venezia photography

Salt Lake City based photographer specializing in all things film.

20x24 RA-4 Reversal Portraits

A 20x24 inch photograph is like no other. It is taken with one of the largest format cameras that exist in the world. The experience is magical and will often leave the subject breathless upon witnessing the final results.

Starting my film photography journey in 2005 with a high school darkroom photo class, in years since I have experimented with many mediums and formats. In 2022, after relocating to Salt Lake City, I launched SLC Darkroom—a private darkroom in the heart of the city offering diverse workshops and private 1:1 printing sessions. In 2023, I rescued a 105-year-old 24x24 inch Process Camera from an old print shop in Idaho closing down. Immediately upon seeing the camera I could envision the future art I could create.

There are only a handful of cameras this size in the world. The most famous of which are the Polaroid 20x24 cameras. Produced in the late 70’s these cameras were originally made to demonstrate the quality of Polaroid film. Over the last 50+ years artists such as Elsa Dorfman, Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, and more used these cameras to create timeless pieces of art. It was even used to take the first official photographic Presidential portrait, of Jimmy Carter in 1979, taken by none other than Ansel Adams. Unfortunately with the demise of Polaroid as it was once known, film production for the unique camera stopped in 2008.

This brings us to the RA-4 Reversal process —First we shoot a 20x24 inch piece of color paper directly in the camera like one would with film. Then by using a mix of both black & white paper chemistry and color paper chemistry we end up with a full color positive image. The entire development process takes only minutes, and while not exactly like a 20x24 Polaroid it is the closest one can get today.

Book Your 20x24 Portrait!

Check out the @slc.darkroom Instagram for current 20x24 happenings!

SLC Darkroom: Black And White film developing and Printing Workshops

Learn to develop your film and make your own black and white darkroom prints! Whether you're a beginner or experienced film photographer, this hands-on experience is perfect for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the art and science of photography. Under my guidance, you'll learn the film developing and darkroom basics while creating beautiful archival prints from your own negatives. Click the link below and book now!

Workshops:

Intro To Black And White Film Developing
Intro To Black And White Darkroom Printing
Split Grade Printing Advanced Workshop
Lith Printing Alternative Process Workshop

Chemistry Basics: The basic chemical process behind black and white developing and or printing.
Printing Techniques: The basic process of making a black and white print, including exposure control and operating the enlarger. As well as advanced techniques such as dodging/burning, and split-filter printing.
Archival process: Steps necessary for properly washing and creating a final archival print.
I offer advanced workshops for those with basic knowledge of the darkroom. These classes are designed give you the knowledge you need to take your printing to the next level.
Split Grade Printing - This advanced process gives you the complete control over the full tonality within a black and white print and lets you perform local adjustments such as dodging and burning to refine contrast further to your liking.
Lith Printing - Lith printing is a unique black and white darkroom printing technique which utilizes special developers and old expired Bromide based paper to create incredibly unique prints. Characteristics typically seen are very high contrast, gritty textures, dreamy highlights, and overall warm tones. No two prints are ever alike.
Learn more and book by clicking the link below!
Have a special project or want to book the darkroom for the day or a weekend? Reach out to me to discuss and book a private session. Click the link below and fill out the contact form.