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09/29/2026 - 10/06/2026

Darkroom

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Black & White Darkroom Basics

Experience the satisfaction of creating photographs by hand in the darkroom. This two-evening workshop introduces the fundamentals of black and white darkroom photography, from developing film to creating your own photographic prints. 

The first evening begins with an orientation to the darkroom and an introduction to developing black and white negative film. The second session focuses on learning the basics of darkroom printing, including how to use an enlarger, control contrast and exposure, and produce high-quality prints from your negatives. You’ll also explore classic darkroom techniques such as dodging and burning, along with proper archival processing and washing methods to help your prints last for years to come. 

With ample supervised darkroom time, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment, refine your images, and gain confidence to working with traditional photographic tools and processes on your own in the AGB community darkroom.

Whether you’re new to film photography or curious about analogue techniques, this workshop will get you up and running in the darkroom quickly while offering a creative break from the digital world. 

Students can bring their own 35mm film camera or use one supplied. All other materials are provided. 

About the Instructor

Sonya de Laat is a Hamilton-based photographer drawn to the medium’s many creative, social, and political potentials. After years of working and experimenting with different digital photography treatments, she has found a renewed sense of creative flow through exploration of nineteenth century photography techniques and alternative photography methods. She is an active member of the Latow Photographers Guild, housed within the Art Gallery of Burlington, currently acting as the guild’s secretary. Sonya has a Diploma in Photography from Algonquin College, and degrees in Anthropology (McMaster) and Media Studies (Western), where she focused on developing professional photography skills and studied histories of humanitarian photography. When not engaging in her creative photography practice, she works as a Research Associate at McMaster University and a Historical Interpreter at Whitehern Historical House & Garden for the City of Hamilton.