A PORTLAND
COMMUNITY DARKROOM
OUR MISSION:
Creating Community Through Photography
A space in Portland, available to everyone, no matter where you’re 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.
March in the gallery:
Opening Reception: Welcome Home by Jodhi Mather-Pike
Saturday, March 7, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
We are excited to present Welcome Home, a photo-documentary project by Portland-based artist Jodhi Mather-Pike. Born in South Africa, Mather-Pike works across photography, poetry, and music, using everyday observation to explore identity, belonging, and the nature of being.
The project focuses on Slab City, a community living on unincorporated land in the desert of Southern California. Once the site of a World War II military base, the area was left with only concrete slabs when it was decommissioned in 1961, giving the place its name. Today it is home to travelers, train hoppers, and others drawn to a philosophy centered on the right to exist freely.
Often described as both “the last free place in America” and “the most dangerous place in America,” the community carries a complex reputation. Welcome Home looks beyond these labels to reveal a place shaped by mutual aid, resilience, and alternative ways of living.
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 20% discount on community classes and lighting studio rental.
*Some restrictions apply.
Membership is not the only way to access the space. Hourly rental is also available for $10/hr.
Membership
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. There are no reservations or prepayment needed for the enlargers or film processing.
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
Get connected!
Get connected and stay updated with the most current events, classes, membership and volunteer opportunities at Franklin FOTO!
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
manager@franklinfoto.org
Sharmil@franklinfoto.org Co-Director