THE DIY DARKROOM is a shared space between the Holland Project and Laika Press, located at 136 Vesta Street next door to Holland Project. It is an independent-use black & white only darkroom equipped for processing and printing of 35mm and 120 film. All black & white processing chemicals and equipment are provided, and photographers are responsible for supplying their own film and paper. The darkroom space includes one Beseler 23C enlarger, neg carriers, filters, easels, rinse tray, and more. The darkroom is also equipped with all the gear for film processing, including film changing bags, processing tanks, and reels (take-home film processing kits are also available for rental). There is a small dry area outside of the darkroom, which includes a light table for viewing negatives and a paper cutter for trimming prints. An Epson v600 film scanner is also available for use upon request (B.Y.O. laptop or reserve Holland’s).
HOW IT WORKS
The DIY Darkroom offers an autonomous working environment and is available for single sessions and membership use to photographers from the community who…
1.) Submit an APPLICATION FORM
2.) Complete an orientation and/or darkroom 101 workshop
3.) Sign an agreement/liability form
Applications are reviewed once weekly, at which point all applicants are followed up with via email for orientation/workshop scheduling. Once your application is approved and you have completed an orientation and/or any necessary workshops, you will gain access to our scheduler, where you can book time to use the darkroom.
EXPERIENCE/PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS – Photographers of all experience levels are welcome and encouraged to apply to use the DIY Darkroom; however, anyone interested in booking independent time in the darkroom should have a good understanding of the film development and/or printing process prior to rental. For our safety and that of our renters, we will not book anyone to use the darkroom who does not have sufficient knowledge and experience to use the facilities and equipment competently and without supervision. This is a Do-It-Yourself space, and staff may not always be on-site for troubleshooting/assistance and will not be able to assist renters with completing their film processing or printing projects.
First-time users of the DIY Darkroom will be given a brief safety and facilities orientation prior to booking their first session. Beginners who are interested in using the darkroom will need to complete a Darkroom 101 Workshop and/or B&W Film Developing Workshop in order to gain access for booking and independent use of the DIY Darkroom space.
Whatever your skill level, please go ahead and complete an application form, and we’ll help register you for the appropriate workshop or orientation as applicable!
SCHEDULING + PRICING – The darkroom is available for booking daily for private 3-hr sessions. Reservations are required and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Darkroom drop-in rates are $20 for a single 3-hour session. Monthly darkroom memberships are available for $50/month and include daily access up to 75 hours/month + discounts on darkroom/photography specific workshops hosted by The Holland Project. Black-out dates may occur during special events/workshops.
WORKSHOPS – We offer darkroom courses and workshops for all levels! Group workshops in B&W Film Developing are offered bi-monthly at the Holland Project, and one-on-one Darkroom 101 workshops are offered quarterly. In October 2025, we will be hosting a Community Darkroom inside Laika Press, where we’ll offer a range of darkroom and analog photography workshops multiple times throughout the month. To view our upcoming schedule, visit the workshops page on our site.
VOLUNTEER – The DIY Darkroom is a volunteer-driven space! If you’re interested in volunteering at the darkroom, please note this in your application. We’ll follow up with all interested potential volunteers after your orientation.
Questions about the DIY Darkroom? Email alisha@hollandreno.org