Traditional Darkroom Printing with Marc Valesella (In-Person Learning – Four sessions)

About

In-Person Learning

Rediscover the craft and beauty of traditional black-and-white darkroom printing in this intimate, hands-on course with photographer and instructor Marc Valesella at the Los Angeles Center of Photography.

Over the course of one month, students will develop their darkroom printing skills through a combination of classroom instruction and personalized, one-on-one guidance. The course begins with an introductory three-hour classroom session at LACP, where Marc will cover the fundamentals of traditional darkroom printing, including enlarging, exposure, contrast, and print development.

Following the introductory session, students will schedule two individual one-hour darkroom sessions with Marc in LACP’s darkroom lab. Each session will accommodate two students, allowing for focused instruction, hands-on practice, and the opportunity to refine printing techniques with direct guidance from Marc.

The course concludes with a final three-hour classroom session, where students will review their work, share prints, discuss their experiences, and build on the skills they’ve developed throughout the month.

With four meetings in total, this course offers an engaging and supportive introduction to the art of traditional darkroom printing, combining technical instruction with the rewarding experience of making photographs by hand.

Marc Valesella received a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from the ‘Institut Universitaire de Technologie’ Paris, France(1977). An autodidact at photography. Started taking pictures in 1975 while working for Guy Bourdin in Paris. Learned black and white printing from 1977-1979 under the guidance of Jean Loup Sieff, also in Paris. Moved to Los Angeles in 1986 and started to work with large format cameras. From 1995 to present, made extensive research on high definition printing with small and medium format cameras, using highly customized enlarging systems. Resides in Los Angeles.is an award winning editorial, conceptual advertising and fine art photographer. Ann’s images have appeared on the covers of Time, USNWR, Washington Post, Kiplinger, Science and on many album covers and book covers. Her client list includes Nike, Nikon, Lexus, Target, Lee, Pioneer, Kenwood, and Ashworth Golf. Her images have been published in Photo District News, Black and White Magazine, Communication Arts, Graphis, Rangefinder and Nikon World. Ann received a BA in Biochemistry and cell biology from UCSD and a BA in photography from Art Center College of design where she is currently on the faculty. Ann loves working with all formats, from Diana cameras to 8×10 and any lighting situation.

View instructor profile here.

Details

• Four Sessions
• Dates: Wednesday, April 7, 7 pm – 10 pm + Wednesday, April 28, 7 pm – 10 pm; + 2 lab sessions, 1 hour each TBA
• Enrollment Limit: 8 students
• Skill/Experience Level: Open to all levels.
• Tuition: $595 (Become a Member today and receive 5% – 20% off!)
• Location: Downtown Los Angeles (LACP Headquarters), 252 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, California, 90012
• Parking: Street parking, Public parking: Terasaki Budokan Recreation Center (paid, underground, just across the street from LACP.  Exact cash only, and no Amex) and Joe’s Auto Parks Parking, 330 Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (paid, surface).
• Nearby Lodging: The Miyako Hotel – 328 E. First Street Los Angeles, California, 90012, United States, The Double-Tree by Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles Downtown – 120 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, California, 90012, USA
• Not Included: Meals, snacks, bottled water and transportation (to and from the workshop location). Students are encouraged to bring their own food or order from nearby restaurants. Ride share apps or public transit are recommended for those without transportation. Students will be notified of food and parking options in the area.

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