Introductory Hands-On Workshop: Silver Gelatin Printing from Black and White Negatives - Saturday Afternoon Session

Introductory Hands-On Workshop: Silver Gelatin Printing from Black and White Negatives is a four-hour immersive experience designed for individuals interested in learning how to create silver gelatin prints from their black and white negatives. In this workshop, participants will receive hands-on instruction and guidance, gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to produce their own prints using an enlarger and darkroom techniques.

Workshop Outline

1. Introduction to Silver Gelatin Printing 

•  Overview of silver gelatin printing and its unique qualities and aesthetics

2. Darkroom Equipment and Setup

•  Overview of darkroom equipment, including enlargers, trays, easels, and safelights

•  Setting up the darkroom for printing

•  Introduction to printing papers and contrast filters

3. Hands-On Silver Gelatin Printing Techniques

•  Evaluating and preparing black and white negatives for printing

•  Introduction to basic darkroom techniques, including contact sheets and test strips

• Hands-on instruction and practice in using an enlarger to create prints

•  Techniques for exposing, developing, and processing prints

• Introduction to dodging and burning techniques for creative control

• Fine-tuning print quality, evaluating results, and achieving desired aesthetics

 4. Final Considerations 

•  Recommendations for washing, drying, and archiving prints

•  Discussion on print toning and finishing options

Materials Provided

• Darkroom equipment, including enlargers, trays, easels, safelights, etc.

• Development chemicals, printing paper and contrast filters

•  Protective gear (gloves, aprons, etc.)

Requirements

•   No prior experience in silver gelatin printing or darkroom techniques is required.

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

Availability

•  2 attendees per workshop, total of 8 attendees. See other listed events for more sessions.

Financial Accessibility

The core mission of Photosynthesis is to make fine art accessible. To bring down one financial barrier, people who can otherwise not afford to attend this workshop can use the code “SUBSIDY50” to get 50% off the ticket price. All revenue from ticket sales goes to supporting our mission.