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OUR THREE PROMISES TO YOU
#1: We will NEVER waste a single second of your time. Your time is important and we are always focused on delivering value to you.
#2: We will ALWAYS give you everything you need (and nothing you don’t) to get pro-level results. Likewise, we will never sell you short by just giving you high level information that sounds good in theory, but then leave you on your own to figure out all the details. Never going to happen.
#3: We are here to fully support you. There’s nothing we want more than to see you successfully create the type and quality of fine art prints that you have always had deep in your mind and soul. You were born to create or you wouldn’t be here.
Preview Videos in The Membership Community
- 0 - Course Guidebook
- 1 - Introduction (5:10)
- 2 - Visual Tour (7:45)
- 3 - Lenses (36:19)
- 4 - Lens Holders (15:14)
- 5 - Accessories (16:48)
- 6 - Macro (8:52)
- 7 - Movements (30:51)
- 8 - Large Format Quick Reference Cards (2:10)
- 9 - Sharpness (15:14)
- 10 - Closeup (18:23)
- 11 - Challenges (13:16)
- 12 - Checklist (12:01)
- 13 - Conclusion (3:39)
- 0 - Course Guidebook
- 1 - Introduction (4:33)
- 2 - Metering (15:16)
- 3 - B&W Film Development (6:53)
- 4 - B&W Receipes (5:23)
- 5 - Development Options (15:34)
- 6 - Tray Development (8:24)
- 7 - Film Testing Introduction (6:20)
- 8 - Film Pre-Testing (11:57)
- 9 - Film Testing Steps 1-3 (18:33)
- 10 - Film Test Evaluate for EI Rating (4:02)
- 11 - Film Test Proof Time (13:30)
- 12 - Film Test Contact Print (4:36)
- 13 - Film Test Find N Dev Time (6:30)
- 14 - Making Negatives From B&W and Color Test Targets (8:19)
- Color Film Quick Reference (3:32)
- 16 - Final Summary (1:32)
- 17 - Appendix/References
- Course Guidebook
- 1 - Introduction (7:29)
- 2 - Why B&W Large Format Floral Still Life (4:20)
- 3 - Creative Plan (6:28)
- 4 - Pre-Exposure (5:37)
- 5 - Composition (7:47)
- 6 - Learning To See (Creatively) (6:35)
- 7 - Selective Focus (5:45)
- 8 - Floral Studio (5:01)
- 9 - Backgrounds (6:36)
- 10 - Tools (13:45)
- 11 - Magnification (10:59)
- 12 - Bellows Factor (4:30)
- 13 - HP5 Large Format B&W Film (4:32)
- 14 - Exposing Film (18:09)
- 15 - Split-Grade Printing (22:29)
- 16 - Summary/Conclusion (3:20)
- 17 - Bonus Resources (11:45)
- 0 - Course Guidebook
- 1 - Introduction & Overview (5:55)
- 2 - Before We Get Started (10:42)
- 3 - Review Cameras (9:40)
- 4 - Exposure (14:52)
- 5 - Development (14:49)
- 6 - Exposing Some B&W FIlm (14:00)
- 7 - Develop B&W Film at Home (25:28)
- 8 - How To Read a Film Negative (8:13)
- 9 - Printing Demonstration (19:07)
- 10 - How To Make a Contact Proof Sheet (10:25)
- 11 - How To Make a Darkroom Print (Step-by-Step) (24:09)
- 12 - Summary & Conclusion (3:42)
- 13 - Course Resources
- 0 - Guidebook
- 1 - Overview (15:42)
- 2 - Paper Options (16:52)
- 3 - Filters With Paper Negatives (4:28)
- 4 - Contrast Control Methods (10:00)
- 5 - Pre-Flashing Technique (11:13)
- 6 - ISO Rating & Metering Technique (17:11)
- 7 - RC Paper (4:14)
- 8 - Discussing 3 Possible Output Types (3:04)
- 9 - Development Techniques (9:16)
- 10 - Field Demo Using a 4x5 Camera For ISO Testing (68:15)
- 11 - Field Demo Using 8x10 Camera & Making a Real Print (15:35)
- 12 - Using a Single Weight Fiber Paper (12:47)
- 13 - Making an Enlargement From a Paper Negative (19:42)
- 14 - Advanced Techniques (6:25)
- 15 - Making a Split Grade Print (14:38)
- 16 - Exploring an Analog to Digital Workflow (11:20)
- 17 - Digital Editing in Lightroom (5:19)
- 18 - Conclusion & Summary (4:12)
- Workbook
- 1 - Introduction (6:25)
- 2 - Meter & Expose Step Wedge (12:07)
- 3 - Develop Step Wedge & Blank Film (18:47)
- 4 - Evaluate Negative For Proper EI Rating (4:09)
- 5 - Determine Your Proper Proof Time (13:37)
- 6 - Determine (N) Development Time (4:42)
- 7 - Establish Development Times For N+ and N- (6:37)
- 8 - Summary (8:29)
- 9 (3:16)
- 10 - Course Resources & Downloads
- 0 - Introduction (5:03)
- 1 - Course Materials & Overview (15:16)
- 2 - Layout Considerations & Techniques (4:30)
- 3 - Demonstration of How to Effectively Coat Vellum With Your Pt/Pd Sensitizer (8:53)
- 4 - Drying & Exposing Your Sensitized Vellum Tips & Technique (9:00)
- 5 - Developing Your Vellum Pt/Pd Print & Handling Tips (4:07)
- 6 - Clearing & Archival Processing of Your Vellum Pt/Pd Print (4:11)
- 7 - Blotting & Beginning The Drying Process (1:58)
- 8 - Flattening Your Dried Vellum Pt/Pd Print (7:03)
- 9 - Transforming Your Semi-Transparent Vellum Pt/Pd Print Into a Transparent Piece of Art
- 10 - Overview of Special Backing Techniques For Innovate Presentation Options (3:22)
- 11 - Summary & Final Thoughts (1:40)
- 00 - Welcome (2:14)
- 0 - Course Guidebook
- 1 - Why Build Your Own UV Printer (1:34)
- 2 - Example Prints (3:34)
- 3 - Materials List (6:08)
- 4 - What to Expect (1:39)
- 5 - How To Read UV Lamp Info (1:53)
- 6 - Ballast Selection (3:19)
- 7 - Design Considerations (3:51)
- 8 - Distance of Lighting (2:46)
- 9 - Spacing of Lights (1:53)
- 10 - Placement of Ballasts (2:44)
- 11 - Types of UV Lights (2:29)
- 12 - Contrast Control (3:10)
- 13 - UV Light Spectrum (1:59)
- 14 - BL vs BLB Lights (2:24)
- 15 - General Tips (1:45)
- 16 - Starting The Building Process (0:31)
- 17 - Cutting Top & Bottom Pieces (2:48)
- 18 - Cutting The Side Pieces (4:51)
- 19 - Building The Printer Box (10:34)
- 20 - Caulking & Painting (1:53)
- 21 - Painting Tips (1:03)
- 22 - Top Board Layout (2:05)
- 23 - Lay out Lamp Supports (4:13)
- 24 - Constructing The Lamp Supports (2:14)
- 25 - Drilling Pilot Holes (2:50)
- 26 - Math For Spacing Lamp Holders (6:16)
- 27 - Change of Plans (5:50)
- 28 - Electrical Wiring (1:53)
- 29 - Holder & Spacing For Electrical Wiring (3:25)
- 30 - Mounting Top of Printer (3:01)
- 31 - Finish Hinges & Timer (3:40)
- 32 - Congrats & Thank You (1:31)
"There is no shortage of people providing information on photography on YouTube and the internet. Some are even aimed at the analog photographer, but what Tim has done with the Darkroom Underground (DU) is nothing short of pure brilliance. DU is not only for the analog photographer it is also for the Large Format & Ultra Large Format Photographer. I don’t know of anyone else who is covering ULF.
He has simplified learning with wonderful videos that are supplemented with show notes so you have all the information for you to do this on your own. But unlike anything else out there you have Tim as a resource, too. He has always been easily available for questions or clarification and he welcomes suggestions for future shows.
If you are serious about learning all aspects of analog and LF/ULF this is the place to be."
-Michael Wellman
"Tim Layton and the Darkroom Underground (DU) are an asset for the large and ultra-large format photography community. If you wonder why the LF and ULF format still exists in the digital world, then the DU will be your best bet to learn about the workflow and uncover the secrets of Black and White Fine Art photography.
They present great classes that show you the foundations, while still allowing you to maintain your own individualism as a photographer. I'm very proud of Tim Layton for putting this up for the community. He's a very dedicated, passionate, and devoted Fine Art photographer.
DU is a great wealth of knowledge; don't miss it."
-Tri Tran
"Tim Layton is providing very useful information for all those who are interested in analog photography and large format cameras. He covers in a very detailed and entertaining way the different aspects of this field. He always takes the time to explain the details and share all his know-how. Nothing is hidden or secret. Everything is on the table.
The videos and blogs are shot and edited in a very professional way. Tim is always ready to receive and share the suggestions and ideas coming from other people. He is a very good community manager.
I would like also to underline the growing role of his son, Tim Junior who also contributes greatly to the quality of the videos, text and explanation. Last but not least, Tim is always welcoming suggestions and questions and ready to interact. I warmly recommend the work of Tim Layton.
- Stéfane France
"Photography has always been my passion. However life, family and other things kept me away from it for many years. When I decided to return to darkroom-based photo work I didn’t know where to go to get some refresher training, or how to get up-to-speed on recent techniques and equipment. Additionally, during my military service I had been injured and now was more of a visual learner. Luckily, I found Tim and the Darkroom Underground. Not only was his video-based teaching style just what I needed, Tim was always willing to answer any question that I had to keep me moving forward and learning. Most importantly, Tim gave me the confidence to keep working and learning at my pace. Thanks Tim for everything!"
- Terry Krebs
"I found Tim's website 8 years ago when I wanted to learn how to scan negatives so I can make digital prints. I wasn’t quite familiar with negative scanning at the time, so firing off a few emails to Tim were necessary. Surprisingly, his responses were almost immediately. His website piqued my interest and lead to developing my first roll of Kodak Tmax 100. Of course, the next logical step, is to make prints from your negatives, again I found Tim’s site to have the information I needed. And again, more emails were fired off.
Over the years, my desire to improve and understand the black and white process, has kept me coming back. I've been able to progress from medium format film to 4x5 without missing a step. The foundation, Tim’s able to provide with his website and personal coaching, enables me to go into the darkroom with confidence and make my prints. In the darkroom the noise washes away and my focus is on finding the right way to print from the negative. Sometimes it takes hours and from time to time it takes days. It's about practice, practice, practice!
I'm looking forward to learning how to make my own paper emulsion, which again, Tim will walk me step by step. Tim makes it easy; his process works and the best part he's always available."
- Favian A. Roldán