Those who want to develop their own photos but lack the space or time to create their own darkroom have a new option with the opening of Safelight District, the city’s only community darkroom.
The space is equipped with four enlargers, including 35mm, medium and large format sizes. For now, users must bring their own chemicals and paper, but everything else is provided, said Tori Fyfe, who co-owns Safelight with Jet Smith.
“I’ve always been into photography, but I never learned how to use a darkroom until my last semester in college,” Fyfe said, referring to a class both she and Smith took with instructor Mark Wood at Chattanooga State.
Tori Fyfe and Jet Smith stand in front of Safelight District, the community darkroom they’re opening on East Main Street.Following that class, she built a darkroom in her basement in order to continue developing, she said.
About a year and a half ago, she and Smith decided to partner and open a community darkroom that they and others could use 24/7.
Safelight is open to anyone with darkroom experience. There is a one-time fee of $20. The space is reserved online to ensure it’s not overbooked, and first-timers are given a quick overview before use, said Fyfe.
She and Smith plan to begin hosting workshops for beginners soon, she added.
Memberships with unlimited use are also available, at a cost of $45 a month or $125 for three months. Members also have access to common areas, including a kitchen, bathroom and two galleries, which will be used to showcase the works of members and artists renting space in the building.
Safelight is hosting a grand opening Friday, Feb. 22 from 7-10 p.m. People can check out the space and view works by local artists including Doug Barnette, Robert Schoolfield and William Johnson, as well as by the co-owners. There will also be live music from local musicians Mark Dunn and Liz Dender, along with food and drinks.
Safelight District is at 1804 E. Main St., next to The Spot. For more information, visit safelightdistrict.com.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.