There’s been a positive response to efforts to create a community darkroom in Doylestown PA area

 

More than 100 photo enthusiasts have expressed an interest in creating a community dark room in the Doylestown area, say organizers of the effort. For some photographers, it’s all about film and the “magic” of the darkroom process.

When Claire Elaine posted a message on Facebook recently asking if anyone was interested in helping create a community darkroom, she never guessed there was already a group excited to do just that.
Elaine and her husband, Ryan McDonald, who live in Doylestown Borough, are self-described “hobby” photographers who love film and the art of developing it in a darkroom. “The most fun part is doing the developing,” said Elaine, who also enjoys pottery and ceramics. Both thought having a place in the Doylestown area where similar-minded folks could share a space was a great idea.
Stephen Buerkle agreed wholeheartedly. The Plumstead man had the same thought late in 2016 and more than 100 people responded to his similar inquiry to begin a Bucks County Darkroom Collective. “There was a huge amount of interest,” said Buerkle, who also designs “virtual reality experiences” for industrial and healthcare businesses.
While that effort didn’t get off the ground, the three film photography enthusiasts hope it will this time.
Elaine said she was delighted when Buerkle reached out and the two met. “He’s really championing it.”
Unlike digital photography and all that photo-editing software can do, film photography, said Buerkle, “shows exactly what the photographer saw.” And developing film in a darkroom is unlike anything else.
“It’s literally like magic, pulling it from the developing bath, that one moment when you see it and it’s right,” he said.
The effort to create a community darkroom is in its early stages and is contingent upon finding the right location, which will need a source of water and electricity, the organizers said.
Ideally, the space will also have room for a gallery and, down the road, perhaps, educational classes.
To learn more about the project, email bcdarkroom@gmail.com, or visit http://bit.ly/BucksDarkroom