Instructor - Christian Toledo

All Levels
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
July 27 - September 7
7 weeks
$450 public / pay-what-you-can

Studio 3

In this class, participants will learn the basics of film photography and how to develop their own film at home using coffee and other house-hold materials. This workshop will include photowalks, mixing your own developer, scanning your work and constructive feedback/criticism.

This workshop was inspired by a conversation with a friend who asked about environmentally friendly ways to develop film at home. That question sparked Christian’s interest in Caffenol — a method of developing film using coffee — and in the broader movement toward more sustainable practices in film photography. The workshop was first held during the Liberties Were Taken exhibition at the Blaffer Art Museum, where it also drew connections to the struggles faced by coffee farmers. This connection was deepened by Christian’s sister’s thesis, which explored the many challenges faced by coffee farmers in the Philippines; from exploitation through international trade agreements to the murder of union leaders in coffee factories. The aim of this workshop is not only to learn the basics of analog film photography, but to cultivate mindfulness of our surroundings through photography and the developing process.

May the use of our hands to develop our film connect us to the hands that harvest our coffee.

This program has limited seating. Once registered, attendance to these courses is highly encouraged. Membership discounts are not applicable to Flexible Access courses. All courses take place at Art League Houston unless noted otherwise. If a payment option isn’t available, contact the ALH School during office hours for assistance at school@artleaguehouston.org or 713.523.9530 ext. 3. By registering for a class at Art League Houston, you agree to the Art League School policies (please review terms and conditions before registering).