Think of us as the Netflix or Hulu of Analog Photography
We put our 40+ years of experience to work for you and share the fine details of how to create world-class large format images one step at a time.
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 Video Workshops & Guidebooks
- Project Intro/Overview (8:03)
- Importance of Color/Tone (6:01)
- Ice Princess, Our First Ilford WT RC Artist Proofs (9:54)
- Ice Princess Palladium Artist Proof # 1 (4:53)
- Ice Princess Ilford WT RC Print Comparison (6:47)
- Ice Princess Calotype Lodima Silver Chloride AP Prints (9:22)
- Ice Princess Palladium Artist Proof # 2 (2:43)
- Ice Princess - Palladium AP Review (7:07)
- Ice Princess - Palladium vs Silver Gelatin Print Comparison (6:34)
- Ice Princess - Salted Paper Prints - AP # 1 (29:43)
- 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 (0:52)
- 10 - Overview of Special Backing Techniques For Innovate Presentation Options (3:22)
- 11 - Summary & Final Thoughts (1:40)
- 1 - My LED UV Printer Overview (4:02)
- 2 - Detailed Walkthrough of the Smoky Mountains Young Buck in Velvet Palladium Print (12:12)
- 3 - Smoky Mountains Little River Scene # 1 Palladium Print (1:14)
- 4 - Darkroom Dahlia Platinum-Palladum Print (6:20)
- 5 - Platinum & Palladium Print Review & Comparisons (14:00)
- Large Format Palladium Print "Hodgson Mill" From Silver Gelatin Dry Plate (4:38)
- 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)
- Darkroom Diary (Comparing Calotype Paper Negatives to Digital Negatives) (6:56)
- Darkroom Diary (16x20 Ultra Large Format Wild Horse Print Review) (5:49)
- Darkroom Diary (First Successful Calotype Paper Negative) (2:03)
- Darkroom Diary (My First Successful Wild Horse Calotype Paper Negative) (2:19)
- Darkroom Diary (The Making of "Sorrow" 16x20 ULF Wild Horse Silver Gelatin Print) (4:45)
- Darkroom Diary (Testing 8x10 Paper Negatives at Hodgson Mill) (8:27)
- Darkroom Diary (Developing Ice Princess Contact Print From Paper Negative) (3:55)
- Darkroom Diary (Making 16x20 Wild Horse Silver Gelatin Print) (4:59)
- Darkroom Diary (Ice Princess Ilford WT Print From Ilford WT Paper Negative) (6:43)
- Darkroom Diary (14x17 Ultra Large Format Contact Print From Hodgson Mill) (3:47)
- Darkroom Diary (Peristaltic Pump) (2:00)
- Darkroom Diary (Why Paper Negatives?) (5:37)
- Darkroom Diary (Silver Gelatin Archival Processing Tips) (1:31)
- Darkroom Diary (Silver Gelatin Emulsion Coating on Paper Tip) (3:33)
- Darkroom Diary (George Eastman Story) (15:04)
- Darkroom Diary (Selenium Toning Big Silver Gelatin Prints) (2:58)
- Darkroom Diary (Big Silver Gelatin Print HandlingTip) (2:14)
- Darkroom Diary (How We Use a Baby Bottle Warmer) (2:43)
- Darkroom Diary (Tips on Coating Handmade Silver Gelatin Emulsions) (7:24)
- Darkroom Diary (How To Repair Large Format Film/Dry Plate Holders) (3:40)
- Darkroom Diary (Developing Handmade Emulsion Print & Contact Printing Setup) (8:54)
- Darkroom Diary (Test Coating Adox Baryta Paper) (4:04)
- Darkroom Diary (Making an AZO Silver Chloride Emulsion) (1:41)
- Darkroom Diary (Our Archival Silver Gelatin Workflow) (8:57)
- Darkroom Diary (Making a Test 8x10 Platinum/Palladium Print With 4 4x5 Dry Plates) (2:32)
- Darkroom Diary (Large Format Palladium Print "Hodgson Mill" From a Silver Gelatin Dry Plate) (4:38)
- Darkroom Diary (Overview of our Silver Gelatin Archival Workflow) (8:57)
- Darkroom Diary (Making Ilford WT Contact Print From Calotype Paper Negative) (9:54)
- Episode 1 (14x17 Ultra Large Format Paper Negatives at Hodgson Mill) (25:12)
- Episode 2 (14x17 Split Grade Contact Print From Paper Negative) (33:01)
- Episode 3 (Topaz Mill Interview) (14:21)
- Episode 4 (Topaz Mill Tour) (26:43)
- Episode 5 (Mounting Print With Gudy 831 Tissue) (44:44)
- Episode 6 Part 1 of 2 (Making 30x40 Silver Gelatin Enlargement) (44:07)
- Episode 6 Part 2 of 2 (Making 30x40 Silver Gelatin Enlargement) (8:19)
- 1 - Darkroom Diary (Why Paper Negatives?) (5:37)
- 2 - Darkroom Diary (Making Paper Negative of Ice Princess) (2:11)
- 3 - Darkroom Diary (Ice Princess Ilford WT Print From Ilford WT Paper Negative) (6:43)
- 4 - Darkroom Diary (Developing Ice Princess Contact Print From Paper Negative) (3:55)
- 5 - Darkroom Diary (Testing 8x10 Paper Negatives at Hodgson Mill) (8:27)
- 6 - DU Episode 1 (14x17 Ultra Large Format Paper Negatives at Hodgson Mill) (25:12)
- 7 - DU Episode 2 (14x17 Split Grade Contact Print From Paper Negative) (33:01)
- 1 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 1 (Just Got The Keys - First Look at Raw Space) (4:03)
- 2 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 2 (Why & What Reviewed) (3:28)
- 3 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 3 (Tear Down & New Fancy WiFi Lights) (4:59)
- 4 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 4 (Painting Begins) (1:50)
- 5 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 5 (Painting The Workbenches) (3:15)
- 6 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 6 (Building The 8x10 Enlarger Mounting System) (5:05)
- 7 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 7 (Finished Installing The 8x10 Enlarger) (7:36)
- 8 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 8 (Built Shelving and Large Coating Table) (5:39)
- 9 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 9 (Got the Heating & Air Conditioning Unit Installed) (6:04)
- 10 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 10 (Unboxing Besler 45V-XL Enlarger) (19:08)
- 11 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 11 (Building Beseler 45V-XL Enlarger) (32:42)
- 12 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 12 (Beseler 45V-XL Enlarger Tips) (7:55)
- 13 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 13 (Tips on Contact Printing With Beseler 45V-XL & Heiland System) (7:30)
- 14 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 14 (New Harrison Jumbo Dark Tent) (5:39)
- 15 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 15 (New Harrison Jumbo Dark Cloth) (4:26)
- 16 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 16 (Neweer LED RGB Lights) (3:30)
- 17 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 17 (First 8x10 Large Format Negatives in New Darkroom) (8:03)
- 18 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 18 (Unboxing New 14x17 ULF Camera) (17:42)
- 19 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 19 (DIY Light Box) (3:03)
- 20 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 20 (Review TT Signature Lens) (13:01)
- 21 - New Darkroom Build - Episode 21 (8x10 Large Format Paper Negative of Ice Princess) (2:11)
- 16x20 Ultra Large Format Wild Horse Print Review (5:49)
- The Making of "Sorrow" 16x20 ULF Wild Horse Silver Gelatin Print (4:45)
- 14x17 Ultra Large Format Contact Print From Hodgson Mill (3:47)
- ULF French Derogy Lens (5:53)
- Tips on Mounting Large & Ultra Large Format Lenses (11:56)
- 16x20 ULF Ultra Large Format Paper Negative & Ilford Warmtone Contact Print (Molasses Candy Tin) (27:23)
- The Stearman Press 8x20 ULF Daylight Tray (4:21)
- New 16x20 Chamonix ULF Camera Unboxing (10:27)
- 8x20 ULF Paper Negative "Vintage Cameras" (With Guest Michael Wellman) (20:40)
- 8x20 ULF Contact Print From Paper Negative "Vintage Cameras" (19:48)
- New 8x20 Chamonix ULF Camera Unboxing (2:50)
- 16x20 ULF Contact Print "Mr. Curious" AP Review (11:05)
"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