A PORTLAND COMMUNITY DARKROOM

Creating Community Through Photography

A space in Portland, available to everyone, no matter where you are at in your photographic journey.

At Franklin FOTO, our mission is to foster an inclusive and creative environment where individuals from all backgrounds can explore the timeless art of black and white film photography.

As a community darkroom, we are dedicated to preserving the beauty of the analog processes while providing access, education, and support to both seasoned photographers and curious newcomers. We strive to be a cornerstone of Portland’s vibrant photography community, celebrating diversity, collaboration, and the artistry of film.

TRACKS OF A TRAVELER - Photography by Jim Wrathall

Photographer Jim Wrathall presents Tracks of a Traveler, a deeply personal and transportive exhibition that invites viewers to follow the visual traces of a wandering life. Informed by years of creative exploration and shaped by formative experiences in both the military and artistic communities, Wrathall’s work captures the abstract essence of place, memory, and emotional presence. With roots in both technical experimentation and heartfelt observation, this show reflects a lifelong commitment to making magic that lasts. Attendees are invited to meet the artist and experience a body of work that leaves tracks—of time, emotion, and story.

IN OUR GALLERY NOW

We provide all of the equipment you need in order to develop your back & white and color film negatives by hand. Whether it is 35mm, 120mm, or 4x5, we have all the chemicals, reels, film holders, tanks and space you need to process, wash & dry your film.

Film Processing

Black & White Photo Enlarging and Film Scanning

We built a professional space with everything you need to enlarge your black & white photos on photographic paper. This includes enlargers, easels, and washing/drying stations. Or if you prefer to scan your film, we have everything you need to do so, including both flat-bed and camera-scanning equipment. Due to high demand, it is recommended you reserve camera-scanning equipment prior to use.

Are you interested in enhancing your knowledge of film or are you learning for the first time? There are classes for every skill level to help enhance Black and White Film Photography Skills, from shooting to developing and enlarging, our workshops offer learning for all levels.

Community Classes

Do you need a studio space for your next photoshoot? Our in-house studio is ready for all of your photographic needs. Our backdrop wall and space is great for portrait shoots as well as product photography.

Studio Space

Membership

For a simple flat monthly fee you can have 40-hour per week access to all of our film developing, printing and scanning facilities, plus 50% discount on community classes and lighting studio rental.

Join our Mailing List!

Stay updated with the most current events, classes, membership and volunteer opportunities At Franklin FOTO!

 FAQs

  • Yes! We rent use of the darkroom for $10/hr during times we’re open to the public. If you know what you’re doing, you’ll only need a brief orientation to get started.

  • Yes! We have regular classes to introduce or reintroduce people to darkroom work. We can also offer one-on-one instruction or tutoring depending on how much help you would like.

  • You are encouraged to bring your own paper. Our friends at Blue Moon Camera just a few blocks down the road will give you a 10% discount if you are our customer on all your photo supplies. We do have some house-stock paper we can sell by the sheet if you find yourself in a pinch. Chemistry is always provided when you are working at Franklin Foto, however if there are particular chemicals you would like to use, it generally isn’t a problem for you to bring them in

  • It’s possible! Contact us and let’s talk about what you’d like to offer and how you would like to use our facilities.

  • Yes! We have professional-grade facilities. Some of our customers have produced fine art for exhibition, and commercial work here. Franklin Foto is for photographers at all levels from novice beginner to seasoned professional.

  • We are excited to offer color C-41 hand processing and also offer film scanners here if you’d like to digitize your negatives.
    We do not offer color printing and are otherwise a traditional black and white darkroom.

    Blue Moon Camera will give our customers a 10% discount on film processing & scanning

  • We do have cameras. They are generally used for our classes and workshops, but we’re looking into creating an equipment library.

  • We’re a DIY lab. If you’d like professional analog photography services, Blue Moon Camera is just a few blocks away and they will develop, print and scan film of all-kinds. If you’d like to learn to do it yourself, take a look at our classes! Even if you’ve never set foot in a darkroom before we can teach you the whole process.

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
manager@franklinfoto.org