OVERVIEW

Discover or re-discover the joys and the results of working with film. In this intensive online workshop with master printer and educator Steve Rifkin, participants will learn the fundamentals of making the best negative and print possible. Combining live demonstrations, hands-on assignments, and group critique, the program recreates the spirit of a shared darkroom in a virtual space.

Designed both for those who work with film and for those who are experienced digital photographers but have always wanted to dive into the world of film, in this class each photographer will begin by identifying a personal subject: still life, landscape, portrait, or documentary—that will serve as the foundation for testing and growth throughout the workshop. Weekly sessions build step by step, from exposure control and film development, through to fine printing and preparing finished prints for display, allowing plenty of time for participants to read, breathe, experiment and submit work for discussion. Along the way, Steve will cover essential topics such as:

• Understanding exposure, light meters, aperture, and shutter speed

• Proper film development techniques and filing systems

• Printing methods, including paper choice, filtration, test strips, and archival processing

• Refining prints with burning, dodging, bleaching, and toning

• Preparing prints for exhibition: handling, retouching, and mounting

The workshop emphasizes experimentation, observation, and constructive dialogue. By the end of the course, each participant will have created a body of prints around their chosen subject, demonstrating technical precision and a personal photographic voice.

syllabus

1) Introduction

Overview of the workshop, discussion of cameras, darkrooms, and goals.
Assignment: Choose a personal subject and review photo books.

2) Exposure Control and Film Development

Learn how to use a light meter, expose film, and process correctly.
Assignment: Photograph your subject to test exposure and illumination.

3) Looking at the Film Exposure Test

Examine negatives, discuss even development, and explore expansion/compaction.
Assignment: Photograph subject again, exposing for full tonal range.

4) Printing Test Negatives

Virtual group darkroom: paper choice, enlarger alignment, and test strips.
Assignment: Print one negative from your passion subject roll.

5) Refining Prints

Review prints, practice filtration, burning, dodging, and dry-down control.
Assignment: Photograph subject in varied light; process film and make 4 prints.

6) Group Darkroom Printing

Collaborative printing session, adjusting exposures together as a group.
Assignment: Shoot one roll, develop, and print 2 negatives.

7) Advanced Printing Techniques

Learn to control shadows, highlights, bleaching, and toning.
Assignment: Continue passion project, develop film, and make 4 prints.

8) Preparing Prints for Exhibition or Display

Discuss handling, retouching, editioning, and mounting.
Assignment: Shoot 2 rolls, contact print, and produce 4 final prints.

9) Looking at Our Passion Project

Group critique of passion projects; refining voice and intention.
Assignment: Shoot up to 4 rolls and prepare 5–10 prints.

10) Viewing the Final Prints

Share and discuss completed projects; reflect on progress and next steps.

notes

• Please be aware that this workshop does not follow a fixed schedule. Class hours will be flexible and adjusted based on the group’s pace and progress, ensuring that everyone has the time and support they need to fully engage with the material.

• In addition to group sessions, Steve will also make himself available for optional one-on-one “office hours” when needed. These sessions provide a chance for more personalized feedback and guidance outside of the main workshop meetings.

CLASS LEVEL

For intermediate to advanced photographers. Students should have a good understanding of their cameras, basic Dark Room knowledge and how to prepare images for feedback sessions, as technical settings are not taught in this class. This class is suitable for those interested in film exposure, development and printing.

Required equipment

• Film camera and light meter

• Access to a dark room with: chemistry list, processing reels, tempering bath tub,  containers for mixing chemistry, sous-vide, digital thermometer, clothespins,  enlarger, audible timer,  microwave (optional)

• Access to a scanner

• Computer

• Zoom Account (free account level is sufficient)

• Internet Connection

Class Size

Minimum of 8 and maximum of 12 students

Tuition

2,250 USD per person