Work in the Darkroom

 
 
View inside of the darkroom created by artist Luke Stettner at the Mattress Factory for his collaborative exhibition, State of the Sky, 2023-2026

Image: View of the darkroom from CPCA Co-founder Luke Stettner’s exhibition State of the Sky at The Mattress Factory, 2023-2026.

The Darkroom Opens November 1, 2026!

CPCA’s community darkroom is a place to slow down, work by hand, and make photographs through process, experimentation, and discovery. Open to experienced photographers and those developing a darkroom practice, the space supports black-and-white film processing, silver-gelatin printing, and sustained creative work within a shared community of artists.

Hourly access is available to the public, with expanded access and benefits available through CPCA Darkroom Memberships.

Darkroom class offerings will begin in Winter 2027.

View Darkroom Memberships

Artists have the opportunity to work on professionally maintained equipment with knowledgeable volunteers available to answer questions.

All darkroom users must first complete an orientation (schedule below). The orientation is not a workshop, rather a chance to get to know the space and make sure folks are set up to begin working independently or connected with the right instruction to get started. We’re here to help if you’re new to a process or technique.

Member & Non-member Access:
After completing orientation and/or any required training, Darkroom members and non-members can reserve a workstation during Open Access Hours (Wednesday - Sunday, 10am-6pm) by clicking the button below. Reservations are required for darkroom access. If you are looking for 24/7 access to the studio, check out our Darkroom 24/7 Access Membership.

Non-members will pay for their hourly access at the start of their session when they arrive to the print shop and sign in.

Whether you’re becoming a member or planning to use an hourly pass, please sign up for a Darkroom Orientation before scheduling time in the studio. Thank you!

Have you already completed a Darkroom Orientation? If so, yay! Please reserve the darkroom workstation for the date you plan to visit the studio to ensure it’s available for you:

Reserve Darkroom Workstation

CPCA’s community darkroom is set up for full black & white film processing and silver gelatin printing.

Our enlargers can accommodate the following film sizes:
35mm, 120 roll film formats (6×4.5, 6×6, 6×7, 6×9), and 4×5 sheet film

Maximum printable paper size:
20in x 24in

Enlargers:
• 1x Beseler 45MCRS with motorized chassis (workstation is accessible by wheelchair)

• 2x Beseler 23C III-XL

• 2x Beseler 23C II-XL

See the full equipment & materials list here.