Darkroom printing
From negative to print: working with the enlarger
Got developed negatives and want to make prints? This workshop is the natural second step of the analogue process: the enlarger, the paper and the tray.
The magical moment
There is a moment in the photographic process you never forget: when the image slowly appears in the developer tray. First a diffuse grey, then the shadows, the details, the mid-tones. The enlarger projects the negative onto the paper. Chemistry does the rest.
This workshop is the natural continuation of film development. You bring your negatives, we choose the frames worth printing and we work on the print: exposure, contrast, local controls. It’s not a complicated technique, but it requires patience, repetition and a certain feel for tone.
Key contents
- The enlarger: parts, focus and light measurement
- Paper types: RC vs fibre, multigrade, matt/glossy/pearl finishes
- Test strip and exposure reading
- Print development: developer, stop bath, fixer, wash
- Local controls: dodging (lightening areas) and burning (darkening areas)
- Finishing: glazer, drying and presentation
What’s included
- Multigrade RC photographic paper (4–6 sheets)
- Chemicals: paper developer, stop bath, fixer
- Use of the enlarger and darkroom
What to bring
- Developed 35mm or medium format negatives. If you don’t have any, we work with sample negatives.
Not included
- Additional paper (+€2/sheet RC, +€4/sheet fibre)
- Large-format fibre paper (enquire)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know how to develop film to make paper prints?
You need to have developed film before and to have negatives (your own or practice ones). If you have never developed, start with the Introduction to film development or B&W Development workshop.
How many prints will I make and what paper is included?
The workshop includes paper. Additional paper and fibre paper cost extra (+2 €/sheet RC, +4 €/sheet fibre). Each participant works at the enlarger and takes their dry prints home.
Where can I learn darkroom printing in Barcelona?
At Llumàtics, at Nau Bostik (Carrer Ferran Turné 1-11, La Sagrera, Barcelona 08027), in groups of up to 4 students. The workshop lasts 4 hours and starts at €220 for one student.
Workshop details
- Objective
- Produce paper prints from your own negatives, controlling exposure, contrast and tonality.
- Methodology
- Hands-on work at the enlarger from the very first minute. Each student works with their own negatives.
- Outcome
- 3–5 finished black-and-white prints, made by the student.
- Prerequisites
- You need developed 35mm or medium format negatives. If you don't have any, do the Film Development workshop first.
- Who it's for
- People who have already developed film and want to complete the process through to a finished print.
Keep learning
Already done this workshop?
Access student materials →