Come and experience the magic of Analogue Photography. Our two-part, hands-on workshops, explore the basics of Black and White film photography; from the making of the image to the processing of film, and printing the images. The CPB Foundation is excited to host this weekend workshop series in its new community darkroom. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a complete novice, this workshop series is designed to help you develop and expand your skills. 

Darkroom 101 - Shooting & Developing Film 

Workshop Cost - Rs 4,500 per person for Darkroom 101

Student Discount - 20% against valid student ID

Rent a Film Camera: Rs 600 for 48 hours (T&C apply)

Group Size - Minimum 5 up to a maximum of 12 participants.

Venue: CPB Lighthouse, Kottivakkam, Chennai.

Are you interested in learning the fundamentals of film photography and gaining hands-on experience with exposing, processing and scanning your own film? Then don't miss out on our upcoming three-day workshop on the basics of film photography!

This workshop is designed to provide participants with an introduction to black-and-white film photography. You'll learn how to use a film camera, properly expose film, process your own rolls, and scan your negatives. Each participant will have the opportunity to shoot two half-rolls of film and process and scan their own rolls under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

By the end of the workshop, you'll walk away with a new appreciation for the art of film photography, as well as your very own set of developed and scanned negatives. This workshop is a great opportunity for anyone interested in film photography, whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer looking to expand your skill set.

Darkroom 101 - Schedule

Friday, March 8th, 4 pm - 7.30 pm

1. Welcome note and introductions

2. Lecture - Introduction to Film Photography

3. Darkroom tour

4. Techniques - How to use a Film camera and Light meter to properly expose a negative

5. Demonstration and Practice - Film loading. Each participant will receive 2 (two) half rolls of 35mm black and white film to shoot and develop. On day 1 you will load the first roll into your camera in class with guidance from the instructors. You will have the following morning to step out and shoot. 

Saturday, March 9th, 12 pm - 7 pm

1. Shoot - Participants should arrive at the lab by 11.45 am with a fully exposed roll

2. Demonstration - Setting up the darkroom, Film processing

3. Film processing - Participants will work in pairs to process their own film.

4. Demonstration - Scanning

5. Film scanning - Participants will scan their own negatives.

6. One-on-one review with mentor

7. Film loading - At the end of day 2, each participant will receive a 2nd half roll of film to load, shoot, process, and scan.

Sunday, March 10th, 11 am - 6 pm

1. Shoot - Participants should arrive at the lab by 10.30 am with a fully exposed roll

2. Film processing - Participants will work in pairs to process their own film.

3. Scanning - Participants will scan their own negatives.

4. One-on-one review with mentor

5. Group critique

Who is the workshop for?

This workshop series is open to anyone interested in film photography over the age of 16. Participants are required to have a film camera to attend Part 1 of the workshop and/or developed black and white, 35mm film negatives to attend Part 2 of the workshop.

Participants should ideally have a basic understanding of photography including how to expose an image with manual settings - shutter speed, aperture and ISO to make the most of this workshop.

CLASSROOM POLICIES

Each participant is expected to arrive 15min early for all sessions. Attendance is mandatory for the entire workshop. Each session builds upon the previous session, and it is important you are punctual and present. Please be respectful of each other and the space, and follow darkroom etiquette as instructed. 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• The workshop costs include all materials required including film, chemistry, photographic paper, access to enlargers and the darkroom, access to scanners as well as mentorship and guidance during the workshop period. 

• To receive a student discount please send an email to [email protected] with a clear scan/photo valid student ID. Valid submissions will receive a student discount code to be used for online payment on this page. 

• For students under the age of 16 who are interested in attending, we welcome parent and child combos as long as both are actively engaged in the workshop. Please write to [email protected] and we will guide you on how to book a combo price. 

• After each workshop, participants will have access to the darkroom as well as film and paper stocks at discounted prices so that they can continue their film photography journey. 

• Participants renting a film camera are required to provide a security deposit of Rs 3,000 (in cash only) as well as an original ID which will be returned against the safe return of the camera.

• If minimum bookings as specified above is not reached, the workshop will be postponed and a full refund will be provided for any bookings.