The Magic of Classic Photography Film:
Processing to Darkroom Printing

Pete Rezac

​There is a magical quality to working with Classic Photography (Film) from loading classic cameras - so many different ones were made, to selecting lens that have their own unique character and personality - so many different ones were made - to selecting a film based on it’s characteristics (grain structure, amount of grain, size of grain, etc) so many were made but are gone, but so many great ones still remain and new ones being introduced! Then there is the experience of slowing down and enjoying photography again, being in the moment, thinking each step through, and then the excitement (or worry) did I get it! I know that I am captivated by this process and continue to practice it on routine basis!

Then there is the craft of darkroom printing! A skillset all onto itself, but so very much rewarding watching real dark room print come to life! Seeing it emerge from the paper in the developer tray is still an incredible experience for me every time time I see it. Perhaps you have experienced it as well, many years ago, and want to experience that again. Or perhaps you’ve never experienced seeing a print come to life and want to know what this is all about! We will make contact sheets of the film we processed, select photographs we want to print, make test strips, and make a print. We’ll also explore just some basic concepts on split grade printing using darkroom filters (a way to maximize contrast throughout the print). Best of all you will walk away from this class not only with great memories of how fun it will be, but also have tangible negatives, contact sheet prints, and real silver gelatin prints that you can hold, enjoy and appreciate all that is unique about them.

This is a class where there will be imperfections, its part of classic photography! It's ok to embrace imperfection, and working this way is a way to help remember the classic process is so very rewarding - even with it’s imperfections! This class will be a very limited size because of the nature of working in the darkroom space that GLIP has secured for this class! So if you are interested sign up now! Also there will be a shopping list of some basic items you will want have - i.e. paper, black and white film, basic development tanks.

More info will come once the class roster is finalized! I’m excited to share my excitement and experience in working with classic photography from film to print! I’m looking forward to who I will get to share this with!

Biography: Pete Rezac

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Pete Rezac discovered photography in one of the most unexpected ways. Originally trained as a mechanical engineer, Pete began his career working on the Alaska Pipeline in Valdez, Alaska. What started as a black and white photography class quickly became a lifelong passion that transformed his career and creative path.

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Today, Pete is an internationally recognized portrait photographer based in Reno, known for creating luxury color portraits and timeless fine art black and white imagery. Still choosing to work with medium and large format cameras and film, Pete values the tactile process of traditional photography along with the rich tones, depth, and fidelity these tools provide. Inspired by a desire to create authentic and timeless children’s portraits, his work focuses on storytelling, emotion, and capturing subjects at their very best. His artistry and dedication to the craft have earned him numerous accolades within the photographic community.

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With decades of experience behind the camera, Pete works closely with every client to design portraits that are intentional, personal, and crafted to become lasting heirloom artwork. From wardrobe and lighting to posing and final presentation, he believes every detail matters in creating images with character, emotion, and impact.

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Deeply committed to photographic education, Pete actively teaches and mentors professional photographers throughout the United States.