Our darkroom is one of the only darkrooms in the Washington, D.C. area available for public use. Facilities are designed for Black and White film only. Come visit or inquire about usage at photography@chaw.org. 

Sign up for a drop-in session (only for darkroom users who have already completed an orientation at CHAW) 

FACILITIES

Monday-Thursday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Saturday: 9:00am-12:00pm

Orientation ($45) | Individual session ($20) | Scanning session ($10)|Current Photo Students (Free) 

CHAW’s Photography Facilities require an initial orientation to cover general information and policies about space use and equipment. This is not an instructional orientation, users must be familiar with general darkroom workflow. 

For more information or to schedule an orientation please contact:

AB Corson at photography@chaw.org

Follow the CHAW Darkroom on Instagram:  @chawdarkroom.

If you are a current darkroom user with work you would like to showcase, you can submit a post for Instagram on  this form.

Private Lessons:

We now offer private lessons with  Olivia Weise. Lessons are $150 for two hours. Olivia works with all levels of students. You can sign up for a private lesson  here. The schedule will be updated monthly.

FAQS

When is the darkroom open for drop-in hours?

The darkroom is open for drop-in sessions Monday-Thursday 5:30PM-8:30PM and Saturday 9AM-12PM. If you have already completed an orientation at CHAW, you can sign up for a drop-in session here. Our space is limited to three users at a time.

What is the orientation and why do I have to do an orientation before using the darkroom?

Orientation is a 20 minute overview of the CHAW darkroom space and guidelines. Everyone is required to do one with the photography department chair to make sure our rules and systems are consistently communicated.

Note: The orientation is NOT a darkroom lesson.

How do I sign up for orientation?

Anyone who has previous darkroom experience can sign up for an orientation by emailing photography@chaw.org.

I love film photography but do not have darkroom experience, how can I learn?

We offer monthly introductory darkroom seminars, which are published here. If you complete the seminar, you can do an orientation with the photography department chair and then use the darkroom. You can also sign up for a private lesson. More information on private lessons is available  here. We will hopefully offer longer form classes soon.

How can I find out when classes are posted?

If you would like to be informed when classes are posted, email photography@chaw.org to sign up for the email list. Classes are posted here. 

Can I scan my prints and negatives at CHAW?

Yes!  Here are the scanner instructions. You can sign up for a session by using the drop in scheduler (linked above). If you have not done an initial orientation, email photography@chaw.org. Scanning sessions are $10 with the expectation that you are NOT using the darkroom. However, you may use the scanner during a darkroom session if you pay the $20 drop-in fee. Scanning sessions for members are free. You must read the instructions before using it.

The darkroom membership allows easier access to the darkroom at a lower cost than our single session drop-in fee. Members also receive first notice of upcoming classes and events.

General Info:

DARKROOM EQUIPMENT

6 Besler enlargers

B&W Film Chemistry – All provided (D-76 1:1 for processing)

B&W Paper Chemistry – Stop Bath and Fix (Paper Dev and Permafix not provided)

UV exposure box, 20”x24” capacity

Two double sinks

Trays, tongs, measuring cups, thermometers

Negative carriers, contrast filters, easels, contact printers

Patterson and metal film canisters for processing film

Paper drying rack screens

Film drying cabinet

Heat press

*Updated April 2023