About
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Dive into alternative and experimental darkroom processes that go beyond traditional black & white printing.
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Explore creative techniques such as:
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Photograms
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Chemigrams
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Solarization
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Bleaching & toning
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Reversal Process
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Learn to manipulate light, chemistry, and paper to create unique, one-of-a-kind prints.
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Gain hands-on experience in using a fully equipped darkroom studio.
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Perfect for photographers and artists looking to push the boundaries of analogue image-making.
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All essential chemicals and materials for the workshop will be provided.
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10 sheets - photographic paper - 10 x 10 inches.
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Participants are welcome to bring their own negatives or found materials for experimentation.
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Food and accommodation are not included and must be arranged by participants.
Fee: 19,000 INR per participant
Duration: 2 Days
STRUCTURE OF THE WORKSHOP
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Analog Alchemy: Experimental Darkroom Techniques
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Duration: 2 Days
Time: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (with 1-hour lunch break)
Location: Fully equipped darkroom studio
Ideal For: Photographers, visual artists, and creative practitioners interested in alternative photographic methods
Workshop Overview
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to experimental analog printing methods that move beyond traditional black-and-white photography. Techniques such as photograms, chemigrams, solarization, bleaching, toning, and reversal processing will be explored through guided demonstrations and open experimentation. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of darkroom chemistry while also creating one-of-a-kind expressive prints.
Technical Requirements & Materials Provided
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Photographic paper: 10 sheets of 10x10” silver gelatin paper per participant (includes test sheets)
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Chemicals Provided:
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Developer, Stop Bath, Fixer
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Toning chemicals (e.g., sepia, selenium, etc)
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Bleach solutions
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Chemistry for the reversal process
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Tools & Equipment:
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Enlargers
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Trays & tongs
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Safe lights
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Participants should bring (if possible):
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Own negatives or found materials for layering
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Protective surgical masks and personal aprons
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Pen, pencil, or a notebook for notes or sketches
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Day-wise Breakdown
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Day 1 – Foundation & Play
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Morning:
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Introduction to the darkroom and safety protocols
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What are photograms? Demo + creation using objects, plants, and transparent materials
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Explore solarisation: theory + guided printmaking
Afternoon:
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Introduction to chemigrams: working without negatives using chemicals as paint
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Free experimentation time: combining solarisation with photograms or textural layering
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Group reflection and Q&A
Day 2 – Advanced Techniques & Personal Expression
Morning:
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Introduction to bleaching and toning: effects on contrast and image mood
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Guided session on toning techniques (sepia/blue/iron tones)
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Optional: use of personal negatives in enlargers for contrast manipulation
Afternoon:
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Introduction to reversal processing (turning negatives into direct positives)
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Studio time: creating a final print using learned techniques
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Final critique & peer feedback session
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Sharing outcomes and documenting works
Outcomes
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Understanding of alternative darkroom chemistry
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Development of experimental prints using multiple techniques
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Exposure to non-traditional image-making workflows
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A small portfolio of unique, expressive darkroom prints