Split-Grade Printing - Workshop I
Thursday, January 29, 2026 6-9PM

Everything you wanted to know about split-grade printing but were afraid to ask! Ever wonder if there’s a better way to print something besides a single-grade contrast print? There is!

In this darkroom printing workshop, Rick will demonstrate and guide students through the exciting art of using TWO different contrast filters (with two separate exposures) on one single print. Students will harness the dynamics and potential that exist inside all Variable Contrast papers. This method provides more surgical control over your highlight detail, shadow detail, overall contrast, mid-tone contrast, and print drama. Who doesn’t want that?

During the workshop you will learn:

- foundation of making a 2-exposure split-grade print
- how to run a full-stop test for highlights with a 0-grade contrast
- how to test precisely for shadows with a 5-grade contrast
- how to bring two exposures together on a single print together
- deeper understanding of the mechanics of standard Variable Contrast papers

This class is designed for those who have already been working for some time in the darkroom and are ready to take a tiny leap into better printmaking. Please bring in well-exposed, full-tone negatives that aren’t hyper contrasty. If you previously printed them at a 1.5-3 grade, perfect!

Dodge/Burn Basics + Use with Split-Grade Printing - Workshop II
Thursday, February 5, 2026 6-9PM

Already familiar with split-grade printing and looking for more, then this printing workshop is for YOU. It will open up the power of dodging and burning during your two separate exposures. In this second in a series of three workshops, you’ll target specific parts of your print by dodging/burning during a 0-grade exposure and a 5-grade exposure. Your control over values, contrast, and detail will rise exponentially. Oh… It’s also a blast. 

During the workshop you will learn:

- further refinement of a 2-exposure split-grade print
- how to think your way through making topical changes to contrast, detail, values
- how to increase highlight in a deep shadow
- how to add contact intensity in dull, lifeless areas
- how to refine your method/technique of burning/dodging
- further understanding of the mechanics of standard Variable Contrast papers

Topical Bleaching - Workshop III
Thursday, February 12, 2026 6-9PM

Already comfortable with split-grade printing and dodging and burning? Well, what is a poor printer to do when the print they’ve already finished is too dark in the highlights, in the shadows, in the midtones? 

Topical bleaching is your answer! In this workshop, you’ll learn a chemical method to utilize after printing that helps rescue/refine/open up any areas of your print by using paint brushes and various dilutions of Farmer’s Reducer. The method is capable of delivering absolutely stunning results. It does, however, take some time to master. This workshop will serve as an introduction to the creative power and tactile joy of painting directly on a completed print. 

During the workshop you will learn:

- What is Farmer’s Reducer Bleach and how it works
- How to mix a working solution from stock, plus fixer addition
- How to create various dilutions for good control
- How to paint areas of your print to “open” them up
- Best practices with bleach, re-fixing, and re-finishing

This class is designed for those who have already been working for some time in the darkroom and are ready to take a tiny leap into better printmaking. Please bring already finished darkish prints (fiber preferred). 

The Halide Project will provide all necessary paper and chemicals.

Artist Bio:

Rick Wright initially trained as an oil painter at Princeton (BA) and Columbia University  (MFA), before embracing photography with studies at The ICP in New York. While there,  he studied with: Nan Goldin, Susan Meiselas, Danny Lyon, and John Loengard. He  currently practices architectural photography, shoots 4x5 film landscapes, and hosts  photography seminars and critiques at The Halide Project, Fleisher Art Memorial, and  Peters Valley School of Craft. 

Rick says, “Photography is 93% of my life. The other 7% is occupied by film camera  repair, short story writing, and motorcycle photo trips. I chose photography over painting  for its speed, unpredictability, and ready bends of reality.” 

Rick’s work resides in several permanent collections including the Philadelphia Museum  of Art, Johnson & Johnson Collection, and University of Pennsylvania, and is exhibited  internationally. In addition to a 2020 museum solo show at The Griffin Museum in MA,  he was published in Lenswork Magazine, and appeared in the First Zagreb Photo  Biennial.  

Rick lives in the Center City District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Website: www.rickwrightstudio.com

Workshop Withdrawal Policy

We recommend choosing workshops with care after reading our withdrawal policy. If you have questions about any of our workshops, please contact dale@thehalideproject.org 

This workshop is generously sponsored by The Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation.