Hello All,
First of all, I wasn't entirely sure where to put this and saw this has a decent amount of traffic so if it needs to be moved I understand.
I have an idea that I really want to see develop (see what I did there) in the real world. The reason for posting here is to get some advice on some of the possible hurdles to overcome from those of you that have done something similar or know what to plan for. I have a plan to open a public darkroom!
I have started to talk to some people on a local scale but will branch out to here when it comes time about usable camera donations among other equipment that you aren't using (wouldn't you like to see your equipment being used instead of collecting dust in your closet?) The goal is to get those who want to learn or get back to the "good ol days" of film to shoot film. The donations would be for anyone who is wanting to learn, an initial camera on loan to shoot a few rolls to see whether or not they want to pursue it without investing a bunch of money.
Locally, there isn't much as far as darkrooms and the ones that I know of are either private residents or school. I have many friends and know many people that like to or want to shoot film but don't have much in the way of processing. I am fortunate enough to have access here and there but would like a dedicated place to develop and teach those who want to learn.
Scenario: Jill calls ahead or comes in the doors one day wanting to learn, so we sit down for a bit and talk about the basics. I get some basic info on her, sign her out a camera and sell/give her a few rolls of film (still working on the details.) A week or two later go by as she shoots the film and she finishes the last frame. She will call up and set up a time so we can get on with phase two and that is learning the developing of the film. If there are good negatives we will proceed into the basics of the darkroom. It there aren't any usable frames we will figure out the problem and back track. Once Jill learns the darkroom and starts printing photos she is proud of we will move on presenting the photos in a room (that will be a room that will also be used as a classroom for lectures/ classes/ alt. processing/ advanced techniques ect.) for some time so people can come in and view at their leisure.
In a few months time providing the level of commitment, Jill has moved from novice to amateur and presenting her work like photography should be!
Once a patron shows great progress and wants to move into the big boy/girl league we will pursue a gallery showing including learning to mount and frame. It will be done in a formal manner including promotion for the event drinks and food . This will allow them to possibly earn a few dollars and get their name out there.
There is definitely a resurgence in film and want to feed that in my area. Just like in painting and sculpting, you have different mediums like oil, water color, acrylic and stone, clay, wood ect.. I believe that people will start to choose between digital and film depending on their process and style, mine just so happens to be film as it is for everyone else on here.
Since the digital epidemic has plagued us (just a metaphor to those of you that shoot digital as I have no problem with it) very few people print their work. It's a shame if you ask me and I am trying to do just that, PRINT!
I have pitched this idea to a few friends and everyone seems to love the idea and can see it happening. One of my friends threw out an idea that is worth pursuing, what about a 501(c)(3) non profit? I'll also add that I am planning on doing a kick starter to help with the initial funds. I am just learning this stuff and want to know if anyone here has any info like, in order to be an educational not for profit, do i need a certified teacher? or is my knowledge in cameras and processing good enough? What about ventilation and safety precautions that the city will look at (I know every city is going to be different so I am looking for general assumptions)
I want to know what it is going to take to open a public access darkroom. I have a pretty good idea about the actual equipment like mixing containers, chemicals, tanks and reels, enlargers and dryers so on blah blah blah. What about an eye sprayer for chemicals? msds info? sprinkler system since there are chemicals involved? is there any precautions for chemicals down the drain?
Now that you have heard part of my plan and what information I am looking for, any more recommendations would be greatly appreciated! I really want to see this plan get off the ground and start developing.
Thanks to all of you that have made it this far!!
-Ryan
First of all, I wasn't entirely sure where to put this and saw this has a decent amount of traffic so if it needs to be moved I understand.
I have an idea that I really want to see develop (see what I did there) in the real world. The reason for posting here is to get some advice on some of the possible hurdles to overcome from those of you that have done something similar or know what to plan for. I have a plan to open a public darkroom!
I have started to talk to some people on a local scale but will branch out to here when it comes time about usable camera donations among other equipment that you aren't using (wouldn't you like to see your equipment being used instead of collecting dust in your closet?) The goal is to get those who want to learn or get back to the "good ol days" of film to shoot film. The donations would be for anyone who is wanting to learn, an initial camera on loan to shoot a few rolls to see whether or not they want to pursue it without investing a bunch of money.
Locally, there isn't much as far as darkrooms and the ones that I know of are either private residents or school. I have many friends and know many people that like to or want to shoot film but don't have much in the way of processing. I am fortunate enough to have access here and there but would like a dedicated place to develop and teach those who want to learn.
Scenario: Jill calls ahead or comes in the doors one day wanting to learn, so we sit down for a bit and talk about the basics. I get some basic info on her, sign her out a camera and sell/give her a few rolls of film (still working on the details.) A week or two later go by as she shoots the film and she finishes the last frame. She will call up and set up a time so we can get on with phase two and that is learning the developing of the film. If there are good negatives we will proceed into the basics of the darkroom. It there aren't any usable frames we will figure out the problem and back track. Once Jill learns the darkroom and starts printing photos she is proud of we will move on presenting the photos in a room (that will be a room that will also be used as a classroom for lectures/ classes/ alt. processing/ advanced techniques ect.) for some time so people can come in and view at their leisure.
In a few months time providing the level of commitment, Jill has moved from novice to amateur and presenting her work like photography should be!
Once a patron shows great progress and wants to move into the big boy/girl league we will pursue a gallery showing including learning to mount and frame. It will be done in a formal manner including promotion for the event drinks and food . This will allow them to possibly earn a few dollars and get their name out there.
There is definitely a resurgence in film and want to feed that in my area. Just like in painting and sculpting, you have different mediums like oil, water color, acrylic and stone, clay, wood ect.. I believe that people will start to choose between digital and film depending on their process and style, mine just so happens to be film as it is for everyone else on here.
Since the digital epidemic has plagued us (just a metaphor to those of you that shoot digital as I have no problem with it) very few people print their work. It's a shame if you ask me and I am trying to do just that, PRINT!
I have pitched this idea to a few friends and everyone seems to love the idea and can see it happening. One of my friends threw out an idea that is worth pursuing, what about a 501(c)(3) non profit? I'll also add that I am planning on doing a kick starter to help with the initial funds. I am just learning this stuff and want to know if anyone here has any info like, in order to be an educational not for profit, do i need a certified teacher? or is my knowledge in cameras and processing good enough? What about ventilation and safety precautions that the city will look at (I know every city is going to be different so I am looking for general assumptions)
I want to know what it is going to take to open a public access darkroom. I have a pretty good idea about the actual equipment like mixing containers, chemicals, tanks and reels, enlargers and dryers so on blah blah blah. What about an eye sprayer for chemicals? msds info? sprinkler system since there are chemicals involved? is there any precautions for chemicals down the drain?
Now that you have heard part of my plan and what information I am looking for, any more recommendations would be greatly appreciated! I really want to see this plan get off the ground and start developing.
Thanks to all of you that have made it this far!!
-Ryan
