This community darkroom gives photographers a place to learn, create and share

PORTLAND, Ore. (Aging Untold) — A community darkroom in Oregon is giving people access to a place to learn, create and share the craft of film photography.

Franklin Foto, a community darkroom space in Saint John’s, offers a sliding-scale darkroom membership, classes, gallery space and more for people looking to shoot on film.

Bobby Abrahamson is a co-founder of the studio along with his longtime friend, Jason Kaplan.

“Mostly people are shooting things out there in the world. And so we’re discovering what people see in their lives,” Abrahamson said. “And everybody’s kind of getting to know each other in a way. It’s a really beautiful thing.”

Abrahamson and Kaplan had thought about opening a space like this for several years.

After the sudden death of Abrahamson’s brother, Franklin, their vision became clearer. Franklin left his brother money, which made it possible to develop the studio.

“It was a devastating blow when he passed. And so, to be able to do something, I feel his presence,” Abrahamson said.

Learn more here.