LU Film Photography Club, a new student organization on campus, is growing with its recent addition of a darkroom for developing photos. The club, led by junior Julianna Basile and sophomore Amos Egleston, was officially recognized as an organization at the end of Winter Term 2018 and was recently granted access to a darkroom in the lower level of Thomas Steitz Hall of Science.
“We wanted a darkroom for students who aren’t in a photography class,” said Egleston. “We want to provide a space for those who want to do film photography outside of school-sanctioned classes. It’s exciting to think about the different ways that we can foster collaboration between artists with this space.”
The club aims to provide an accessible opportunity to try photography for those who don’t want to take photography classes or don’t have the time. Basile commented, “We want to try to make film photography accessible to everyone, because it’s a really expensive hobby. We’re hoping that with the darkroom and a budget from LUCC, we can buy cameras so people who don’t have one can check them out and try film photography.”
The darkroom had already been in Steitz and was used by an old photography club but has now found a new purpose as a space for the Film Photography Club. The next step is to overcome obstacles regarding access to the room. Steitz is only accessible after hours to students enrolled in classes in the building, and the darkroom currently only has one key. These accessibility issues are in the process of being resolved, and hopefully soon anyone interested in film photography will be able to access the room. In the meantime, the club leaders have open hours for all interested students – experienced or new – on Sunday afternoons 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Wednesdays 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the darkroom – Steitz 015.
Looking forward, the leaders have several fun opportunities in the works. Next year, they hope to go to a photography exhibition, take group trips for greater photography opportunities and attempt a project in which disposable cameras would be left around campus for students and visitors to take photos which would later be developed and displayed.
The club is open to all students interested in film photography and film development, regardless of experience. For more information, visit the darkroom during open hours or contact Julianna Basile or Amos Egleston.
