot of a roll of film per person, over lunch break.
PM: Developing your film to make negatives: all aspects of choice and mixing of chemicals, development control, push/pull, small tank processing; film drying and storage.
Day 2 AM: Introduction to analogue printing. Working safely in the darkroom, use and management of printing chemicals, photographic paper types. Use of a range of enlargers (Durst, Omega, De Vere) to make high quality prints.
Making contact sheets and final / work prints. Multigrade filters and contrast manipulation.
Participants will make their own prints to take away, working from the beginning to the end of the process.
Prerequisites
Complete novice photographers, those with some previous photographic knowledge to professional digital practitioners who want to expand their traditional process knowledge. A 35mm or medium format camera (loan cameras available subject to availability)
Practical information
Saturday/ Sunday 10-4pm. The course will take place at Darkroom Birmingham, at The Old Print Works, 506 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham. 15 mins bus ride from New Street Station, 50 bus route A435. Parking / The Mix Cafe / International Restaurants nearby / 10 mins walk to Moseley Village / Ladypool Road.
Tutor
Dan Burwood is an artist, photographer and educator with 20 years experience leading photographic workshops. Dan established Darkroom Birmingham in 2012 and has run a wide range projects there since, including community photography training, exhibitions and analogue and digital tuition.
Payment details and terms
£150 to include camera loan if needed and all materials / chemicals.£125 concessions (student/ UC/ OAP)
10% discount for bookings of 2 or more together.
Min participants: 4
Max participants: 8
£50 deposit to reserve a place, balance due on attending. Gift vouchers available