Methods in Alternative Process II - Winter 2025

Methods in Alternative Process II builds on the foundations established in the Methods I course, with a focus on the techniques of the hand coating alternative processes. The course introduces a basic history of alternative printing methods and explores how contemporary photographers/artists have returned to these beautiful processes with fresh ideas and practices.

During the ten-weeks, students will work with at least one printing-out process and one, more sophisticated, developing-out process with the aim to gain a foundation for practical application of these methods. Building on the techniques learned in Methods I, this course will further student understanding of the applications of digital controls as well as exploring the chemical controls within each process. The importance of chemical safety and handling, setting up good workflow habits, understanding a variety of substrates, and the art of hand coating are emphasized throughout. In practicing these processes, and a few variations, students will be exposed to the skills and techniques to work with a range of alternative printing methods. Students who complete the Methods II course will be eligible for more advanced topics in alternative processing or project specific courses.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS

• Students must have proficient knowledge of creating digital negatives and of black and white darkroom procedure, equivalent to the skills gained in Methods in Alternative Processes I or related offerings such as Silver & Platinum Printing with Digital Negatives, to join this class.
• The Materials Fee for the course includes materials used for demonstrations, in-class and some outside-of-class printing (details to be provided during first class), and other costs associated with in-class use of the alternative process lab. Additional supplies for completing assignments are the responsibility of the student.
• Weekly attendance is vital to student success in PCNW courses. We require that students attend the first meeting in order to retain their spot in the class. A waiver may be granted if permission is given by, and subsequent arrangements made with, both the PCNW Registrar and Faculty. Please see our Education Policies for details about attendance policies and academic expectations.
• PCNW adheres to a strict payment, cancellation and refund policy. Please review our Payment & Refund Policies prior to registration.
• Intermediate and advanced courses have prerequisites which students must satisfy prior to enrollment. Prerequisites may be waived based on experience or prior courses taken through other institutions. To verify that you meet the prerequisite(s) for a course, contact Jennifer Brendicke, Registrar at jbrendicke@pcnw.org.
• Students are required to provide their own camera, unless otherwise noted in the course description. If you have questions about camera equipment or resources, contact us at pcnw@pcnw.org.
• Additional materials and supplies, not covered by a materials fee for a course, are the responsibility of the student. Detailed information about course expectations, required texts and materials will be provided at the start of the quarter.
• Students should prepare to spend several hours per week completing assignments outside of class, which may require use of the PCNW facilities; view our Rental Rates for details about additional fees. Rental fees for use of PCNW Facilities are a separate cost from tuition.

Image © Carlo Bellabarba, PCNW Student