We're hosting a workshop to celebrate the Grotto's newest resource-- a darkroom for our community of film lovers to perfect their craft, try something new, cut down on costs, and fall in love with photography again in new ways. 

This full day experience will feature two levels of technique, beginner and advanced, and includes a two hour lecture, a class photowalk, hands on development practice, and an art show the same night to feature the work you created throughout the day. 

From the instructor, Vito Grippi.

Beginner Darkroom Workshop: An Introduction to Film Photography

The course will cover the basics to get you started in shooting and developing photographic film During our time we’ll cover the different kinds of film cameras, the exposure triangle, different types of film, and getting started with shooting and developing your own film.

The class will be split between some lecture and discussion time, taking photos, and developing film. Please bring your own film camera.

Who This Is For

Photographers who are interested in shooting on film or are new to shooting film with basic knowledge or no film processing experience.

What We Will Do

1) Classroom Lecture

Overview and discussion of the following topics and why someone might choose to shoot film in 2025.

• What is the exposure triangle and why should I care?

• Are all film camera’s the same?

• What’s the difference between 35mm and 120 film?

• The magic that happens when we click the shutter.

• Best practices when buying and shooting film.

• I shot a roll, now what?

2) Guided Photo Walk

Downtown photo walk to capture film images for same day development.

3) Black & White Development Session

• Chemistry overview and development safety.

• Temperature management with water baths.

• Development, drying, dust control.

Takeaways

• Developed film (shot and processed during the workshop).

Materials

Provided

• B&W Film Kentmere PAN 200

• Chemistry and all lab gear for a shared development session.

*Students Bring

• A manual film camera (Loaners available in VERY limited quantity and must be coordinated before the workshop).

• Comfortable shoes for walking.

• No film required. Film is provided by the workshop.

Class Schedule

10:30am-12:30pm Class

12:30pm-2pm Photowalk

2pm-4:30 Hands on Developing

4-6pm Art ShowInstall

7-9pm Show Opening

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will:

 - Confidently shoot and develop film

 - Understand how light and different film types affect the outcome of your photos

 - Be able to develop your own film at home

No prior experience required—just bring your camera and creativity!