Upcoming Workshops //

Sustainable Darkroom Practices | Plant-Based Development with the Photographic Resource Center.
Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 12:00–5:00 PM

About the Workshop

Experiment with sustainable darkroom practices through exploring low-toxicity black and white film developers using foraged plants and household materials as an alternative to commercial darkroom chemistries. 

REGISTER HERE

In this 5 hour workshop, participants will shoot 1-2 rolls of 35mm film to be developed in the well-equipped photography studios at Lesley Art + Design. We will brew foraged plants into an active developer to process the first roll of film and, based on these results, make educated adjustments to our recipe and development duration for the second roll. In addition to using low-toxicity developers, after fixing, we will wash our film with the Ilford wash method to reduce water waste. After the film is dried, we will review film scanning with Epson scanners for high resolution image documentation. 

Participants are strongly encouraged to bring reusable gloves (such as dishwashing gloves) and a towel to further engage with sustainable darkroom practices. 

A list of suggested materials, equipment, and a basic plant-based recipe will be provided for participants who wish to continue experimenting with plant developers at home.

You'll Learn

  • Sustainable film development using plant-based chemistry

  • Loading and developing 35mm film

  • Mixing plant-based developers

  • Water-saving darkroom techniques

  • Troubleshooting experimental development

  • Scanning film for digital output

A 35mm film camera with an accurate light meter is required.
If you're in need of a camera for this workshop, some are available
for loan through Lesley College of Art + Design. Please make a note
of this in your registration. All other materials will be provided.
No previous experience developing film is necessary. 

This is an experimental film developing process.
Participants should embrace the process with an open mind and
expect variation in results.

PRC Members: $200 + $20 materials fee
Non-Members: $240 + $20 materials fee
Materials fee includes chemistry and film.