This critique-based workshop is for photographers who already develop black-and-white film and have access to a working darkroom. The class focuses on how exposure, development, and metering decisions affect the quality and flexibility of black-and-white negatives, and how those choices shape the final print. We will also focus on how to advance the students' print making skills.
Using student work as the primary teaching tool, the course combines group critique with targeted technical discussion. While some concepts draw from principles associated with the Zone System, this is not a Zone System workshop. Instead, students will learn adaptable strategies that can be applied across formats and working styles, from 35mm to large format, including both controlled and fast-paced shooting situations.
The class meets for two hours every other Tuesday. For the first session, students should bring black-and-white prints along with the negatives used to make them. Assignments and feedback are tailored to each student's practice, with an emphasis on refining technical control in support of individual creative direction.
Nick encourages students to email him before the first class to better understand their work and creative goals. You are welcome to contact Nick and read testimonials from former students on his website: https://www.nickjohnsonphotography.com/testimonals
Prerequisite: Prior experience developing black-and-white film and access to a darkroom.
Workshop Details
Dates: Five sessions, meeting every other Tuesday: March 10, March 24, April 7, April 21, and May 5, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Format: In person, at the Griffin Museum (67 Shore Rd. Winchester, MA 01890)
Participants: Limited to 10
Course Fee: $295 (members) / $365 (non-members)
Level: Open to All! Prior experience developing b&w film and access to a darkroom are required.
The non-member price includes a one-year membership to the Griffin Museum. Learn more about all the benefits here: https://griffinmuseum.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
About the Instructor
Nick Johnson has been a fine art photographer for 47 years and he works exclusively with a large format camera. He studied for 1 year at the Museum School in Boston, beyond that he is self taught.
Nick taught photography at the New England School of Photography (NESOP) for 26 years, and was the Director of the Garner Center for Photographic Exhibitions at NESOP from 1994-2008.
In his teaching Nick puts a strong emphasis on the Zone System and the creative freedom afforded by having a high level of technical skill. He has an extensive exhibition record including pieces in the permanent collections of the: Danforth Museum; Fitchburg Art Museum; The Gallery at Penn College, as well as works in many private collections. His work has also been featured in Black and White Magazine and reviewed in Art New England Magazine. He currently lives with his wife Kelli Costa and their 2 cats Misty and Cannoli in Maynard, MA.