Membership
Full access to the oldest and largest community wet darkroom in the United States, a film processing lab, and a digital lab.
What membership includes
Members get access to our facilities during open hours: shared print developing chemistry, film processing equipment and chemistry, and the digital lab’s scanners and printers.
Membership does NOT include film, darkroom paper, or film sleeves, and the Harvey Milk Photo Center does not sell or provide these items. Members are expected to bring these items themselves. Items such as these can be found at local stores such as Glass Key Photo or online at various retailers.
Members are also invited to show work in the annual Member, Staff & Volunteer Exhibit every summer.
How to join
Step 1
Take the orientation
Step 2
Register in person
Step 3
Start printing
Membership is not required to take any of our classes.
Membership pricing
All memberships run for six months. The only difference between Limited and Unlimited is how you pay for each visit, not what you can use.
| Plan | Adult 18+ | Youth 17 & under Senior 63+ |
|---|---|---|
| 6-month Limited Plus $8 for each day you use the facilities after your first visit | $88 | $44 |
| 6-month Unlimited No day pass, no additional charges | $221 | $111 |
Both plans include the same access: the darkroom, film processing and the digital lab during open hours, plus shared chemistry. Digital printing is charged separately for everyone.
Without a membership
Day pass
$25 per day
Add-on
Locker rental
$30 six months
$42 one year
Digital printing costs
Membership includes access to the large-format inkjet printers. Printing itself is charged by area.
| Paper | Rate | You are charged for |
|---|---|---|
| Provided by the Photo Center | 13¢ per square inch | The entire sheet |
| Provided by you | 10¢ per square inch | Only the printed area |
Example
A 5×7 print on 8.5×11 paper: on our paper that is 93.5 sq in × $0.13 = $12.15.
On your own paper you pay only for the 35 sq in printed area × $0.10 = $3.50.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Limited and Unlimited memberships?
Both memberships offer the same thing: access to the facilities during open hours, usage of shared developing chemistry, and access to the digital lab’s scanners and printers.
The difference is the upfront cost. Limited is $88 for six months, and every day a limited member uses the facilities costs $8. Unlimited is $221 for six months with no additional charges. Under both, digital printing has additional fees.
Do you allow members to develop color film or do color darkroom printing?
The Photo Center does not have facilities, equipment, or chemistry for color film development or color darkroom printing, and does not plan to provide such services.
Our digital lab scanners can scan already-developed color film, and our inkjet printer can print from color film scans.
What if a member brings their own color chemistry?
We do not allow C-41, E-6, ECN-2, RA-4, or any other color processing chemistry in any form at the Photo Center.
Does the Photo Center provide darkroom paper or film?
The Photo Center does not provide or sell darkroom paper, film, or film sleeves. Generally, anything a member might go home with or store in their locker is not provided by the Photo Center. Members are expected to provide these materials themselves. Some classes offered outside of membership may include these materials as part of the cost of the class, others may not.
Can I upgrade my plan?
We are unable to upgrade a current membership. If you wish to upgrade, you may do so at your renewal date.
Is darkroom experience required?
No. All prospective members must complete the Photo Center Orientation before purchasing a membership. Registration and payment for new members is done in person at the Photo Center on any day after completing the orientation.
While extensive darkroom experience is not required, we strongly recommend new members consider Darkroom Essentials & Processes.
Is digital printing included in the price of membership?
Membership includes access to the large format inkjet printers in our digital lab, but the cost of printing is not included. See Digital printing costs above for the rates.
Does the Photo Center provide disability accessibility?
Please make requests for disability accommodations by talking to Photo Center staff, or the SF Rec and Park Inclusion Coordinator at 415-206-1546, TTY 415-242-5700.
Requesting accommodations at least 72 hours prior to the event or activity will help ensure availability.
What equipment is available?
Over 30 darkroom printing stations with enlargers, filters and more. Standard developing tanks and other film processing equipment are available for use while in the Photo Center. The digital lab has five stations loaded with Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as flatbed scanners and large format inkjet printers.
Do you provide scholarships for membership?
Scholarships are not offered for memberships. For financial assistance with our classes, see the scholarships page.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Debit and credit cards are preferred, and all forms of Tap to Pay are accepted. All card transactions include a 3.5% transaction fee. Cash and checks are accepted but not preferred. Please bring exact change if paying in cash.
What happens when my membership expires?
Memberships do not auto-renew. To continue access to the darkroom, digital lab and film developing room, renew in person at the front desk during any of our open hours.
Ready to join?
Start with the Photo Center Orientation. After that you can register at the front desk any day we are open.
Questions? Visit us at 50 Scott Street in Duboce Park or call (415) 554-9522.