This isn’t just photography—it’s about embracing the slower, more intentional process that gives each image its unique depth, detail, and texture. From the moment you load your film into a film camera to the magic of watching your photo appear in the darkroom, this workshop will take you back to the roots of the craft.
After an insightful introduction to analogue photography, we’ll hit the vibrant streets of Gangtok for an exciting hands-on Photo Walk. This is your opportunity to take everything you've learned and put it into action as you capture the dynamic and lively scenes of the town. Whether you’re shooting the bustling markets, quiet alleyways, or spontaneous moments, it’s your chance to embrace street photography with a fresh perspective.
Once we've soaked in the energy of Gangtok, we’ll return to the darkroom where the magic happens developing the images you’ve captured! This is where analogue photography comes to life in its purest form. You’ll get to develop your own film, step by step, and watch your street photos emerge right before your eyes.
The process of developing your images is one of the most rewarding aspects of analogue photography. It’s where the true artistry of the craft unfolds, and you'll truly appreciate the creativity and precision that goes into every shot.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see your photography come to life in the darkroom, and experience the magic of film photography from start to finish! Dates: 29th-30th March 2025 Location: Echostream, Gangtok, Sikkim Workshop Fee: ₹4000 / For Students ₹3000 (Valid Student ID required) Fee Includes: One roll of film, use of darkroom essential tools and equipment, and all chemicals required for developing your film. *The workshop fee is a donation to The Confluence Collective. The fund plays a vital role in supporting our work and enables us to continue offering programs that are accessible to all. No film camera? No problem! We’ve got you covered. We’ll provide a film camera for you to use, so you can jump right in and start shooting!
What You’ll Learn: 1. Introduction to Analogue Photography
◦ What is Analogue Photography?
◦ Differences Between Digital and Film Photography.
◦ Historical Overview of Black and White Photography.
2. Film Photography Basics
◦ Types of Film (35mm, 120mm)
◦ Camera Types and Their Uses (Rangefinders, SLRs, Point and Shoot, TLRs)
◦ Manual Camera Settings: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO
3. Shooting Black and White Film
◦ Exposure Triangle: Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO
◦ Understanding Film Grain and Texture
◦ Composing for Black and White Photography
◦ Techniques for Shooting in Different Lighting
4. Developing Black and White Film
◦ Darkroom Setup and Basic Equipment
◦ Chemicals Used in Film Development: Developer, Stop Bath, Fixer
◦ Step-by-Step Film Development Process
▪ Loading Film into Developing Tank
▪ Mixing Chemicals and Temperature Control
▪ Development Timing and Agitation
◦ Post-Development Care: Washing and Drying Film
5. Digitizing Your Negatives
◦ Introduction to Film Scanning
◦ Scanning Film with a Flatbed Scanner or Dedicated Film Scanner
◦ Digitizing Film Using a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera (DIY Method)
◦ Adjusting Scanned Images for Digital Use (Exposure, Contrast, etc.)
◦ File Formats: TIFF vs. JPEG and When to Use Each
6. Editing and Enhancing Scanned Images
◦ Basic Photo Editing in Software (e.g., Lightroom, Photoshop)
◦ Correcting Exposure and Contrast
◦ Converting to Black and White in Digital Software
◦ Enhancing Details: Sharpening and Noise Reduction
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
◦ Overexposure, Underexposure, and How to Fix Them
◦ Common Developing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
◦ Scanning Issues: Banding, Dust, and Color Casts
8. Creative Tips for Black and White Photography
◦ Using Contrast, Texture, and Grain for Artistic Effect
◦ How to Develop a Personal Style in Black and White Photography
9. Conclusion and Next Steps
◦ How to Continue Practicing and Improving Your Skills ◦ Recommended Resources (Books, Websites, and Communities)
◦ Where to Buy Film and Developing Supplies
MENTORS -
Chinlop Fudong Lepcha a seasoned photographer from Kalimpong, West Bengal, has over three decades of experience in film photography. His journey began at age 14 with his first camera, a Yashica FX3 Super, and evolved into a deep passion for analog photography. With a diploma in photography from the Birla Institute of Futuristic Studies, Kolkata, Chinlop has worked as a photojournalist for The Telegraph and various local publications, and his work has been featured in travel and tourism magazines. His first solo exhibitions were held in 1999, 2003, and 2004, and he was awarded a consolation prize in the 15th National Photo Contest by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Honored by the Rotary Club of Kalimpong for his contributions to photography, Chinlop also served as a judge for the 2012 Wedding Photographer of the Year contest. With his expertise and passion for analog photography, Chinlop will inspire participants in this Black & White Analog Workshop. Follow on Instagram - Chinlop Fudong Lepcha Yawan Rai is a freelance photographer and the founder of Studio Tetteluna, a fine art printing studio in Gangtok, established in 2019. The name "Tetteluna," meaning "slowness" in the Dumi Rai language, reflects his intentional approach to both photography and printmaking, with a particular focus on the timeless art of film photography.
After completing a Photography Diploma in 2014 from Delhi, Yawan returned home to deepen his craft, merging his professional work with his cultural roots. In 2022, he was selected as a participant in the Black & White Darkroom Workshop with Srinivas Kuruganti, supported by the Murthy Nayak Foundation.
Yawan's passion for film photography is evident in his studio, which remains the only place in the Darjeeling hills and Sikkim where film is still developed. His work predominantly centers on documenting the stories and rituals of the eastern Himalayan Kirat communities, especially the indigenous Dumi Rai people, through both oral and written narratives. Yawan’s commitment to film photography continues to shape his artistic practice, where the process of developing and printing holds as much significance as the final photograph itself. Follow on Instagram - Yawan Rai
Aswin Sharma is a photographer based in Kalimpong, India, with a strong passion for photography and filmmaking. In 2021, he was selected as a participant in the Black & White Darkroom Workshop with Srinivas Kuruganti, supported by the Murthy Nayak Foundation. While he has worked as a Citizen Journalist with Youth Ki Awaaz, his primary focus remains on photography and film.
Aswin has received several accolades for his work, including the Citizen Journalism Youth Media Award in 2020, the Stories from Within Photography Grant supported by India Foundation for Arts in 2021, and he was also a co-winner of the Toto Photography Awards in 2023. His dedication to storytelling through the lens continues to shape his unique approach to visual arts.
Follow on Instagram - Aswin Sharma
Limited Seats: Only 12 Participants!
This workshop is designed to provide a personalized learning experience, so spaces are limited. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of analogue photography!
APPLY NOW - APPLICATION FORM
Deadline to Apply: 25th March 2025
This workshop is supported by Srishti Digilife Ilford Photo Studio Tetteluna Venue partner echostream The Introduction to Analogue Photography workshop will continue to be held in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim in the future.
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