venezia photography

Salt Lake City based photographer specializing in all things film.

20x24 RA-4 Reversal Portraits

A 20x24 inch photograph is like no other. It is taken with one of the largest format cameras that exist in the world. The experience is magical and will often leave the subject breathless upon witnessing the final results.

Starting my film photography journey in 2005 with a high school darkroom photo class, in years since I have experimented with many mediums and formats. In 2022, after relocating to Salt Lake City, I launched SLC Darkroom—a private darkroom in the heart of the city offering diverse workshops and private 1:1 printing sessions. In 2023, I rescued a 105-year-old 24x24 inch Process Camera from an old print shop in Idaho closing down. Immediately upon seeing the camera I could envision the future art I could create.

There are only a handful of cameras this size in the world. The most famous of which are the Polaroid 20x24 cameras. Produced in the late 70’s these cameras were originally made to demonstrate the quality of Polaroid film. Over the last 50+ years artists such as Elsa Dorfman, Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, and more used these cameras to create timeless pieces of art. It was even used to take the first official photographic Presidential portrait, of Jimmy Carter in 1979, taken by none other than Ansel Adams. Unfortunately with the demise of Polaroid as it was once known, film production for the unique camera stopped in 2008.

This brings us to the RA-4 Reversal process —First we shoot a 20x24 inch piece of color paper directly in the camera like one would with film. Then by using a mix of both black & white paper chemistry and color paper chemistry we end up with a full color positive image. The entire development process takes only minutes, and while not exactly like a 20x24 Polaroid it is the closest one can get today.

Book your 20x24 portrait

Another darkroom workshop! Thank you @whosevanscamera for coming by to learn how to make your own prints. #slcdarkroom #darkroomworkshop #darkroomprinting #blackandwhite #film #filmphotography #shootmorefilm #shootdevprint

First darkroom printing workshop of the year, thank you @zachbelliston for coming by and learning the magic of making your own prints!! If you would also like to learn how to make your own handmade silver gelatin darkroom prints just shoot me a DM or click the link in my bio! Just bring your already developed black and white film, chemistry and paper is included in all intro workshops! #slcdarkroom #darkroomworkshop #darkroomprinting #blackandwhite #film #filmphotography #shootmorefilm #shootdevprint

5 Gal bucket of empty canisters. This should do nicely for bulk loading. Thanks @essentialphotosupply and @acmecameraco for the supplies and film! #shootmorefilm #slcdarkroom

About to be very busy bulk loading film! All freezer stored and purchased from a reliable source! Looking forward to shooting all this black and white. Also excited to bulk roll the film that's currently in the bulk loaders I have. One I know is Ektachrome 200, the other is a mystery 16iso film. Will do some tests to figure it out. #shootmorefilm #slcdarkroom

A few more photos from when I picked up the 20x24 camera! Lots of work planned for this year in the studio / darkroom. Spring and nice weather is just around the corner. Exciting things to come! #slcdarkroom #20x24 #ultralargeformat

Thank you @bluehillimages & Jake for coming by to sit for a 20x24 portrait! Experimented with just using the reflective umbrella for the shot of Jake. Bounced a strobe off of a panel for fill light on the shot of Cami. Click the link in the bio to sign up for your own 20x24 portrait! #slcdarkroom #20x24 #ultralargeformat #ra4reversal

Had such a blast with @_jillianmeyer_, @sayruhhhhhhhhhhhh, and @erikdoty the other night in the studio and darkroom. Looking forward to the next shoot tomorrow night! Thank you all for the behind the scenes photos and videos clips, its difficult to capture the moment in the moment when you're creating the moment. #slcdarkroom #20x24 #ra4reversal #ultralargeformat

Larger than life! #slcdarkroom #20x24 #ra4reversal #ultralargeformat

Best results yet with the 610mm F6 Aero Ektar. Absolutely love how this portrait of @erikdoty came out. Nailing focus with this lens is quite difficult given complexities that arise from shooting a photograph this big. Some improvements are just around the corner though. I'll be ordering a 20x24 film holder from Richard Ritter soon and adapting the back of the camera for use with it. Once I do that Ill be able to independently focus the back standard making things A LOT easier. As well as I'll have real ground glass, not wet sanded plexiglass. Much to look forward to! #slcdarkroom #20x24 #20x24slc #ra4reversal #ultralargeformat

Hold still and say cheese! Thanks @sayruhhhhhhhhhhhh for the great behind the scenes photo of @erikdoty sitting for a 20x24 portrait. #slcdarkroom #20x24slc #ra4reversal #ultralargeformat

Check out the @slc.darkroom Instagram for current 20x24 happenings!

SLC Darkroom: Black And White film developing and Printing Workshops

Learn to develop your film and make your own black and white darkroom prints! Whether you're a beginner or experienced film photographer, this hands-on experience is perfect for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the art and science of photography. Under my guidance, you'll learn the film developing and darkroom basics while creating beautiful archival prints from your own negatives. Learn more and sign up below!

Workshops are 3-4 hours long and held in Salt Lake City, UT.

Starting at $125/person

For those who already know how to print, private sessions are available. Please send me a message with what you are trying to accomplish in the darkroom. We can work out details/pricing then I will assist in immortalizing your vision on photographic paper.

Chemistry Basics: The basic chemical process behind black and white printing as well as darkroom safety.
Printing Techniques: The basic process of making a black and white print, including exposure control and operating the enlarger. As well as advanced techniques such as dodging/burning, and split-filter printing.
Archival process: Steps necessary for properly washing and creating a final archival print.
Requirements:
Previously shot and processed Black and white negatives in any of the following formats: 35mm, 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, & 6x9
Darkroom paper of your choosing.
***I strongly recommend Ilford Multigrade FB Classic Glossy Paper in 8x10 to start out. https://www.freestylephoto.biz/1171972-Ilford-Multigrade-Classic-FB-F1K-Glossy-8x10-25-Sheets
My darkroom can accommodate the following print sizes currently: 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, & 16x20
Large format contact printing
Large Format film processing
Weather you just know the basics and want to make a few prints, or want to make some gallery worthy fine art masterpieces I can help guide you through the process.
My darkroom can support printing B&W enlargements from negatives in the following formats, 35mm, 35mm full frame with sprockets, 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, & 4x5. With the ability to print as large as 16x20in. Prints are made in an archival process and fiber is the recommended paper.
I have two Beseler 23c’s for 35mm and medium formats, and a Beseler 45 for 4x5. I can support up to 6 people in the darkroom, with two printing at any one time. I have Saunders easels in 8x10, 11x14, & 16x20 size. As well as a variety of 8x10 speed easels.
Washing is done in an archival process. Prints can be picked up after dry, typically the next day.
Standard Ilford paper chemistry will be available and will be replenished as needed. Bring your own paper.
Private sessions start at $125. Send me a message to book and talk further!