Darkroom: Color Photography (Monday)
Adult Class | Available
In this class, we will explore traditional color darkroom photography. You will develop 35mm and medium-format negatives and create enlargements from those formats, as well as from 4x5 color film, using analog color chemistry and darkroom processes. This hands-on course focuses on building skills in color printing and working with film-based photography.
What You Will Learn:
- How to develop color negative film.
- How to enlarge, color correct, and print your own color photographs using traditional chemistry.
- How to solarize a print in color! (a phenomenon in photography in which the image recorded on a photographic print is wholly or partially reversed in tone. Dark areas appear light or light areas appear dark.
- How to print from color slides.
Who Is This Class For:
Open to all levels including true beginners. Questions about whether this class is right for you? Email adulteducation@fleisher.org.
Accessibility Note: This studio has partial stair access. The main workspace is reachable via an alternate entrance, but some areas require stairs. Please contact adulteducation@fleisher.org to discuss accommodations.
Please note: There is no class scheduled for 9/21 (Yom Kippur) or 10/12 (Indigenous Peoples' Day).
You will need a camera to shoot new rolls of film. This can be any kind of film, b&w or color, even E-6 slides, but ideally to start, C-41 color film.
The instructor will cover additional supplies and explain what kind of photo paper to purchase on the first day of class.
You will also need, but can wait until the 2nd class:
- An exposed roll of color film (35MM, or 120MM), or any previously shot sets of negatives.
- 8x10 photo print files
- 3 ring binder notebook for storing negatives & prints
- Fujicolor RA-4 photo paper
Places to go for supplies:
- B&H Photo
- Webbcam, 241 N. 12th, 215-923-8380
- Freestyle Photo
- Unique Photo, 28 S 2nd St, 215-608-2222
Dale McCarthy
Dale McCarthy is a Philadelphia-based photographer working primarily with 35mm and medium-format film. He maintains a fully hands-on process, developing all film personally and producing the majority of his prints in his home darkroom. He was a public school teacher for twelve years and is currently a member of the Halide Project. He is a frequent collaborator with artists, writers, and bands, providing portrait work for use in press materials and album art. His work has appeared in various group shows and publications, and his first solo exhibition of silver gelatin prints was on view in spring of 2026 at The SPACE Art Gallery in Philadelphia.