Dreaming of a Return to College

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the possibility of returning to school specifically to study analog photography with darkroom development. When I first discovered that programs like this still exist I was genuinely thrilled. It feels like stepping back into a world I once knew so well. I realize how much I’ve forgotten over the past twenty years and would love to rehone that skill. I also really just miss being in a dark room watching my images come to life. This is to say nothing of the additional art classed that could only strengthen my painting skills.

Then reality hit. I’m not going to be in Kansas for the next four years. Even if I were I don’t have $53,000 to invest in something that won’t translate directly into income, but only personal growth. It’s disappointing but right now, it’s not something I can take on. The bright side is knowing that schools are still teaching analog photography and darkroom developing so the art is not lost yet. For now though, I’ll keep fumbling through relearning on my own. It won’t be the same as a formal program, but just about everything is on youtube so that’s enough to keep me moving forward. I am still sad to repost the gatekeeping within the photography community is still alive and well but I’ve never been one to engage with people of that mindset. Photography, painting or tattooing sharing your knowledge makes everyone better and improves the art form as a whole I promise you really are not making more coipition for yourself.