Focus

Series

The Darkroom Masters

The Fresson Workshop
Diamantino Quintas
Roland Dufau
Carlos Barrantes

Edito

This is indeed one career within the field of photography, but let us dare to say it: it merits its own exploration. Its function can vary from the production of a simple print, to a true work of art. The masters sign the fine art print next to the photographer.

To print is to interpret, it is far from mechanical: two printers will produce different results from one same image. A little darker here, a little lighter there, adjust the contrasts…

After Gustave le Gray who, in 1855, had already laid the foundations, those who know anything about printing are aware of its strength as a creative tool.

And what of those who keep the pictorial techniques going, with high “added value”: Carbon printing with the Fresson family, Barrantes’ gum bichromate printing, or even (already “vintage”!) Roland Dufau’ Cibachrome or Diamantino Quintas’ black and white.

These masters of printing assert the subjectivity and asperity of what is human.

Defenders of the “Walter Benjaminian” uniqueness, their prints are, as vinyl is to music, the last defence of the object against its dissolution into the digital “flow”.

Film director Thomas Goupille take you on a journey that will help you see that the best days of “the lab” still are yet to come!

The Films

FRESSON-PRINTING-COLOUR-THEDARKROOMRUMOUR-8

50’

The Workshop | The Fresson Process

A journey through time with the Fresson's unique printing process.

Among the masters of printing, the Fressons are a family dynasty, and their workshop embodies the meeting of art and crafts.

Mainly known for the contribution to colour photography of their process, the charcoal print, some of the greatest artists are among their unconditional supporters. It must be said that their work, carried out entirely by hand, and their "rule of thumb" subjectivity give these noble, matt sheets a vibration and a character that is unrivalled.

Access the film info sheet

DIAMANTINO-QUINTAS-PHOTO-PRINTING-THEDARKROOMRUMOUR-2

22’

Diamantino Quintas | The Darkroom Masters

In Quintas' darkroom, every silver print tells a profound story.

Judging by the busy thrum of the laboratory where Diamantino Quintas works, you can be sure that the gelatin silver print still has a bright future. We watch this master of the large format intervene at every stage, monitoring with precision all the techniques used in this art apart.

Time is the key here, and time devoted to getting to know the artist is part of the deal. How else can he know which density and contrast will tug on the heartstrings?

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21’

Roland Dufau | Cibachrome Printer

Discover the lost art of Cibachrome in this revealing journey.

In his laboratory in the Odéon district, Roland Dufau takes us behind the scenes of his creation. Master of the Cibachrome print, this unique colour process which consists in finding the transparency and the intensity of the slide on paper, Roland devotes himself solely to collectors' prints.

His art, in total darkness, his "1970s machine", his masking know-how... so many vestiges of a craft that has now disappeared.

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26’

Carlos Barrantes | Artist and artisan

A master printer's journey through historic photo methods.

In Perpignan, Carlos Barrantes devotes his energy to historical and alternative processes, these monochrome techniques that involve subtle chemistry and precise gestures: cyanotypes, gum bichromates, platinum palladium, salted paper, Vandyke, etc...

However, the printer's skill does not end there. He started off as a photographer and continues to be one. But he distinguishes the printer's interpretation from the photographer's composition, and combines them wisely.

Access the film info sheet

Dive Behind the Scenes of Photography!

Remember the first time you held a camera, that thrill of capturing a one-of-a-kind moment... Relive that magic, dive into the wonders of photography, uncover its secrets, and fuel your inspiration with an exceptional collection of documentary films and original creations, complemented by exclusive articles, interviews, and a wealth of resources that invite you to observe the world from a fresh perspective.

By Photography Enthusiasts, For Photography Enthusiasts

The Darkroom Rumour is a groundbreaking video library aimed at inspiring and nurturing the photographic realm. It was conceived by enthusiasts who wanted to fill the glaring lack of films and documentaries about photography on our TV screens and streaming platforms. Each film is handpicked and thoughtfully introduced, saving you hours of searching. We add one to two new films to our collection every month.

Fuel Your Photographic Journey

Imagine where your passion could take you tomorrow. Draw inspiration from the journeys and insights of top photographers and craftsmen. Advance your photography practice, deepen your personal research, and even boost your confidence... The Darkroom Rumour offers a unique space, welcoming all forms of photography, without bias to style or genre. It's a haven for discovery, reflection, and entertainment. Pressure-free, judgment-free, at your own pace.

Anywhere, Anytime, No Strings Attached

Experience total freedom. Whether you're at home, on the move, or on vacation, The Darkroom Rumour is available for streaming worldwide, always at your fingertips, hassle-free. Choose the access type that suits you best and explore all that The Darkroom Rumour has to offer with our 7-day free trial. No risks, no commitments. Dive in and experience pure inspiration!

Linked Articles

by André Rouillé

The Fresson process

linked to The Workshop | The Fresson Process

From the film's opening frames, Thomas Goupille plunges us into another world and another time: the workshop of the famous Fresson dynasty, master printers of photographs since 1899. The enlarger and the wooden frames from the nineteenth century, the Roberval balance, now only found at antique deale…

by Bernard Plossu

Bernard Plossu on Printing

linked to The Workshop | The Fresson Process

Bernard Plossu isn't usually very forthcoming. Each word reveals the coherence of a reasoned worldview, studded with aesthetic references. DK2R had the opportunity to ask him about printing, and his answers extend this central subject of the photographic act. *** Emmanuel Bacquet: Bernard Plossu, wh…

by Rosalie Varda

Agnès Varda and photography

linked to Diamantino Quintas | The Darkroom Masters

As well as working as a costume designer for the cinema and theatre, Rosalie Varda runs Agnès Varda’s family production company, Ciné-Tamaris, based in Rue Daguerre in Paris.A street named after the great photographer. One of the small details and coincidences Agnès Varda loved to highlight and give…

Further exploration

• Dominique Gaessler, Les grands maîtres du tirage, Contrejour, 1987 (in French).

• Sandy King, Don Nelson and John Lockhart, Carbon Transfer Printing: A Step-by-Step Manual, Featuring Contemporary Carbon Printers and Their Creative Practice, Focal Press, 2019.

• Dolorès Marat and Pascal Bonafoux, Edges, Dewi Lewis Publishing, 1996.

• Janis Bultman, Legacies: Interviews with Masters of Photography from Darkroom Photography Magazine, Quercus Agrifolia Press, 2018.

• Ansel Adams and Robert Baker, The Print, Ansel Adams editions, 1995.

• Time-Life authors, The Print, Little Brown & Co, 1982.

• François Hébel and Christian Lacroix (eds.), Lucien Clergue, les premiers albums, Réunion des musées nationaux, 2015 (in French).

• Miguel Rio Branco, Œuvres photographiques 1968-1992, Toluca Editions, 2020 (bilingual).

• Rétrospective, Carlos Barrantes, photographe et tireur, Éditions Trabucaire, 2014 (in French).

• Un jour partons, Mai-Photographies, 2014 (in French).

The Fresson workshop's website

www.alternativephotography.com - All the processes

Le site Diamantino Labo Photo - French

Photographic Processes Video Series - Eastman Museum