Unlock the Magic of Analog Photography in a Hands-on Rotlicht Workshop
Whether you are a total beginner or looking for a refreshing revisit to classic film, the Rotlicht workshop offers an immersive plunge into the world of analog photography. Led by renowned photographer Dino Rekanović, this session focuses on black-and-white enlarging and essential darkroom techniques that transform raw negatives into striking prints.
What You’ll Learn: From Negatives to Noble Prints
The workshop begins in the familiar, intimate space of a traditional darkroom. Participants will familiarise themselves with different enlargers, uncovering how each model affects focus, contrast, and tonal range. Dino Rekanović guides you through the critical steps of exposure timing, dodging, and burning — the time-tested methods that shape mood and depth in B&W imagery.
1. Understanding Enlargers and Exposure
Enlargers are the keystone of the process. You’ll learn how to choose the right negative size, adjust lens power, and set accurate exposure for optimal detail in the highlights and shadows. The workshop emphasizes practical, hands-on learning: testing exposure on a few trial prints and analyzing results to inform subsequent attempts.
2. Crafting Tones and Contrast
Black-and-white photography thrives on tonal variety. Dino demonstrates how chemical development, contrast filters, and paper grade selection influence the final print. You’ll experiment with different paper types and contrast grades to achieve the desired atmosphere — whether you want a soft, ethereal portrait or a bold, graphic landscape.
3. Dodging, Burning, and Finishing
Dodging and burning are artistic tools that allow you to selectively control exposure on the print. In this session, you’ll practice carefully timing these techniques to preserve detail in bright areas while revealing subtle textures in midtones and shadows. After washing and drying, you’ll witness how the print transforms from a latent image into a tangible photograph that carries emotion and history.
Why This Workshop Matters for Your Photography Practice
In a world of digital immediacy, the darkroom experience offers a slower, more deliberate approach to image making. By engaging with the physical properties of light, paper, and chemistry, you gain a deeper understanding of exposure, tonal balance, and craft. Dino Rekanović’s guidance blends technical precision with a photographer’s intuition, helping you develop a confident, repeatable process for black-and-white enlargements.
Who Should Attend
The Rotlicht workshop welcomes curious beginners and seasoned shooters alike. No prior darkroom experience is required, though familiarity with film basics is helpful. Expect a collaborative environment where questions are encouraged and experimentation is valued as a path to personal style.
What to Bring and What’s Provided
All essential materials, chemicals, and paper are provided for the session. You’ll leave with at least one finished print from your workshop negatives, plus a toolkit of tips and routines you can apply in your own darkroom practice. Comfortable clothing suitable for a lab environment is recommended.
Booking and Schedule
Places in the Rotlicht workshop are limited to ensure personalized attention from Dino Rekanović. Check the event calendar for upcoming sessions, and reserve your spot early. Whether you’re looking to build foundational skills or refine your B&W enlarging technique, this workshop is designed to illuminate your path in analog photography.
