Homemade film developers represent an appealing and less-toxic substitute for commercially available products, while providing an engaging way to experiment with the appearance and character of photographic images. This online course offers an introduction to the creative possibilities of handcrafted black-and-white film developers, featuring explorations of caffenol, mint, wine, and similar household ingredients in various combinations.
Through clear, accessible instruction and visually comprehensive demonstrations, students will examine how chemical elements interact with negative emulsion, explore the foundational components of developer creation, and reflect on the ways that homemade developers can foster and expand artistic expression in analog work. Coursework includes weekly hands-on assignments with modest reading and writing requirements. By the conclusion of this course, participants will have processed and exposed three distinct rolls of film, each utilizing a different DIY developer formulation; this practical experience opens pathways to more environmentally conscious and less chemically intensive photographic practices.
Appropriate for practitioners of all skill levels, this workshop is specifically designed for creative individuals who wish to expand their expressive capabilities and resources within analog photography.
Non-alcoholic alternatives will be presented and discussed to support those who cannot incorporate alcohol in their practice.
