Working in a darkroom is both fascinating and therapeutic – bending over chemicals, watching inky blacks emerge from the white paper, and getting away from everything. We know that not many people are familiar with working in the darkroom, but it is a refreshingly tactile skill. We spend too much time on our computers and making something with your hands is very rewarding.

Phocus runs the Andrea Baldeck Photographic Center located on the third floor of the College Center. The facility includes all chemistry and materials necessary to process film and make silver gelatin prints, a digital printer, film scanner, and a computer equipped with Photoshop and InDesign. We also have a digital camera and number of 35mm cameras available for loan.

No prior experience is needed to work in the darkroom. Throughout the year, we host beginner darkroom tutorials and workshops to expand your skills. If you would like to gain access to the darkroom or set up a one-on-one tutorial, please email us or contact the Darkroom Manager Ida-Rose Chabon (ichabon@vassar.edu) or PHOCUS’s advisor Cassie Jain (majain@vassar.ed).

In order to gain individual card access or rent a camera, we ask that you pay a fee of $15 a semester. We understand this may be a financial burden and can work out a lower fee on a per-need basis.