Special Effects: Creative Darkroom Techniques - Summer 2026

Explore the experimental side of silver gelatin printing and the unique techniques that can help you achieve a look that it is outside the scope of traditional analog printing. Play with the rules of printing through processes like selective development, multiple exposures, the Sabatier effect and more. Along with learning and practicing these special techniques, we’ll discover the historical context of printing outside normal procedure by looking at work from photographers, past and present, who have pioneered and elevated the use of these processes. Throughout the course students will work towards a final project in which they are encouraged not only to apply experimental techniques, but to combine and build off what they have learned to create images that are truly one-of-a-kind. This class is designed for students who are comfortable in the darkroom and looking to stretch their ideas of black and white print aesthetics.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS

• 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.

Images © Aiden Sales, Anna Van Zeijts, and Leilel Kirske from Special Effects class Winter 2025