Photography 101: Darkroom Access in Philadelphia
by Emily O’Donnell

In under a century the practice of photography has changed form many times, evolving with the world around it and the artists who create it. The first photographs were exposed upon metal, then glass and finally paper when the darkroom became standard. Film photography is a dying art form, digital photography is easier, faster and more readily available in the world. For many students and artists, however, film photography is the only way to go.

With many schools eliminating their darkrooms to make way for fancy digital labs, working with film can be a challenge. In Philadelphia, there are several independent darkrooms operating daily. These safe havens for film enthusiasts proves that traditional methods still have a place in our digital society.

Project Basho is the best of the three darkrooms in the city. Located on Germantown Avenue in Old Kensington (1305 Germantown Ave.) Project Basho has almost single handedly revived darkroom work for independent artists in Philadelphia. They offer individual darkrooms available for rent as well as communal space for only $8 an hour. Both black and white as well as color darkrooms are available.

Project Basho also offers a wide variety of creative photography classes and workshops including gum bichromate, palladium and large format negative printing. These art forms have largely been disregarded in recent years as film photography falls to the wayside but Project Basho goes above and beyond to ensure that all the older photographic processes are still available for learning. They also concede to the digital age by offering tutorials in photoshop and the digital SLR. The building also serves as gallery space for students and members which is immensely helpful for any young photographer seeking to have their work seen.

Another well known darkroom in Philadelphia is Yo Darkroom located closer to Center City (113 N. 23rd Street). Yo Darkroom is another excellent resource for film enthusiasts, especially students as they are typically open until 11 p.m. Yo Darkroom offers classes not only for artists and students but for children as well. They have several classes available including how to make a pin hole camera, alternative processes and much more. Yo Darkroom focuses on providing a comfortable space for developing and printing as well as expanding your knowledge as a photographer.

An often overlooked resource in Philadelphia is the Fleisher Art Memorial in South Philly (719 Catharine Street). Fleisher offers darkroom classes every semester with a low tuition cost and excellent facilities. The darkroom classes are often in high demand and students must enroll in a lottery to get a spot in the class. The darkroom facilities are excellent and classes are often small and informal. It is more like a gathering of local photographers meeting to work in the communal darkroom, with occasional critiques and reviews. I went to Fleisher in 2007 for the advanced photo class and enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of the staff and students. I recommend Fleisher for any serious hobbyists or amateurs with an interest in learning darkroom photography.

To learn more visit the following websites
Project Basho: http://www.projectbasho.org
Yo Darkroom: http://www.yodarkroom.com
Fleisher: http://www.fleisher.org