The virtues of contact printing are many. Because you are doing the coating yourself, you can choose from a variety of sublime fine art papers and even cloth. You can use digital or analog negatives along with found objects like lace, plant life and more. You can use sunlight or a UV exposure unit. Contact printing opens doors to an array of historic processes. In this half day workshop, students work with the oft-underappreciated Van Dyke Brown (VDB) and the celebrated Cyanotype.

 VDB is a 3-part process that results in rich sepia tones with levers to adjust the contrast and color temperature. Cyanotype, less nimble and more expressionistic, is renowned for its arresting Prussian blue. You will walk away having learned about chemistry, how to coat paper, employ UV exposure, make contact prints and finish with archival practices.

PREPARATION: Bring your black and white analog or digital negative(s), no larger than 5X7. If you would like for us to digitally print your negative for you, please select “ADD ON: Digital Negative” in checkout and send us a link to your digital file (TIFF, 300 dpi, 5X7 max). Feel free to bring extra paper (unbuffered, 100% cotton) and/or semi-transparent objects for photograms as well — dried plants, lace, you name it. And, bring a snack/drink for lunch.

No prior darkroom experience is required. Parental consent required for children under 18 years old (minimum age is 15). This class has a min age of 15, however, it is also OK for an adult to bring a child (under 15) as a partner who will not count towards minimum enrollment, for a $50 fee. 

Time: Saturday, Oct 25th: 11am-2:30pm
Maximum capacity: 8
Minimum capacity: 2
Cost: $150 ($125 plus $25 lab fee)
Parent-Child Friendly: Yes
Instructors: Holden Richards & Phyllis B. Dooney