Black and White Film Developing Workshop

Before the workshop, we'll provide you with a single-use camera that's already loaded with film, and some tips on shooting film if you've never done it before. Camera pickup time & location arrangements will be made with individual participants after registration.

Once you pick up your camera, you've got until the workshop to shoot 27 photos of your choice! The camera has a built-in flash, and the film in it is rated ISO 400, so you can take photos indoors or outdoors, at almost any time of day.

On the day of the workshop, we'll walk you step-by-step through the process of using a darkbag to load your film into a daylight film developing tank, developing the film with appropriate chemicals, and then unloading it. We'll have time set aside (and extra materials) to practice the tricky parts of the process. Once your film is developed and dry, we'll scan your negatives so that you can enjoy a digital copy of them.

At the end of the workshop, you'll get to take home your physical 35mm negatives and a USB key containing digital scans of your negatives.

Unfortunately, we will not be making prints or enlargements from your negatives during the workshop as that would require more equipment than we have access to!

Do you have a friend that's also intrigued by film photography? Would you feel more at ease with someone to help you out during the workshop? Or just want to make sure you've got company? Your ticket includes the option to bring a friend to the workshop for free!

You and your friend will be sharing one camera and developing a single film during the workshop (although we're happy to provide PPE for your friend as well).

Tickets are priced on a sliding scale to make this workshop accessible to as many people as possible:

• Growing Stability Ticket ($25): for those with tight or fluctuating resources.
• Stable Incoming Ticket ($45): for those with more consistent stability but are still budgeting carefully. This level covers workshop supplies and rental costs.
• Pay It For Me & Forward ($65): for those with steady, reliable financial support and who want to help pay it forward. This level helps cover access costs for other community members.

If cost is a barrier to you attending, please reach out to us and we can attempt to arrange for a fully-sponsored ticket.

For more details, please see this Instagram post.

• A Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white single-use flash camera (provided 1-2 weeks before the workshop)
• All the chemistry and equipment needed to develop your film
• All the PPE you'll need to stay safe while developing your film

• The developed negatives from your camera (we'll provide an archival sleeve to keep them safe)
• A USB key with scans of your negatives
• Pamphlets about the film development process and further resources (if you want to fall down the analog rabbit hole)

The Grove Studio is a COVID-conscious space. To ensure everyone's safety during the workshop, KN95 masks (or better) are mandatory (and available for free) and air filters will be running.

Black and white film development involves chemicals that are moderately dangerous. Nitrile gloves in size medium and protective goggles will be available for all participants. Additionally, material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and an emergency eye wash will be on hand in case of any accidents.

If you need to remove your mask for any reason, or would like to consume any food or drink during the workshop, we ask that you momentarily step out of The Grove Studio to do so.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Grove | Visual Studio | Ottawa, 18 Louisa Street, Ottawa, Canada