Community Darkroom
Photo Opp’s community darkroom is a space for photographers to explore traditional black and white printing, learn hands-on skills, and connect with others who share a passion for the photographic process.
About the Darkroom
Our darkroom includes:
Three enlarger stations
Beseler 45, Beseler 23CII
Black and white printing capabilities
Chemistry provided by Photo Opp
Wash station and drying area
Lockers available for rent
Paper available for purchase or Bring your own paper
Photo Opp’s Community Darkroom is currently intended for photographers who have some familiarity with traditional darkroom printing and are comfortable working independently after completing orientation.
While our orientation will introduce you to the space, equipment, safety procedures, and workflow, it is not a full darkroom printing course. Users should have a basic understanding of the printing process, including working with enlargers, photographic paper, and developing prints.
Darkroom Orientation
Before using the darkroom independently, all users must complete Darkroom Orientation.
Orientation covers:
Darkroom safety procedures
Proper chemical handling
Enlarger operation
Printing workflow
Cleanup expectations
Community darkroom etiquette
After completing orientation, you will receive access to schedule your darkroom sessions. Orientation takes about 2 hours and practice paper will be provided.
New to Darkroom Printing?
Never stepped into a darkroom before? We want to help you get there! Photo Opp will be offering future Darkroom 101 workshops for photographers who are interested in learning the basics of traditional black and white printing in a supportive, hands-on environment. Interested in being notified when workshops become available? Fill out our interest form and let us know what you would like to learn.
Reserve Your Darkroom Time
Darkroom sessions are scheduled in three-hour blocks.
Each reservation includes:
Access to one enlarger station, use of shared darkroom equipment, chemistry provided by Photo Opp, workspace for black and white printing
The darkroom is a shared space, with up to three photographers working at the same time.
What You Need To Bring
Users are responsible for bringing:
Photographic paper
Negatives to print
Personal printing notes or supplies
Any specialty tools or materials needed for your process
Photo Opp provides:
Enlargers
Chemistry
Trays
Basic darkroom equipment
Basic paper available for purchase and lockers available for rent
Before You Book
Please review the following:
Requirements
✔ Must complete Darkroom Orientation before independent use
✔ Must be 18 years or older for independent darkroom access
✔ Must follow all safety procedures and cleanup guidelines
✔ Must respect other photographers using the space
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Pricing / Suggested Donation
Suggested donation: $20/sessionYour contribution helps support:
Darkroom chemistry and supplies
Equipment maintenance
Community programming
Photo Opp’s mission of providing accessible photography education
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The darkroom is designed as a shared workspace.
Each reservation includes one photographer and one enlarger.
If multiple people plan to actively print:
Each photographer must reserve their own enlarger station.
Additional users must complete orientation before using equipment.
Observers and learners are welcome when space allows, but please contact Photo Opp ahead of time for group visits.
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The Photo Opp Community Darkroom is located in a 100+ year old building and is currently not fully accessible. Access to the darkroom requires navigating a revolving door entrance and stairs.
We recognize that this creates barriers for some members of our community, and we are committed to being transparent about our space while continuing to explore ways to make photography education and experiences more accessible.
If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss accommodations, please contact Photo Opp before your visit. We are happy to work with you to determine what options may be available. text goes here
Ready to PRINT?
Complete Darkroom Orientation to unlock access to the reservation calendar. The password will be provided during orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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Yes. The Community Darkroom is intended for photographers who have some familiarity with black and white darkroom printing. All users must complete Photo Opp's Darkroom Orientation before reserving independent darkroom time. If you're new to darkroom printing, we'd love to have you join a future Darkroom 101 workshop.
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Absolutely! Friends are welcome to observe. If someone plans to actively use the darkroom or make prints, they must complete Darkroom Orientation and reserve their own enlarger station. Remember space is small and to respect other artists at work.
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Yes! Photo Opp offers black and white and C-41 film processing through our community film lab. Film processing is a separate service from darkroom printing. Visit our Services page for current pricing and turnaround times.
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Not at this time. The Community Darkroom is currently equipped for black and white printing only.
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Please bring your own black and white photographic paper. Resin-coated (RC) paper is recommended for most users because it processes more quickly and is a great choice for practice and everyday printing. If you're unsure what to purchase, we're happy to provide recommendations before your session. We do have some basic paper available for ala carte.
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If your plans change, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible so another community member can reserve that time. We appreciate your help in keeping the darkroom accessible to everyone.
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YES! While the darkroom is currently set up for traditional black and white printing. If you're interested in alternative processes or have a project that requires specialized chemistry or equipment, please contact Photo Opp before booking to discuss your plans.
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Photographers must be at least 18 years old to use the darkroom independently after completing orientation. If you're interested in youth programming or group workshops, reach out and keep an eye on our upcoming classes and events.
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In most cases, we encourage you to take your prints with you at the end of your session. If additional drying time is needed, prints may be left in the darkroom if space allows.
Photo Opp also offers lockers that can be rented for ongoing projects and temporary storage of supplies.
Why a Community Darkroom?
Traditional darkrooms are becoming increasingly difficult to find, making it harder for photographers to learn, practice, and keep analog photography alive. Photo Opp created the Community Darkroom to provide an affordable, welcoming space where photographers can continue exploring the craft of black and white printing.
More than just a workspace, the darkroom is a place to slow down, experiment, share knowledge, and create alongside others who appreciate the magic of traditional photography.
Support the Community Darkroom
Every print made in the Community Darkroom helps support something bigger.
There's something extraordinary about watching an image slowly appear in a tray of developer. In today's digital world, the darkroom teaches patience, creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving. It gives photographers a deeper understanding of the photographic process while creating meaningful opportunities for mentorship and community.
Your session donations, sponsorships, and gifts help purchase chemistry, maintain equipment, replace consumable supplies, and expand educational opportunities for photographers throughout our community.
Your donation helps ensure this one-of-a-kind resource remains affordable and accessible for everyone.
Ways to support:
Make a donation
Become a darkroom sponsor
Donate equipment or supplies
Volunteer your time and expertise
FILM IS NOT DEAD
Together, we're building a place where analog photography can continue to thrive.
Need negs?
catch one of our monthly development nights