Oberlin College Photography Program

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Every step of the traditional photography process in the Oberlin College darkroom is measured, conscious, clean and green(er). Metal canisters are available for printing, water is conserved and the less harmful options for chemistry are utilized. All chemistry disposal is conscious, and preservation and reuse are always sought out first. The darkroom is beautiful, clean and an exciting place to work as well! At this point, we have laid out the steps for you. We have talked about where to get equipment, which chemistry, film and paper options are available and how to set up the most eco-friendly darkroom possible. AND we have shown you many examples of Oberlin College’s darkroom and how these issues are addressed on our campus. (BELOW ARE IMAGES OF THE OBERLIN COLLEGE DARKROOM.)



Aspects of the Oberlin College darkroom are certainly different from the darkroom we are suggesting here. At the most basic level, we have to remember that this darkroom is set up for professional quality work with the greatest resources available. We have a film drying cabinet, nice drying racks for prints, a dry mount press and flashy white critique boards. All the while, the model here for responsible darkroom work is paramount. As Professor Pipo always stresses, be mindful. Pay attention to work space, chemical use, leaving faucets on and respecting other peoples’ work. All of these suggestions preserve resources in and out of the darkroom. Being attentive to test strips, each step of development and care of the final product shows respect not only for the work done, but the resources our society uses and tends to abuse.