Penumbra Foundation

This course is an introduction to the historical art of wet plate photography. Through hands-on experience, participants will learn how to create ambrotypes and tintypes using traditional 19th-century equipment and processes, with the guidance of instructor Sam Dole. Develop a unique skill set for this vintage and fascinating medium.

This Calotype photography course is designed to give participants a basic foundation in traditional darkroom techniques. Guided by an experienced instructor, each weekly session will explore the history and mechanics of calotype photography as well as the fundamentals of operating a darkroom, with an emphasis on developing a portfolio to showcase participants' talents.

This beginner-level photography course guides participants through the artistic technique known as cliché-verre. Participants will gain an understanding of the necessary equipment and materials, as well as helpful techniques like paper coating, exposure, and development. By the end of the course, they will be able to produce high-quality prints and successfully deploy the cliche-verre technique in their photographic work.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of wet plate photography. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of the process in a hands-on environment, as well as understand the historical context that makes wet plate photography so unique. They'll create stunning images in-camera using the wet plate collodion process.

In this Intro to B&W Portraiture and the Darkroom course, participants will get a comprehensive overview of the techniques needed to capture portrait photos, including exposure, composition, film development, and darkroom printing. Through live instruction and hands-on practice, students will learn to craft professional-quality results with confidence.

This photography class provides students with an overview of alternative, non-digital processes in photography such as anthotypes and other organic processes. Students will learn the creative and artistic possibilities of these processes with lots of resources for guidance and exploration of the techniques and materials required to produce successful prints.

This online photography class explores the wonderful world of anthotypes and other organic processes. Participants will learn a variety of technical skills including exposure and development, as well as the creative applications of these processes. Through a series of lectures and hands-on activities, students will gain an in-depth understanding of these techniques.

This digital photography class has something for everyone, from beginners to experienced photographers. Participants will learn how to create digital negatives and use them to create black-and-white prints. This comprehensive course will also explain the process of capturing digital negatives, scanning techniques, and the fundamentals of black-and-white printing.

This eight-week alternative process photography course provides participants with the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the basics of photography. Students will explore different techniques, including hand printing, toning, and level manipulation, to create unique and impactful works of art. After the course, participants will have a better understanding of the creative process and be able to put into practice an array of manual photographic processes.

This Lumen Printing course teaches photography enthusiasts the basics of creating beautiful darkroom images without the use of a camera. Participants will learn how to create stunning photographic images using paper negatives and simple chemistry, creating a unique and artistic final image. This course is perfect for those interested in a low-tech, hands-on approach to photography and art.