Come and experience the magic of Analogue Photography. Our two part, hands on workshops, explores the basics of Black and White film based photography; from capture, to the processing of film and printing the images. The CPB Foundation is excited to open its new community darkroom for the first time with this weekend workshop series. 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  

Batch 1: Friday, May 26th to Sunday, May 29th 2023.

Workshop Cost - Rs 3,500 per person for Darkroom 101

Rs 6,500 total for a combo of 101 & 102

Student Discount - 25% against valid student ID

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

Group Size - Minimum 4 up to a maximum of 10 participants.

Venue: CPB Foundation, Kotivakkam, Chennai.

Are you interested in learning the fundamentals of film photography and gaining hands-on experience with developing and scanning your own rolls of 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 film photography. You'll learn how to use a film camera, properly expose film, develop your own rolls, and scan your negatives. Each participant will have the opportunity to shoot two half-rolls of film and develop 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 - May 26th - Presentation and Classroom Practice

4 pm to 7 pm - Welcome Note & Introduction to Film Photography

1. Welcome Note by the instructor

2. Round of introductions

3. Discussing the Why of film photography

4. A brief history & overview of film photography

5. Show & Tell - looking at various cameras and formats

6. Knowing your camera 

7. Knowing your Film and understanding characteristic like grain, speed etc.

8. Metering with your camera

9. Loading film into the camera

10. Unloading film

11. Spool loading film for development

Each participant will receive 2 (two) half rolls of 35mm black and white film to shoot and develop. On day 1 we will help you load the first roll into your camera. You will have the following morning to step out and shoot the roll. 

Saturday - May 27th - In Lab Demo & Hands-on practice

12 am to 12.45pm: Demo on Film Development & Scanning - 

[participants must complete shooting the roll before 11 am]

1. How to prepare the environment 

2. Choices of chemistry and dilution

3. Mixing chemicals 

4. Steps of development 

5. Timing and agitation 

6. Drying the negative 

7. Cutting and storage

8. Scanning - Resolutions & Format

1 pm to 3 pm - Lab Hours - Developing - 1st roll  

Participants will work in pairs to develop their own rolls of film. Once the negatives are dry you will have to scan your negatives. During the scanning process, the mentor will provide feedback on results and indicate areas/methods for improvement. 

3pm - 3.30pm - Demo - Scanning

4 pm to 7pm - Lab Hours - Scanning

All participants will receive a 2nd half roll of film to load, shoot, develop and scan before 4 pm on Sunday. 

Sunday - May 28th - Lab Hours & Slideshow with Group Discussion

10 am to 4 pm - Lab Hours 

Participants can sign up for slots in the lab and scanner between 10 am to 4 pm to complete their 2nd roll. All participants must have completed scanning both rolls by 4 pm on Sunday. 

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm - Critique & Discussion

The instructor will work with each student to identify 2-3 images from the two rolls of film scans. The selected images will be projected and the group will gather to discuss informally the learnings from the experience. The CPB team will outline ways in which participants can expand their interest in analogue photography and opportunities to continue shooting and developing film.