Sunday, Dec 7th & 14th, 10am-2pm

$120/day  for Non-Members
$100/day  for VCP Members
(Register online below)

This immersive two-day workshop invites you to step fully into the magic of analog photography—whether it’s your very first time holding a film camera or you’re looking to refresh old skills. No prior experience is needed, just bring your curiosity, sense of adventure, and a willingness to experiment! Over the course of the weekend, you’ll gain a complete introduction to the 35mm process: from loading a roll of film, to capturing images out in the world, to developing negatives, and finally making traditional silver gelatin prints in the darkroom.

Day 1: Shooting & Film Development
We begin with cameras in hand, exploring the streets of iconic downtown Brattleboro. This walking photo session will teach you the basics of composing and shooting on 35mm film, giving you time to practice with guidance and support. Afterward, we’ll return to the Vermont Center for Photography to develop your freshly exposed rolls in our darkroom. You’ll get hands-on experience with the magic of watching your images appear on film for the very first time. (Please dress appropriately for the weather and walking around town.)

Day 2: Printing in the Darkroom
The second day is all about turning your negatives into beautiful handmade prints. You’ll learn the fundamentals of enlarging and printing in the darkroom, from test strips and exposure adjustments to dodging, burning, and final printing on silver gelatin paper. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with prints you’ve made yourself—tangible works of art you can proudly display or share. Cameras are available to borrow from VCP if you don’t have your own, but participants are encouraged to bring a personal 35mm camera if possible.

Tuition & Pricing
Participants may choose to sign up for just one day or attend both days of the workshop. Tuition is $120 per day for non-members and $100 per day for VCP members. Non-members who register for both days will receive a discounted rate of $200 total for the weekend (the same as the member rate). All film and darkroom materials are included in the tuition, we ask that students come with their own 35mm camera (one can be supplied if needed). 

Instructor: Laisa Bellomo-Johnson
Laisa Bellomo-Johnson is a Brazilian-American artist and educator, local to both Brattleboro and Brasilia. She has a passion for analog and alternative photography. Laisa first discovered the magical world of the darkroom as an In-Sight Photography Project student in high school and now holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Maine College of Art & Design and a BFA in Photography from Massachusetts College of Art & Design.