Introduction to Darkroom Photography
Taught by Resident Instructor, Michael Wilson
Sundays, 12–3pm
October 4 - 25, 2026
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2026
[ REGISTER HERE ]
Description:
Explore the fundamentals of black-and-white analog photography in this hands-on introductory course. You’ll learn essential skills, including basic camera operation, film processing, contact printing, and creating prints from enlarged negatives, while gaining a solid understanding of darkroom equipment, chemistry, and safety. Designed for both beginners and those looking to refresh their skills, this course provides a supportive, creative environment to build confidence and develop your photographic eye. Upon completion, you’ll have access to the Community Darkroom during Open Lab hours—no orientation needed—so you can continue experimenting and creating on your own.
In this course, students will be introduced to:
- Basic camera operations
- Black & white film processing
- Contact printing
- Black & white printing from enlarged negatives
- Darkroom equipment, chemistry, and safety procedures
Note: Students who complete this class will be qualified to use the Manifest Darkroom during Open Lab hours and will not need to complete an Orientation Session.
Materials List: (link to printable PDF)
Tuition: $230
Course fee includes black & white chemistry and FREE access to all Open Photography Labs during the duration of the course.
Class Size:
Minimum: 5
Maximum: 7
Level of Study: Beginner
No experience? No problem. Or, perhaps you're returning to art after a hiatus. Beginner-level courses are designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in making art. These courses focus on building confidence, developing foundational skills, and encouraging creative exploration.
Suggested Prerequisites: N/A
LOCATION: Unless otherwise specified, all courses are hosted at Manifest's new facility at 'M1' in Clifton at 3464 Central Parkway (see map and directions below). Manifest's new facility provides multiple studio classrooms, private lesson space, a darkroom, a film processing room, a state of the art printmaking wing, and a multi-purpose lecture and class meeting space as well as on-site parking, grounds, and exterior spaces in which to relax, discuss, and make art. The studios are outfitted with professional equipment, furniture, and study aids.
Map to Manifest's M1 Studios | Studio Calendar | Darkroom Calendar
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About the Instructor
Michael Wilson, Manifest's Joseph A. Stoner Resident Instructor of Photography, is a lifelong resident of Cincinnati, residing in Price Hill. He developed his interest in photography while attending Northern Kentucky University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1981. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions at such local venues as Baker Hunt Foundation (Covington, Ky.); Thomas More Gallery, Thomas More College (Crestview Hills, Ky.); In Situ Gallery (Cincinnati, Ohio); Carnegie Visual & Performing Arts Center (Covington, Ky.); as well as the Cincinnati Art Museum and Contemporary Arts Center. Wilson's photographs have been exhibited regionally at the J. B. Speed Museum (Louisville, Ky.); Rosewood Arts Centre (Kettering, Ohio); and Cleveland Center for Contemporary Art (Cleveland, Ohio). His work is represented in the Cincinnati corporate collections of E. W. Scripps; PNC Bank; Frost & Jacobs; Deloitte & Touche; and Duke Energy. He is also represented in the collections of the Cincinnati Art Museum and the J. B. Speed Museum. In addition, his images have been featured in more than three hundred photographic projects working with musicians and record labels.
Among the artists Michael has photographed are Lyle Lovett, B. B. King, Waylon Jennings, Randy Newman, Emmylou Harris, Bill Frisell, David Byrne, Philip Glass, Dawn Upshaw, and Doc Watson. Clients include Nonesuch Records, Warner Brothers Records, Sony Music, Capitol Records, Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Putnam, Mother Jones Magazine, Health Magazine, Uncut Magazine, and Pentagram Design.
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