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
Darkroom Orientation
Before using the darkroom independently, all users must complete Photo Opp’s 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.
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.
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.
[Join the Darkroom 101 Interest List]
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
Pricing / Suggested Donation
Suggested donation: $20/session
Your contribution helps support:
Darkroom chemistry and supplies
Equipment maintenance
Community programming
Photo Opp’s mission of providing accessible photography education
Group Use
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.
Accessibility Information
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.
Ready to book?
Need negs?
catch one of our monthly development nights