February 7, 5 to 8 p.m.

We will be hosting an opening reception to launch our February exhibition which features black and white vintage photographs from Hans Hickerson.

The exhibit will highlight traditionally printed silver gelatin photographs taken in Portland and the Northwest during the late 1970s and early 1980s, transporting visitors to a Portland that existed 40 years ago.

Vintage Photographs will be on display through February 28 and open to the public during normal gallery hours, Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

Portland photographer Hans Hickerson has been making photographs since high school and has been involved locally with Blue Sky Gallery and Gallery 114. He reviews photography books for the online magazine, PhotoBook Journal, where he serves as editor.

February 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Whether you just made your first print in the darkroom or photography has been a lifelong pursuit, everyone can benefit from using the critique to gain perspective and strengthen the quality of their artistic practice.

Moderated by Franklin FOTO volunteer Michele Thompson, Coffee & Critique is a constructive feedback group, held on the second Sunday of each month. Bring your work* and beverage of choice and join the discussion!

*We can look at printed work or can mirror from your laptop or phone to a digital display.

Free and open to all analog and digital photographers at any level of experience. If you would like to be put on the Coffee & Critique mailing list, email manager@franklinfoto.org.

February 11, 6:30 p.m.

What is it like for you to be an American?
The answer will be different for all 340 million of us.

Acclaimed portrait photographer Robert Kalman spent four years traveling through the United States taking nearly 500 portraits of people with his 8x10 camera. Each subject was asked one question: “What is it like for you to be an American?”

The responses, handwritten by each person, were depicted to create a spectrum of ideas about what it is like to live in this country in this era.

This presentation includes a demonstration of how the portraits were made using the 8x10. One person in the audience will be asked to pose, and answer the question about what it’s like to be an American. That person receives a print of their portrait.

Books of this project will be available on-site.

February 13/14 and 21/22 sessions - Sold out

Our February Intro to Darkroom classes are sold out. Never fear! We’ll be offering a new workshop in March!

March 14 and 15, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Popular instructor Megan Sinclair will be teaching our two-day intro class for March.

With our intro class, you’ll receive guidance from an experienced instructor who will share tips on best practices and help you troubleshoot common issues. Whether it’s perfecting the development process or fine-tuning your print’s contrast, they’ll be by your side to ensure you leave with the knowledge and skills to confidently use a darkroom on your own.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have not only developed your own roll of black and white film but also created your first prints from your very own negatives.