A Comprehensive Video Workshop with Direct Artist Support
I’m excited to share my latest video workshop—an in-depth, practical guide to working with silver gelatin darkroom paper as a photographic negative.
This isn’t just an overview. It’s the result of years of hands-on experimentation, research, and refinement, all distilled into a workshop designed to help you master this unique and expressive medium.
Many describe silver gelatin paper negatives as a stepping stone to film—but I see it differently. In my experience, they are a powerful artistic medium in their own right. When used intentionally, they offer an incredible range of tones, textures, and emotional depth that can rival or even surpass traditional film.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
- How to choose the right silver gelatin papers for making negatives
- Techniques for exposure, development, and contrast control
- How to manage and manipulate process variables to match your creative intent
- Scanning and digital workflows for hybrid artists
- How to contact print your paper negatives in the darkroom for fully analog prints
The 16×20 ultra large format Calla Lily paper negative shown next to this text is a perfect example of what’s possible when you understand how to manage the materials and chemistry. This isn’t guesswork—this is a craft you can learn, and I’ll show you exactly how.
You’ll join me in the darkroom as I walk you through each step with clear, detailed instructions. From material selection to final printing, nothing is left out.
As with all my workshops, you’ll also get direct access to me for questions, feedback, and ongoing support. You won’t be left to figure it out alone.
My Solitary Witnesses project was made with 5×7 large format silver gelatin paper negatives and contact printed in the darkroom using pure analog methods on Ilford fiber glossy paper that was selenium toned and archivally processed.
If you’re ready to explore a creative process that blends tradition, experimentation, and expressive depth, this workshop is for you.
Special Pre-Order Offer – Save $100!
Take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to save $100 while I create the Silver Gelatin Paper Negative Video Workshop.
By pre-ordering today for just $150, you’ll:
- Lock in a significant discount (regular price: $250 after launch)
- Get the complete course workbook (87 pages) and 4K HD videos upon final release—designed to enhance your learning and serve as an ongoing reference.
This offer is only available while the workshop is in production. Once it’s complete, the price goes up—no exceptions.
👉 Pre-order now and begin your journey into the expressive world of silver gelatin paper negatives—while saving big.
Table of Contents
Silver Gelatin Paper Negative Video Workshop – At a Glance
Part I: Foundations & Creative Philosophy
- Welcome & Workshop Overview
- Why Silver Gelatin Paper Negatives Still Matter in a Digital Age
- Choosing Between Analog & Hybrid Workflows with Intention
- Materials, Tools & Chemistry – What You Really Need
- Choosing the Right Paper for Your Creative Goals
- Determining Paper ISO & Bracketing Exposures
Part II: The Hybrid Workflow (Scan & Print Digitally)
- Developing for the Scanner: Managing Contrast, Detail & Grain
- Recommended Developers & Custom Formulas for Hybrid Output
- Controlling Density & Highlights for Optimal Scanning
- Pre-Flashing for Contrast Control
- Metering for Paper Negatives
- Using Variable Contrast Filters in the Field
- Flattening & Handling Paper Negatives for Best Scan Results
- Scanning with the Epson V850 (RAW DNG Workflow in VueScan)
- Editing in Adobe Camera Raw & Photoshop
- Making Archival B&W Pigment Prints (Epson ABW Mode)
- From Paper Negative to Gallery-Ready Digital Print
Part III: The Analog Workflow (Darkroom Contact Printing)
- Developer Formulas & Contrast Control for Contact Printing
- Split-Grade & DIY Light Sources for Expressive Printing
- Selenium Toning the Paper Negative
- Single-Pass & Double-Pass Analog Workflows
- Making Soft-Focus Pictorialism-Style Contact Prints
Part IV: Wrap-Up & Continued Learning
- Workshop Essentials Recap
- Summary & Final Thoughts
- Ideas for Books, Portfolios & Exhibitions
- Q&A and Direct Support from Tim
Behind the Scenes Videos
Watch the videos below to get an idea if you want to learn more about using silver gelatin paper negatives. In this three-part series, I took out my Graflex Auto 5×7 camera to photograph some lone trees on the winter landscape using silver gelatin paper negatives and a soft focus lens. After creating the negatives in the field, I return to the darkroom and develop the negatives (Day 1 of 3 video).
Then, on the next day (Day 2 of 3 video), I use my new DIY light source to make a split-grade contact print and Nelson gold tone it for a nice warm-tone silver gelatin print. When making the contact print in this video, I did not alter or manipulate the negative. I simply used the negative as is, without using my custom 1-step or 4-step process to add shadows and highlights. I wanted to show what the silver gelatin paper negative could do in this very simple scenario.
On the third day (Day 3 of 3 video), I took the silver gelatin paper negative and tried to see if I could make a platinum/palladium print.
Silver Gelatin Paper Negative Demonstration – Day 1 of 3 (Field Work and Development in the Darkroom)
Silver Gelatin Paper Negative Demonstration – Day 2 of 3 (Making the Contact Print in the Darkroom)
Silver Gelatin Paper Negative Demonstration – Day 3 of 3 (Exploring if I Can Make a Platinum/Palladium Print from the Paper Negative)
Making Enlargements From Silver Gelatin Paper Negatives
Making Platinum/Palladium Prints From Silver Gelatin Paper Negatives
If you have any questions, please contact me. I am always happy to help.
