Penumbra Foundation
Classes in NYC
The Penumbra Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing workshops, education, lectures, and events to the worldwide photographic community. They aim to be a comprehensive resource for photographers of all levels and to promote the impact of photography on culture, history, and the arts.
12 classes with availability
Platinum and Cyanotype Layering
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Explore alternative photographic printing by combining platinum-palladium and cyanotype processes to create distinctive prints with enhanced depth and tonal range. Learn to coat, expose, and develop each process while experimenting with different layering sequences to achieve varied split-tone effects. All materials are provided, and participants leave with the skills to continue experimenting independently.
Dec 2nd
6–9pm ET
Meets 2 Times
$315
2 Seats Left
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Wed. Dec 2nd, 6–9pm ET
(6 hours over 2 sessions)
Building a Body of Work
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Build a cohesive photographic project through guided critique, thoughtful editing, and focused discussion. Strengthen your visual voice while exploring sequencing, narrative, and conceptual clarity. Built for artists at any stage, the experience provides practical tools for sustaining long-term work and confidently articulating ideas through images.
Nov 5th
6–9pm ET
Meets 6 Times
$700
8 Seats Left
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Thu. Nov 5th, 6–9pm ET
(18 hours over 6 sessions)
Phytograms
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Explore a cameraless photographic process that transforms plant materials and film into vivid, one-of-a-kind images. Using homemade plant-based developers, you'll create transparent prints rich with texture and color, ideal for further experimentation. Learn each step—from preparation to finishing—and unlock new creative possibilities through this organic, light-sensitive technique.
Nov 7th
10am–6pm ET
Meets 2 Times
$805
2 Seats Left
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Sat. Nov 7th, 10am–6pm ET
(16 hours over 2 sessions)
Intro to Platinum Palladium Printing
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Discover the timeless art of platinum-palladium printing, renowned for its rich tonal range and lasting beauty. Blend modern digital techniques with traditional methods to create exquisite handcrafted prints on fine art paper. Perfect for artists seeking to elevate their craft, this workshop provides the skills to produce stunning, museum-quality images.
Nov 21st
10am–6pm ET
Meets 2 Times
$810
1 Seat Left
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Sat. Nov 21st, 10am–6pm ET
(16 hours over 2 sessions)
Introduction to Risography for Photo Printing
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Explore the creative possibilities of Risograph printing as you transform your photographs into striking one- and two-color prints. Learn how to prepare digital files, achieve desired tonal effects, and experiment with vivid inks like black, red, purple, white, and yellow. Includes hands-on guidance and an overview of Riso history and technique.
Nov 21st
10am–6pm ET
Meets 2 Times
$755
2 Seats Left
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Sat. Nov 21st, 10am–6pm ET
(16 hours over 2 sessions)
View Camera Crash Course
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Investigate the world of large format portraiture and the distinctive perspective of the view camera. Pick up insight into its history and contemporary uses while building essential techniques for shooting, processing sheet film, and scanning. Through guided practice and hands-on exercises, you'll grow the skills and confidence to bring this powerful tool into your own photographic work.
Dec 5th
10am–5pm ET
Meets 2 Times
$750
1 Seat Left
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Sat. Dec 5th, 10am–5pm ET
(14 hours over 2 sessions)
Paper Positives: In-Camera Color
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Discover a distinctive analog photography technique that transforms color photographic paper into luminous, one-of-a-kind positive images created directly in camera. Through hands-on studio and darkroom practice, explore large-format camera operation, exposure control, color correction, and specialized processing methods. Photograph still lifes and portraits while gaining a deeper understanding of image-making from capture to print. Leave with a collection of original works and the skills to continue experimenting independently.
Sat. Dec 12th, 10am–6pm ET
(8 hours)
Lumen Printing
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Discover the art of cameraless photography by creating beautiful, ethereal lumen prints. In this hands-on workshop, you'll experiment with various techniques and materials to explore how light, time, and paper influence color on gelatin silver paper. Perfect for all levels, this creative experience offers a unique way to engage with alternative photographic processes.
Sun. Dec 13th, 10am–5pm ET
(7 hours)
Double-Sided: Inkjet Printing for Book Projects
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Explore the creative potential of inkjet printing for book and zine projects in this hands-on workshop. Learn to select the right paper, manage color and files, and understand how materials influence visual impact. You'll leave with printed spreads and a deeper sense of how images function in book form.
Sat. Dec 12th, 10am–6pm ET
(8 hours)
Sustainable Photographic Practices
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ Virtual Classroom
Explore safer, more environmentally responsible approaches to photographic practice. Learn about alternatives to hazardous chemicals, waste disposal, metal salt recovery, homemade developers, and unconventional light-sensitive materials. Through demonstrations and experimentation, build practical skills for incorporating sustainable processes into your darkroom workflow.
Nov 9th
6–8pm ET
Meets 4 Times
$318
6 Seats Left
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Mon. Nov 9th, 6–8pm ET
(8 hours over 4 sessions)
How to Write an Artist Statement
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ Virtual Classroom
Learn to effectively communicate the concepts and processes behind your artwork through the power of words. This course at Penumbra Foundation will equip you with the skills to craft a compelling artist statement, ensuring that your work is contextualized and understood by funders, galleries, and the public. Say goodbye to writer's block and share your artistic vision with the world.
Dec 5th
10am–1pm ET
Meets 2 Times
$345
10 Seats Left
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Sat. Dec 5th, 10am–1pm ET
(6 hours over 2 sessions)
Analog to Digital: Post-Processing Workflow
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ Virtual Classroom
Build a consistent post-processing workflow for digitized film using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Learn to refine color and black-and-white negatives, make batch adjustments, and remove dust with precision retouching tools. Weekly assignments and feedback help reinforce techniques and produce polished, high-quality final files from existing scans.
Dec 6th
10am–12:30pm ET
Meets 2 Times
$195
6 Seats Left
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Sun. Dec 6th, 10am–12:30pm ET
(5 hours over 2 sessions)
More classes to explore
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The 8x10 Portrait
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Refine your portraiture skills through hands-on large-format photography in the studio and on the streets of New York City. Explore approaches to directing subjects, composition, perspective, and intentional lighting while gaining practical experience working with an 8x10 camera. Receive direct feedback and critique to strengthen your portrait-making practice.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Developing 35mm Film
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Discover the magic of analog photography as you shoot and hand-develop your own black-and-white film. Learn to operate a manual 35mm camera, capture images in natural light, and build expertise with the chemical development process. Leave with your own set of developed negatives and the skills to continue at home.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$260
Mini Series: Kallitype
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Explore the art of kallitype in an accessible workshop where you'll gain hands-on experience in making digital negatives, coating paper, and processing prints. Perfect for beginners, this session includes demonstrations and practical learning, ensuring you leave with two prints and a foundational understanding of the process. Discover a new technique and enhance your photographic skills in this engaging class.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$75
Lighting for Film
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Explore the art of lighting for film photography in this hands-on workshop. Gain experience with ambient and strobe lighting techniques while working with large and medium-format cameras. Capture striking portraits, analyze your work in a collaborative setting, and refine your technical and creative approach. Develop a deeper understanding of light, composition, and the relationships that shape compelling imagery.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
8"x10" Wet Plate
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Explore the craft of creating tintypes and ambrotypes on a larger scale, refining your collodion technique under expert guidance. Use our top-notch facilities and equipment for an unforgettable hands-on experience in the historic process of wet plate photography.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Albumen
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Explore the timeless art of albumen printing in this hands-on workshop. Learn to mix chemistry, coat paper, and tone prints, creating beautifully toned, glossy prints from your own digital photographs. Leave with a collection of finished works and the expertise to continue using this historic photographic process on your own.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Lith Printing
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Learn the art of creating unique silver gelatin prints with a lith developer in this immersive two-day workshop. Discover the delicate warm tones and gritty shadows that lith printing brings to your images. Experiment, explore, and develop a foundation for your future personal work in the darkroom.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Making Photographs on Glass & Metal
Penumbra Foundation See all classes by this school @ 36 E 30th St, New York, NY
Explore the beauty of alternative photographic processes by creating richly detailed images on glass and metal. Learn to prepare unique surfaces, craft digital negatives, and work with historic techniques like collodio chloride and dry plate. Guided demonstrations and hands-on practice will help you produce striking, one-of-a-kind photographic objects.
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Reviews of Penumbra Foundation
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Failing Up
I was the most inexperienced member of the class and the only one who primarily worked in digital photography and associated editing programs. Nonetheless, I found the instructor and the other class members helpful and supportive. -
Mini Series: Kallitype
The class was very informative. The teacher was great. I was disappointed by the way my prints came out. It was an issue with many of the prints. Not sure if it was the way it was processed or the chemicals and think that needs to be worked out before this class is done again. -
Pinhole Workshop for Teens
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Plein-Air Photograms and Darkroom Experimentation
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Studio Lighting for Wet Plate
Sam Dole helped me complete a three year search for the right combination of studio lighting, he is knowledgeable, articulate and a professional. I would likely take additional courses with him in the future. Thanks all, JR Morgan -
How to Write an Artist Statement
I loved the instructor Liz! Fabulous person! -
Digital Negatives and Platinum Palladium Printing
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Five Days of Alternative Process
I have taken several classes at the Penumbra Foundation and I'm always pleased with the results and the professionalism of the Staff there. -
Building a Camera Obscura
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Chemigram
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Pinhole Workshop for Teens
