Color Film Development + Scanning

Course Duration: 3 hours
Class Size: 3 people
Cost: $430 (materials included)

Course Overview:

This hands-on workshop teaches participants the process of developing color film at home using the Kodak Portra 400 35mm film and the C-41 2-Bath Kit. Participants will learn how to prepare chemistry, develop their color negatives, and create digital scans of the developed film for preservation or sharing. This course is ideal for photography enthusiasts who wish to explore home processing techniques and digitizing their own work.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, students will be able to:

  • Prepare the necessary chemicals for color film development.

  • Develop color film using the C-41 process.

  • Perform digital scans of color negatives.

  • Understand the workflow from film to digital output.

  • Troubleshoot common issues in home film development.

Course Breakdown:

Part 1: Chemistry Preparation (1 hour)

  • Objective: Learn how to safely and accurately mix chemicals required for the development process.

  • Topics Covered:

    • Introduction to the C-41 2-Bath Kit.

    • How to measure and mix the chemicals correctly.

    • Safety protocols for working with chemicals.

    • Understanding the role of each chemical in the film development process.

  • Activities:

    • Hands-on mixing of chemicals in the proper order.

    • Set-up and safety demonstration.

Part 2: Developing the Film (1 hour)

  • Objective: Understand the step-by-step process of developing color film.

  • Topics Covered:

    • Loading the film into the developing tank.

    • Understanding temperature and timing for color film development.

    • Performing the development process using the C-41 kit.

    • How to avoid common mistakes like over/under development.

  • Activities:

    • Develop a roll of Kodak Portra 400 together as a group.

    • Monitor the timing and temperature during the development steps.

    • Troubleshoot potential issues during the development.

Part 3: Scanning the Film (1 hour)

  • Objective: Learn how to create high-quality digital scans of the developed negatives.

  • Topics Covered:

    • Introduction to scanning software (e.g., SilverFast, Negative Lab Pro) and scanning equipment.

    • Settings and resolution for scanning negatives.

    • Techniques for handling negatives without damage.

    • Understanding how to correct color balance and exposure in scans.

  • Activities:

    • Scan negatives using a flatbed scanner or dedicated film scanner.

    • Demonstration on basic editing and file formats (scanning to .tiff for maximum quality).

    • Participants will scan their own roll of film, with guidance from the instructor.

Materials Provided:

  • Kodak Portra 400 35mm film

  • C-4 2-Bath Kit for developing film

  • Scanner for scanning developed negatives

  • Personal protective equipment: gloves, glasses, and aprons

Final Deliverables:

  • 12 high-resolution .tiff scans of developed film.

  • Developed negatives (participants can take home their developed film).

  • Knowledge of film processing, scanning, and best practices for digital output.

Important Notes:

  • Safety First: Proper protective gear (gloves and glasses) will be provided and must be worn during the development phase.

  • Chemicals: All chemicals will be provided, and participants will be guided in how to properly dispose of or store them.

  • Group Size: This class is limited to 2-3 participants to ensure individualized attention and assistance.

Registration:

Register Here