It’s alive! The community darkroom is now open.

Coronado, CA: developed in the Safelight Labs DIY Lab

This is our most exciting development yet …

Today, we’re opening the doors to San Diego’s community darkroom, a do it yourself  lab where you can develop, scan and print your own photography.

We provide the space, the chemicals and the equipment to process your film. You provide the great images and creative energy that fuels this one-of-a-kind facility.

Be among the first to use the space and help us grow the amazing community of photographers who will call this lab their creative home away from home.

You can book the lab on an hourly basis, or become a Safelight member and have regular access to our developing stations and darkroom.

We’re offering special introductory pricing on memberships in January, which also includes access to The Studio and special discounts.

See the first print come to life in the darkroom

Safelight Labs co-owner Rob Cowan is in his happy place under the glow of a darkroom safelight. And he’s in his element when he’s sharing the magic of film photography with other people.

So it’s a bit of an understatement to say he’s a kid in a candy store making prints inside Safelight Labs’ new community darkroom. He’s more like Willy Wonka leading a tour of his factory.

Watch the video above to peek inside the lab as Cowan makes the first print inside the space.

What to expect in The Lab

The lab comes fully equipped with everything you need to develop, scan and print your film.

• You can book time on our website for one of three development stations, where you’ll have access to dark bags, chemicals, canisters, trays, and anything else you could need to get your film developed.

• In the darkroom, we offer access to three enlargers that you can book on our website for printing black and white photography and an 8 x 10 enlarger that you can book by calling ahead to our store and scheduling a time.

• We’ll ask you to provide a little info on your background with film development, as each member is expected to arrive prepared to handle the process. If you’ve never developed film before, we invite you to join one of our workshops! The process is easier than you think and gives you creative control over your photography.