With Polaroid instant films, you can separate the emulsion from the substrate, place the emulsion on another backing of your choice, and then manipulate the freeform emulsion layer, opening up a whole new world of creative prospects, including creating textures, shifting the colors, and stretching the image.

Workshop lead Kate Oberreich has worked with this Polaroid emulsion lift and transfer technique for over a decade. In this single session workshop, Oberreich will share her experience and guide beginner through advanced students through the process of emulsion lifts and transfers using Polaroid film.

Kate Oberreich is an Indianapolis based painter employing multiple mediums including water media, cyanotype, photography, embroidery, and collage. She received a BFA in painting from Ball State University in 2005, with additional studies in classical cultures and mythology. Kate's work often explores themes and narratives associated with the concept of finding home and community, both literally and figuratively. Notable clients include Citizens Energy Group (Indianapolis, IN), 20th Century Fox (for the feature film, The Fault in Our Stars), Indianapolis Monthly, HGTV, Shamrock Cycles (Indianapolis, IN) and Spotts Gardens (Indianapolis, IN).

Click here for more information and to register!

April 19, 1-4pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

More and more, photographers who shoot color film are opting to develop their own film rather than spending the time, energy, and money to send it off to a lab. Developing color film is a whole other world from developing black & white film, with different chemistry, techniques, and concerns. If you’ve developed color film before, this workshop is a great refresher on technique and will show you how to maximize the tools in Aurora’s darkroom. If this is your first time, or if you’ve only watched a couple videos online, the small size of this workshop makes it ideal for asking questions and getting comfortable with the process.

Please note: This workshop is for 35mm and 120mm color film only. 

Covered in the workshop:

* Loading film correctly onto plastic or metal reels
* Mixing color chemistry for success
* Knowing the importance of timing, temperature, and agitation
* Reading your negatives to select frames for printing
* Proper care, storage, and handling of negatives

All chemistry and equipment are included in the price of the workshop. During the workshop, you will develop one roll of 35mm and 120mm color film, dry it, and store it in a plastic negative sleeve ready to scan.

For more information and to register, click here or visit our Workshops page at auroraphoto.org.

This workshop will be taught by Carlos Perez, Aurora’s Lab Manager.

April 19, 2-5pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

This one-session workshop is designed for you to learn the basics of scanning — from archiving old pictures to converting your old negatives. Turn your old memories into digital files that you can share with your friends and family!

Covered in the workshop:

*Flatbed scanning
*Digital camera scanning (DSLR Scanning)
*File saving guidelines
*Cleaning and loading film holders
*Troubleshooting scans (dust, blurriness, color shifts)

What to bring to the workshop:

*Photo or document of your choice
*Developed color, black & white, or slide film
*Flash drive or other storage medium to store your scans

Prior knowledge of scanning is not necessary for this workshop. This workshop is best suited to artists 16+ years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

This workshop will be taught by Lab Manager Carlos Perez.

Click here for more information and to register for the workshop.

April 24, 7pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

This one-session workshop is designed to teach you how to make archival inkjet prints on our Canon P-1000, which prints sheets up to 17 x 25 inches. In the workshop, we will cover the essential steps necessary to create a beautiful, balanced print using Aurora’s digital lab. Participants will make 2 prints during the workshop on 11 x 14 Moab luster paper.

Covered in the workshop:

* Resolution, bit depth, and your print
* Which file formats are best for printing
* Using print profiles
* Previewing your print with soft proofing
* Making basic adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color balance
* Choosing the right paper for your image

For more information and to register, click here.

April 25-26 and May 2, 2026
Limited to 14 participants
Registration closes when filled

Click here for more information and to register.

Compelling imagery doesn’t happen by chance — it’s designed. This three-part workshop series explores how to turn style, storytelling, and visual identity into strategic narratives that support creative growth, brand alignment, and real-world opportunities.

Led by Creative Director and Stylist Chad Jamil Hudson, Dressing the Narrative is designed for emerging stylists, aspiring creative directors, photographers, content creators, and brand visionaries who want to elevate their work from simply stylish to truly story-driven.

Session #1: Determining Your Why
Saturday, April 25, 10am-6pm
Location: Aurora PhotoCenter, 1125 Brookside Avenue, Suite C9, Indianapolis

In this session we will focus on how to:

* Interpret brand identity into narrative-driven visual concepts
* Conduct trend and historical style research for depth and authenticity
* Understand the relationship between clothing, composition, and cultural reference
* Formulate color palettes, style inspiration, and tone into a moodboard.

Hands-On Exercise: Brand Storyboard Challenge (create a moodboard for a campaign concept)
Participants Bring: Laptop
Included on Site: Clothes + accessories

Workshop lead Chad Jamil Hudson is a fashion storyteller whose work resides at the intersection of style, history, and narrative. Drawing on archival research and cultural references, he transforms ideas into visually compelling campaigns defined by precision and purpose. As Creative Director of HAPPY TRIES, he leads projects from concept to execution, ensuring each image is anchored in intention. During his tenure in Los Angeles, he built a freelance portfolio that includes collaborations with Nike, Essence Magazine, and Hyundai, where his styling merges artistic vision with strategic impact to elevate brand presence. At JD Finish Line, he curates e-commerce looks that extend beyond commerce, connecting brands and audiences through imagery that resonates with them.

April 25-26 and May 2, 2026
Limited to 14 participants
Registration closes when filled

Click here for more information and to register.

Compelling imagery doesn’t happen by chance — it’s designed. This three-part workshop series explores how to turn style, storytelling, and visual identity into strategic narratives that support creative growth, brand alignment, and real-world opportunities.

Led by Creative Director and Stylist Chad Jamil Hudson, Dressing the Narrative is designed for emerging stylists, aspiring creative directors, photographers, content creators, and brand visionaries who want to elevate their work from simply stylish to truly story-driven.

Session #2: Crafting Visual Stories that Sell
Sunday, April 26, 10am-6pm
Location: Aurora PhotoCenter, 1125 Brookside Avenue, Suite C9, Indianapolis

In this session we will focus on how to:

* Utilize moodboard and trend research to develop a creative deck
* Curate wardrobe selections for concept, brand strategy, and audience appeal
* Convey concepts to creative teams (photographers, models, etc.) for a unified vision

Hands-On Exercise: Look & Layout Lab (style editorial looks, capture imagery for deck, add visual references, write literary cues, create a run of show)
Participants Bring: Laptop, Canva account (or graphic design platform), camera phone
Included on Site: Clothes + accessories

Workshop lead Chad Jamil Hudson is a fashion storyteller whose work resides at the intersection of style, history, and narrative. Drawing on archival research and cultural references, he transforms ideas into visually compelling campaigns defined by precision and purpose. As Creative Director of HAPPY TRIES, he leads projects from concept to execution, ensuring each image is anchored in intention. During his tenure in Los Angeles, he built a freelance portfolio that includes collaborations with Nike, Essence Magazine, and Hyundai, where his styling merges artistic vision with strategic impact to elevate brand presence. At JD Finish Line, he curates e-commerce looks that extend beyond commerce, connecting brands and audiences through imagery that resonates with them.

April 25-26 and May 2, 2026
Limited to 14 participants
Registration closes when filled

Click here for more information and to register.

Compelling imagery doesn’t happen by chance — it’s designed. This three-part workshop series explores how to turn style, storytelling, and visual identity into strategic narratives that support creative growth, brand alignment, and real-world opportunities.

Led by Creative Director and Stylist Chad Jamil Hudson, Dressing the Narrative is designed for emerging stylists, aspiring creative directors, photographers, content creators, and brand visionaries who want to elevate their work from simply stylish to truly story-driven.

Session #3: Bringing It to Life & Selling the Vision
Saturday, May 2, 10am-6pm
Location: Pattern, 1060 N Capitol Ave Suite 4-102, Indianapolis

In this session we will focus on how to:

* Direct on-set styling and creative workflows
* Apply composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy for captivating and effective imagery
* Adapt styling and creative direction for editorial, social media, and e-commerce formats.

Hands-On Exercise: Mini-Campaign Shoot (Direct and style a collaborative photo session, with guided instruction on curating and refining images for a portfolio-ready campaign)
Included on Site: 2 models, 1 photographer, edited images for portfolio, photography studio ($50/hr), photography equipment, styling kit (needles, safety pins, lint roller, clips)

Workshop lead Chad Jamil Hudson is a fashion storyteller whose work resides at the intersection of style, history, and narrative. Drawing on archival research and cultural references, he transforms ideas into visually compelling campaigns defined by precision and purpose. As Creative Director of HAPPY TRIES, he leads projects from concept to execution, ensuring each image is anchored in intention. During his tenure in Los Angeles, he built a freelance portfolio that includes collaborations with Nike, Essence Magazine, and Hyundai, where his styling merges artistic vision with strategic impact to elevate brand presence. At JD Finish Line, he curates e-commerce looks that extend beyond commerce, connecting brands and audiences through imagery that resonates with them.

May 3, 1-4pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

Even if you’ve developed black & white film before, this workshop is a great refresher on technique and will show you how to maximize the tools in Aurora’s darkroom. If this is your first time, or if you’ve only watched a couple videos online, the small size of this workshop makes it ideal for asking questions and getting comfortable with the process.

Please note: This workshop is for 35mm and 120mm black & white film only. Visit auroraphoto.org/workshops for information on color film and 4 x 5 workshops.

Covered in the workshop:

* Loading film correctly onto plastic or metal reels
* Mixing black & white chemistry properly
* Learning the importance of timing, temperature, and agitation
* Reading your negatives to select frames for printing
* Proper care, storage, and handling of negatives

All chemistry and equipment are included in the price of the workshop. During the workshop, you will develop one roll of 35mm and 120mm black & white film, dry it, and store it in a plastic negative sleeve ready to make a contact sheet or enlargements.

For more information and to register, click here.

May 3, 2-5pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

If you’ve made a black & white print before, this workshop is a great refresher on technique and will show you how to maximize the tools in Aurora’s darkroom. If this is your first time, or if you’ve only watched a couple videos online, the small size of this workshop makes it ideal for asking questions and getting comfortable with the process.

Covered in the workshop:

* Selecting negatives to print
* Operating the enlarger, easel, grain focuser and other equipment
* Making a test strip
* Proper technique with the chemistry trays
* Care, storage, and handling of negatives and prints

All chemistry, paper, and equipment are included in the price of the workshop. During the workshop, you will create 1-3 prints.

For more information and to register, click here or visit our Workshops page at auroraphoto.org.

May 17, 1-4pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

More and more, photographers who shoot color film are opting to develop their own film rather than spending the time, energy, and money to send it off to a lab. Developing color film is a whole other world from developing black & white film, with different chemistry, techniques, and concerns. If you’ve developed color film before, this workshop is a great refresher on technique and will show you how to maximize the tools in Aurora’s darkroom. If this is your first time, or if you’ve only watched a couple videos online, the small size of this workshop makes it ideal for asking questions and getting comfortable with the process.

Please note: This workshop is for 35mm and 120mm color film only. 

Covered in the workshop:

* Loading film correctly onto plastic or metal reels
* Mixing color chemistry for success
* Knowing the importance of timing, temperature, and agitation
* Reading your negatives to select frames for printing
* Proper care, storage, and handling of negatives

All chemistry and equipment are included in the price of the workshop. During the workshop, you will develop one roll of 35mm and 120mm color film, dry it, and store it in a plastic negative sleeve ready to scan.

For more information and to register, click here or visit our Workshops page at auroraphoto.org.

This workshop will be taught by Carlos Perez, Aurora’s Lab Manager.

May 17, 2-5pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

This one-session workshop is designed for you to learn the basics of scanning — from archiving old pictures to converting your old negatives. Turn your old memories into digital files that you can share with your friends and family!

Covered in the workshop:

*Flatbed scanning
*Digital camera scanning (DSLR Scanning)
*File saving guidelines
*Cleaning and loading film holders
*Troubleshooting scans (dust, blurriness, color shifts)

What to bring to the workshop:

*Photo or document of your choice
*Developed color, black & white, or slide film
*Flash drive or other storage medium to store your scans

Prior knowledge of scanning is not necessary for this workshop. This workshop is best suited to artists 16+ years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

This workshop will be taught by Lab Manager Carlos Perez.

Click here for more information and to register for the workshop.

The Thursday Night Photobook Throwdown is the photobook share you crave! Bring your newest photobook, or the one you’ve recently fallen in love with again, for an evening of sharing, conversation, and appreciation for this format for photography that is an art form in and onto itself.

Don’t have a book in mind to share? Not to worry — you can also comb through Aurora’s photobook library of over 300 titles for a wildcard if you’re feeling lucky that night.

We will start at the tables in the Aurora PhotoCenter Gallery, Suite C9, and then migrate down to a close-by watering hole when the mood strikes us or 7pm, whichever comes first!

May 22, 7pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

This one-session workshop is designed to teach you how to make archival inkjet prints on our Canon P-1000, which prints sheets up to 17 x 25 inches. In the workshop, we will cover the essential steps necessary to create a beautiful, balanced print using Aurora’s digital lab. Participants will make 2 prints during the workshop on 11 x 14 Moab luster paper.

Covered in the workshop:

* Resolution, bit depth, and your print
* Which file formats are best for printing
* Using print profiles
* Previewing your print with soft proofing
* Making basic adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color balance
* Choosing the right paper for your image

For more information and to register, click here.

Many photographers are discovering the beauty and control of the large format view camera, which allows you to create negatives 4 x 5 inches or larger, often yielding images of incredible detail and finesse.

In this weekend workshop, you will learn with Carlos Perez, artist and Aurora PhotoCenter Lab Manager, how to use a 4 x 5 view camera, how to shoot and develop large format 4 x 5 black-and-white negative film, and how to assess your negatives to print them in any photographic process.

The workshop will cover:

* View camera basics
* Loading film into the 4 x 5 film holders
* Shooting an image with the large format camera
* Loading film into the developing tanks
* Special concerns while developing 4 x 5 film
* Reading developed negatives to select the best images for printing
* Proper care, storage, and handling of negatives

For more information about the workshop and to register, please click here.

Many photographers are discovering the beauty and control of the large format view camera, which allows you to create negatives 4 x 5 inches or larger, often yielding images of incredible detail and finesse.

In this weekend workshop, you will learn with Carlos Perez, artist and Aurora PhotoCenter Lab Manager, how to use a 4 x 5 view camera, how to shoot and develop large format 4 x 5 black-and-white negative film, and how to assess your negatives to print them in any photographic process.

The workshop will cover:

* View camera basics
* Loading film into the 4 x 5 film holders
* Shooting an image with the large format camera
* Loading film into the developing tanks
* Special concerns while developing 4 x 5 film
* Reading developed negatives to select the best images for printing
* Proper care, storage, and handling of negatives

For more information about the workshop and to register, please click here.

Cyanotype is a cameraless photographic process known for its distinctive Prussian blue that develops when exposed to UV light. This workshop introduces students of all levels to the process and guides the creation of four to six unique artworks during this two-day weekend workshop.

Starting with a presentation of various cyanotype applications, the workshop invites participants to explore the process as a ritual of play with light and shadow. Through hands-on experimentation with intriguing materials, students will shape light and shadow by constructing sculptural negatives and installations with natural and UV light and capture their findings in cyanotype on archival watercolor paper. Along the way, Barnes will share some cyanotype fundamentals, such as mixing the chemistry, coating the paper, and getting proper and consistent exposures.

All images courtesy of Ella Barnes.

June 13-14, 10am-5pm
Limited to 10 participants
Registration closes when filled
Non-Members: $300
Members: $270
(Enter Member VIP code at checkout for discount)

Ella Barnes is an artist and designer based in Washington, DC. Barnes employs the cyanotype process to create works on paper and textile. Cross multiplying photography with sculpture and ephemeral installation, Barnes’ carves light with shadow to yield curious compositions and patterns in shades of blue. Barnes has participated in shows in New York, Miami, Provence, France and Berlin, Germany.

For more information and to register, click here.

Cyanotype is a cameraless photographic process known for its distinctive Prussian blue that develops when exposed to UV light. This workshop introduces students of all levels to the process and guides the creation of four to six unique artworks during this two-day weekend workshop.

Starting with a presentation of various cyanotype applications, the workshop invites participants to explore the process as a ritual of play with light and shadow. Through hands-on experimentation with intriguing materials, students will shape light and shadow by constructing sculptural negatives and installations with natural and UV light and capture their findings in cyanotype on archival watercolor paper. Along the way, Barnes will share some cyanotype fundamentals, such as mixing the chemistry, coating the paper, and getting proper and consistent exposures.

All images courtesy of Ella Barnes.

June 13-14, 10am-5pm
Limited to 10 participants
Registration closes when filled
Non-Members: $300
Members: $270
(Enter Member VIP code at checkout for discount)

Ella Barnes is an artist and designer based in Washington, DC. Barnes employs the cyanotype process to create works on paper and textile. Cross multiplying photography with sculpture and ephemeral installation, Barnes’ carves light with shadow to yield curious compositions and patterns in shades of blue. Barnes has participated in shows in New York, Miami, Provence, France and Berlin, Germany.

For more information and to register, click here.

June 18, 7pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

This one-session workshop is designed to teach you how to make archival inkjet prints on our Canon P-1000, which prints sheets up to 17 x 25 inches. In the workshop, we will cover the essential steps necessary to create a beautiful, balanced print using Aurora’s digital lab. Participants will make 2 prints during the workshop on 11 x 14 Moab luster paper.

Covered in the workshop:

* Resolution, bit depth, and your print
* Which file formats are best for printing
* Using print profiles
* Previewing your print with soft proofing
* Making basic adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color balance
* Choosing the right paper for your image

For more information and to register, click here.

Aurora PhotoCenter will be closed on June 19, 2026, in Observance of the national Juneteenth holiday.

We will reopen on June 20th at 11am for regular business hours.

June 20, 1-4pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

Even if you’ve developed black & white film before, this workshop is a great refresher on technique and will show you how to maximize the tools in Aurora’s darkroom. If this is your first time, or if you’ve only watched a couple videos online, the small size of this workshop makes it ideal for asking questions and getting comfortable with the process.

Please note: This workshop is for 35mm and 120mm black & white film only. Visit auroraphoto.org/workshops for information on color film and 4 x 5 workshops.

Covered in the workshop:

* Loading film correctly onto plastic or metal reels
* Mixing black & white chemistry properly
* Learning the importance of timing, temperature, and agitation
* Reading your negatives to select frames for printing
* Proper care, storage, and handling of negatives

All chemistry and equipment are included in the price of the workshop. During the workshop, you will develop one roll of 35mm and 120mm black & white film, dry it, and store it in a plastic negative sleeve ready to make a contact sheet or enlargements.

For more information and to register, click here.

June 20, 2-5pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

If you’ve made a black & white print before, this workshop is a great refresher on technique and will show you how to maximize the tools in Aurora’s darkroom. If this is your first time, or if you’ve only watched a couple videos online, the small size of this workshop makes it ideal for asking questions and getting comfortable with the process.

Covered in the workshop:

* Selecting negatives to print
* Operating the enlarger, easel, grain focuser and other equipment
* Making a test strip
* Proper technique with the chemistry trays
* Care, storage, and handling of negatives and prints

All chemistry, paper, and equipment are included in the price of the workshop. During the workshop, you will create 1-3 prints.

For more information and to register, click here or visit our Workshops page at auroraphoto.org.

Aurora with SPARK on Monument Circle
Free and open to the public

SPARK, the pop-up park on Indy’s Monument Circle, is the downtown place to meet, enjoy the beautiful weather and people, and create. Aurora will be at the SPARK art kiosk close to the info booth in the middle of the park hosting a free & fun cyanotype session.

Cyanotype is a camera-less photography made out in the sun, rather than in a darkroom. You place objects — such as plants — on top of a piece of photo-treated paper, and then use the sun to expose the paper. The result is an image that is an exact outline of the object. It’s a fun and magical way to engage photography! Although it may be new to modern people, cyanotype has been around since photography was invented in the 1800s.

Come explore the creative possibilities of this fascinating process. We will have some objects on hand to experiment with, but feel free to bring your own. Flat items usually work best, and cyanotype can be messy, so precious things like family heirlooms should probably stay at home. All other necessary materials will be provided free at the workshop.

This activity is best suited for artists 7+ years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

June 28, 1-4pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

More and more, photographers who shoot color film are opting to develop their own film rather than spending the time, energy, and money to send it off to a lab. Developing color film is a whole other world from developing black & white film, with different chemistry, techniques, and concerns. If you’ve developed color film before, this workshop is a great refresher on technique and will show you how to maximize the tools in Aurora’s darkroom. If this is your first time, or if you’ve only watched a couple videos online, the small size of this workshop makes it ideal for asking questions and getting comfortable with the process.

Please note: This workshop is for 35mm and 120mm color film only. 

Covered in the workshop:

* Loading film correctly onto plastic or metal reels
* Mixing color chemistry for success
* Knowing the importance of timing, temperature, and agitation
* Reading your negatives to select frames for printing
* Proper care, storage, and handling of negatives

All chemistry and equipment are included in the price of the workshop. During the workshop, you will develop one roll of 35mm and 120mm color film, dry it, and store it in a plastic negative sleeve ready to scan.

For more information and to register, click here or visit our Workshops page at auroraphoto.org.

This workshop will be taught by Carlos Perez, Aurora’s Lab Manager.

For the first time ever, Aurora offers this unique collaboration with DIGS Garden Center, our neighbors in the Windsor Park neighborhood, located 5 minutes from Aurora! The extensive selection of flowers and plants at DIGS will combine with the beauty of lumen photography in this one-of-a-kind, on-location, hands-on workshop with instructor Leni Mae Wiegand.

Lumen is a type of cameraless photography made using the power of the sun. You place objects on photographic film or paper and then expose the composition to sunlight, creating beautiful abstract images. Unlike many other darkroom-based processes, lumen prints are not monochromatic and often give surprising results due to their bright colors and dramatic hues that vary wildly based on the paper or objects used. Workshop leader Leni Mae Wiegand will share her extensive archive of collected photographic papers and film, her experience, as well as tips and tricks with lumen prints, as we learn and create together with this fun and often variable process!

In this workshop, we will use a variety of expired photographic darkroom papers to learn the basics of the lumen process. In addition, we will experiment with both black + white and color 4 x 5 film to push the limits of the process further, capture even more vibrant colors, and see how transparency can impact the final result. We will also discuss how to digitize your work so that you can preserve it — many lumen techniques are not light stable, and this will also allow you to post and share your amazing lumens online. 

All necessary materials and chemistry will be provided on-site at DIGS, including a variety of flowers, plants, and fun objects to start your compositions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own items to compose with — either organic objects or objects with some degree of transparency work best. Some ideas include hand written notes, pages from a magazine, or leaves from your favorite tree. 

For more information about the workshop and to register, please click here.

June 28, 2-5pm
Limited to 3 participants

Non-Members: $100
Aurora Members: Free, registration required, email to reserve your spot

This one-session workshop is designed for you to learn the basics of scanning — from archiving old pictures to converting your old negatives. Turn your old memories into digital files that you can share with your friends and family!

Covered in the workshop:

*Flatbed scanning
*Digital camera scanning (DSLR Scanning)
*File saving guidelines
*Cleaning and loading film holders
*Troubleshooting scans (dust, blurriness, color shifts)

What to bring to the workshop:

*Photo or document of your choice
*Developed color, black & white, or slide film
*Flash drive or other storage medium to store your scans

Prior knowledge of scanning is not necessary for this workshop. This workshop is best suited to artists 16+ years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

This workshop will be taught by Lab Manager Carlos Perez.

Click here for more information and to register for the workshop.

The Thursday Night Photobook Throwdown is the photobook share you crave! Bring your newest photobook, or the one you’ve recently fallen in love with again, for an evening of sharing, conversation, and appreciation for this format for photography that is an art form in and onto itself.

Don’t have a book in mind to share? Not to worry — you can also comb through Aurora’s photobook library of over 300 titles for a wildcard if you’re feeling lucky that night.

We will start at the tables in the Aurora PhotoCenter Gallery, Suite C9, and then migrate down to a close-by watering hole when the mood strikes us or 7pm, whichever comes first!

Aurora with SPARK on Monument Circle
Free and open to the public

SPARK, the pop-up park on Indy’s Monument Circle, is the downtown place to meet, enjoy the beautiful weather and people, and create. Aurora will be at the SPARK art kiosk close to the info booth in the middle of the park hosting a free & fun cyanotype session.

Cyanotype is a camera-less photography made out in the sun, rather than in a darkroom. You place objects — such as plants — on top of a piece of photo-treated paper, and then use the sun to expose the paper. The result is an image that is an exact outline of the object. It’s a fun and magical way to engage photography! Although it may be new to modern people, cyanotype has been around since photography was invented in the 1800s.

Come explore the creative possibilities of this fascinating process. We will have some objects on hand to experiment with, but feel free to bring your own. Flat items usually work best, and cyanotype can be messy, so precious things like family heirlooms should probably stay at home. All other necessary materials will be provided free at the workshop.

This activity is best suited for artists 7+ years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

This amazing weekend workshop gets you hands-on with the beautiful, historical photographic processes tintypes (positives on metal) and ambrotypes (positives on glass). Workshop leader Rashod Taylor, who has been working with these wet plate processes for over 13 years, will show you how to create tintypes and ambrotypes from start to finish — no prior photography experience required — all are welcome, beginners to advanced!  

During the weekend, we will make images with the wet plate processes, both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, allowing you to experiment with landscape, still life, and portraiture. Along the way, Taylor will share fundamentals about working with 4 x 5 cameras as well as coating the plates, making correct exposures with wet plate, processing the plates, and finally, finishing, varnishing, and storage for archival preservation of your images. We will process plates in Aurora’s renovated darkroom as well as outdoors in a mobile darkroom tent, offering a wide variety of wet plate experiences and plenty of room for experimentation.

All materials and cameras will be provided, but if you would like to bring your own 4 x 5 camera or any other materials to work with, you are welcome to do so.  

For more information about the workshop and to register, please click here.

This amazing weekend workshop gets you hands-on with the beautiful, historical photographic processes tintypes (positives on metal) and ambrotypes (positives on glass). Workshop leader Rashod Taylor, who has been working with these wet plate processes for over 13 years, will show you how to create tintypes and ambrotypes from start to finish — no prior photography experience required — all are welcome, beginners to advanced!  

During the weekend, we will make images with the wet plate processes, both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, allowing you to experiment with landscape, still life, and portraiture. Along the way, Taylor will share fundamentals about working with 4 x 5 cameras as well as coating the plates, making correct exposures with wet plate, processing the plates, and finally, finishing, varnishing, and storage for archival preservation of your images. We will process plates in Aurora’s renovated darkroom as well as outdoors in a mobile darkroom tent, offering a wide variety of wet plate experiences and plenty of room for experimentation.

All materials and cameras will be provided, but if you would like to bring your own 4 x 5 camera or any other materials to work with, you are welcome to do so.  

For more information about the workshop and to register, please click here.

Aurora with SPARK on Monument Circle
Free and open to the public

SPARK, the pop-up park on Indy’s Monument Circle, is the downtown place to meet, enjoy the beautiful weather and people, and create. Aurora will be at the SPARK art kiosk close to the info booth in the middle of the park hosting a free & fun cyanotype session.

Cyanotype is a camera-less photography made out in the sun, rather than in a darkroom. You place objects — such as plants — on top of a piece of photo-treated paper, and then use the sun to expose the paper. The result is an image that is an exact outline of the object. It’s a fun and magical way to engage photography! Although it may be new to modern people, cyanotype has been around since photography was invented in the 1800s.

Come explore the creative possibilities of this fascinating process. We will have some objects on hand to experiment with, but feel free to bring your own. Flat items usually work best, and cyanotype can be messy, so precious things like family heirlooms should probably stay at home. All other necessary materials will be provided free at the workshop.

This activity is best suited for artists 7+ years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

The Thursday Night Photobook Throwdown is the photobook share you crave! Bring your newest photobook, or the one you’ve recently fallen in love with again, for an evening of sharing, conversation, and appreciation for this format for photography that is an art form in and onto itself.

Don’t have a book in mind to share? Not to worry — you can also comb through Aurora’s photobook library of over 300 titles for a wildcard if you’re feeling lucky that night.

We will start at the tables in the Aurora PhotoCenter Gallery, Suite C9, and then migrate down to a close-by watering hole when the mood strikes us or 7pm, whichever comes first!

In conjunction with the weekend workshop, Bringing Your Photography Project to Publication: Masterclass with Mary Virginia Swanson, this lecture is free and open to the public.

The journey to bring your completed project to the book form can take many paths. Join us for a richly illustrated “big picture” presentation, in which Mary Virginia Swanson will demystify the path to secure a publisher vs. choosing to self-publish a book of your photographs or other artwork. She will lend practical advice on determining which scenario would be the best path to publishing your work.

Swanson will outline the different types of publishers that are interested in photography and visual art books, and how to present your project to industry professionals. Similarly, the path to self-publishing will be examined, from building a team to aid with creative decisions to marketing and distribution of your book. Throughout her presentation, we will see an array of contemporary photography books and understand why these artists, who succeed in amplifying the content of their book through their wise publishing decisions, have created books that have made a difference in their careers.

Whether you dream of one day having a book of your artwork or your body of work is nearing completion and your sites are set on publication of the work, this lecture will be useful to you.

This lecture is required of all workshop participants, since Swanson will cover material that is essential for the rest of the workshop. The lecture is also open to the public, so please invite family and friends. It will be followed by a Q&A, so bring your questions.

Mary Virginia Swanson is an author, educator, and advisor who has spent her career helping lens-based artists find the strengths in their work, identify audiences, and present their work in a timely, professional manner.

Swanson is the co-author with Darius D. Himes of Publish Your Photography Book. First released in 2011 and now in its updated 3rd edition, (Radius Books, 2023, Korean language 2024 from Datz Press) this acclaimed resource has helped countless photographers bring their projects to publication. The dedicated website for the book offers extensive free & downloadable resources to help photographers on their publishing or self-publishing journey, including a 32-page workbook: www.publishyourphotographybook.com.

Swanson is an active member of the contemporary photobook community, having recently engaged with bookmaking and publishing communities in India, Korea, and Japan. She frequently serves as a portfolio reviewer and Juror for contemporary photography and photobook competitions and teaches workshops to help artists prepare for publication of their projects.

Weekend Workshop
September 25-27, 2026
Public Lecture: September 25
Workshop: September 26-27 (Limited to 14 participants; registration closes when filled)

Please join Aurora PhotoCenter for a very special masterclass with renowned author and advisor, Mary Virginia Swanson, as she provides an overview of the landscape for publishing photobooks today. Throughout this weekend workshop, she will explain options for artists, review participants' projects, and guide them to publishing scenarios that may be a good fit for their work.

At the start of Day One of the workshop, Swanson will expand on options for bringing your photographic projects to the book form that were presented in Friday night’s required lecture. She will provide deeper details on publishers and paths to research that are best for you and your work. Photobook publishing grants and book dummy award competitions will be discussed, along with important factors to consider when choosing to self-publish your book. Swanson will conclude the lecture component of Day One with a discussion on the art and commerce of publishing your book. Swanson will provide fundraising and sponsorship options to consider ahead of making production decisions, and review terms likely to be in a formal publishing contract. She will share the pros/cons of marketing your book at its release and beyond, stressing the importance of a strong web and social media presence, as well as the value of public presentations and print exhibitions to extend the life of your book.

We will then turn to physical books gathered in our classroom. Swanson will share examples of innovative books from her personal library of books that were traditionally published, produced by small presses, and self-published. Together we will discuss this wide range of books, which will include zines, newsprint, hand-made artists’ books and self-published books produced in collaboration with production studios. Swanson will highlight examples that demonstrate wise sequencing and employ production materials and binding structures that amplify the project content.

Mary Virginia Swanson is an author, educator, and advisor who has spent her career helping lens-based artists find the strengths in their work, identify audiences, and present their work in a timely, professional manner.

Swanson is the co-author with Darius D. Himes of Publish Your Photography Book. First released in 2011 and now in its updated 3rd edition, (Radius Books, 2023, Korean language 2024 from Datz Press) this acclaimed resource has helped countless photographers bring their projects to publication. The dedicated website for the book offers extensive free & downloadable resources to help photographers on their publishing or self-publishing journey, including a 32-page workbook: www.publishyourphotographybook.com.

Swanson is an active member of the contemporary photobook community, having recently engaged with bookmaking and publishing communities in India, Korea, and Japan. She frequently serves as a portfolio reviewer and Juror for contemporary photography and photobook competitions and teaches workshops to help artists prepare for publication of their projects.

Weekend Workshop
September 25-27, 2026
Public Lecture: September 25
Workshop: September 26-27 (Limited to 14 participants; registration closes when filled)

Please join Aurora PhotoCenter for a very special masterclass with renowned author and advisor, Mary Virginia Swanson, as she provides an overview of the landscape for publishing photobooks today. Throughout this weekend workshop, she will explain options for artists, review participants' projects, and guide them to publishing scenarios that may be a good fit for their work.

At the start of Day One of the workshop, Swanson will expand on options for bringing your photographic projects to the book form that were presented in Friday night’s required lecture. She will provide deeper details on publishers and paths to research that are best for you and your work. Photobook publishing grants and book dummy award competitions will be discussed, along with important factors to consider when choosing to self-publish your book. Swanson will conclude the lecture component of Day One with a discussion on the art and commerce of publishing your book. Swanson will provide fundraising and sponsorship options to consider ahead of making production decisions, and review terms likely to be in a formal publishing contract. She will share the pros/cons of marketing your book at its release and beyond, stressing the importance of a strong web and social media presence, as well as the value of public presentations and print exhibitions to extend the life of your book.

We will then turn to physical books gathered in our classroom. Swanson will share examples of innovative books from her personal library of books that were traditionally published, produced by small presses, and self-published. Together we will discuss this wide range of books, which will include zines, newsprint, hand-made artists’ books and self-published books produced in collaboration with production studios. Swanson will highlight examples that demonstrate wise sequencing and employ production materials and binding structures that amplify the project content.

Mary Virginia Swanson is an author, educator, and advisor who has spent her career helping lens-based artists find the strengths in their work, identify audiences, and present their work in a timely, professional manner.

Swanson is the co-author with Darius D. Himes of Publish Your Photography Book. First released in 2011 and now in its updated 3rd edition, (Radius Books, 2023, Korean language 2024 from Datz Press) this acclaimed resource has helped countless photographers bring their projects to publication. The dedicated website for the book offers extensive free & downloadable resources to help photographers on their publishing or self-publishing journey, including a 32-page workbook: www.publishyourphotographybook.com.

Swanson is an active member of the contemporary photobook community, having recently engaged with bookmaking and publishing communities in India, Korea, and Japan. She frequently serves as a portfolio reviewer and Juror for contemporary photography and photobook competitions and teaches workshops to help artists prepare for publication of their projects.

October 10, 1-4pm
Limited to 10 participants

Non-Members: $110
Aurora Members: $100
(Enter Member VIP code at checkout for discount)

Please join Erin Patton McFarren for this two-part workshop on printing cyanotypes on fabric and the wet cyanotype process with pigments. Cyanotype is a camera-less photography made out in the sun, rather than in a darkroom. You place objects — such as plants — on top of a piece of photo-treated fabric, and then use the sun to expose the fabric. The result is an image that is an exact outline of the objects in your composition.

In the workshop, we will mix and apply light sensitive chemistry on a 16-inch cotton handkerchief. You will then create a composition on the fabric using flowers and plants we will have on hand, or bring your own objects to use in your composition. After exposing the image you will have a unique fabric cyanotype featuring the brilliant blue color that is the hallmark of the process.

While the chemistry dries on our fabric handkerchiefs, we will explore the “wet cyanotype” process, enhancing our images with powdered watercolor and dyes to introduce flowing colors beyond the traditional Prussian blue.

A wet cyanotype begins like a traditional cyanotype, with objects such as leaves and flowers placed on the sensitized surface. Then, dry pigments are applied, followed by a spray of dyes and soap bubbles. The piece is wrapped in plastic wrap and exposed to sunlight, allowing swirling liquids and blending colors to create dynamic, organic patterns.

For more information and to register, click here or visit our Workshops page at auroraphoto.org.

The Thursday Night Photobook Throwdown is the photobook share you crave! Bring your newest photobook, or the one you’ve recently fallen in love with again, for an evening of sharing, conversation, and appreciation for this format for photography that is an art form in and onto itself.

Don’t have a book in mind to share? Not to worry — you can also comb through Aurora’s photobook library of over 300 titles for a wildcard if you’re feeling lucky that night.

We will start at the tables in the Aurora PhotoCenter Gallery, Suite C9, and then migrate down to a close-by watering hole when the mood strikes us or 7pm, whichever comes first!