In 1896, the Washington Salon and Art Photographic Exhibit took place at the Cosmos Club in the Dupont Circle area of Washington D.C. Containing a variety of amateur photographic works, the salon was the first of its kind in America and established photography as a valid form of artistic expression. The Smithsonian’s Assistant Secretary, G. Brown Goode, and the Official Photographer, Thomas W. Smillie, visited the salon and selected fifty entries to become part of the Smithsonian’s new Section of Photography. This began the Smithsonian’s dedication to photography. Continue the tradition by learning darkroom skills little changed from those early salon years.
This class provides a thorough introduction to the 35mm camera and the basics of photo darkroom techniques. Learn how to use your camera, compose a photograph, develop film, and make a print. Lecture-demonstrations, class assignments, critiques, and practical darkroom work help you to understand photography from shutter speed to finished print.
Bring a 35mm adjustable camera to the first class; film and photographic paper to buy are discussed at that time. Developing chemicals are provided.
Instructor: Kim Kirkpatrick
6 sessions, 3 hours each
Smithsonian Connections
View the virtual Washington Salon and Art Photographic Exhibition of 1896 recreated with explanatory text panels by staff of the National Museum of American History.
