Photo lab renovation brings new life to old film

After a hiatus that spanned nearly four years, Delta College’s Photography Lab has finally reopened its doors to students this semester. 

The lab, once a hub for film processing and the manual printing of photographs, ceased operations in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic started, as air-flow ventilation issues were a concern. Subsequent investigation noted a need to modernize the aged ventilation system. 

The journey towards the lab’s renovation was fraught with challenges and delays, with progress being particularly sluggish until Fall 2023. 

However, the wait has proved worthwhile as Shima 150, which houses the revamped lab, now proves itself worthwhile with improvements ranging from structural changes to enhanced amenities.

“There was a major renovation that happened in the lab. Probably the most significant is the least visible, which is the ventilation was improved,” said Kirstyn Russell, photography professor, noting that the crucial upgrades are somewhat hidden from plain view outside of a large new air-duct that extends into what used to be the sole classroom space.

In addition to the ventilation, the lab has undergone substantial changes including the addition of a new classroom, replacement of sinks, and installation of new lighting in the darkroom. The renovation journey was not devoid of challenges, with some sinks proving to be ill-fitting or susceptible to rust due to heavy usage.

“There were some bumps in the road but I don’t think it was anything above the norm,” said Russell. 

Despite the setbacks, the renovated lab has garnered praise from both faculty and students alike.

Alongside the new classroom and renovated dark room, Russell also was able to use Strong Workforce Program monies to hire an assistant to provide aid in the traditional film-developing space, as well as the new digital classroom. 

Instructional support assistant Jessica Pena started her role early in the semester. Pena helps students learn the equipment, set up photography studios in the downstairs area, and distributes equipment such as cameras, film development tanks, and mixing the chemicals required for the development of the film and photography paper.

“Coming back it was really nice seeing new lights set up, new floors. Just the whole classroom is completely new and it’s really great that Delta is doing this for the photo program, I think it’s much needed for sure,” she said.

Anticipation also runs high among students as they embrace the refurbished space. 

Benjamin Zoren Acelar, a film photography student, expressed his satisfaction with the renovation.

“It’s pretty good, it’s more modern… I come in almost every weekday. I think yeah, I’ve been enjoying it a lot,” he said.

As the newly renovated lab continues to be used for the first time in a long time, its doors, students and faculty can hope for a greater renewed interest in the use of film cameras and a greater understanding of the darkroom. 

Stepping into the lab on a late March day showed the eagerness of students to use the lab, as a peer review of students’ pictures was being held. About 10 students with five developed photographs each was a pretty sight as the black and white photographs decorated the wall.

Russell is looking forward to spending more time in the space.

“I’m thinking by next semester, I’ll be incredibly excited,” said Russell.