Tri-Color Gum Bichromate Workshop

with Mohan Bhasker

Saturday July 26th 2025 / 8:00 am - 5:00 pm / Rolling Hills, CA

Step into the world of 19th-century photographic artistry with a full-day, hands-on workshop exploring the Tri-Color Gum Bichromate printing process—a richly layered, painterly method that merges photography and printmaking. Led by acclaimed alternative process artist Mohan Bhasker, this immersive workshop introduces photographers to one of the most expressive and rewarding historical techniques in printmaking.

Using layers of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black pigment emulsions on 100% cotton watercolor paper, Tri-Color Gum printing yields a unique, archival, full-color image with unparalleled tonal depth and textural nuance. The process is as much about craft as it is about vision—requiring patience, precision, and a love for tactile image-making.

What to Expect:

This intimate, one-day workshop will take place in Mohan’s professional studio and custom-built darkroom in Rolling Hills, California. Due to the hands-on nature of the process and the unique setup of the space, the program is limited to 4 participants. This small group setting offers a rare opportunity for personalized instruction, real-time feedback, and immersive learning—ideal for photographers eager to deepen their practice by combining analog techniques with digital tools.

You’ll Learn & Perfect:

• How to choose and prepare watercolor paper for gum printing

• Techniques for brushing and coating emulsions

• Image registration and layering to build color

• UV exposure methods and development timing

• How digital tools (CMYK negatives) support this analog process

Pre-Workshop Preparation:

To get the most from your experience, you’ll be asked to share three color image options. Mohan will review your submissions and select the image best suited for Tri-Color Gum Bichromate printing, offering insights into why it works well for the process. On the day of the workshop, you’ll receive a custom set of CMYK digital negatives based on your selected image and use them to create your own full-color gum bichromate print to take home.

The cost of this workshop is $399 if booked by June 30

Cost is $485 starting July 1

SPECIAL DISCOUNT: 15% off for Medium Photo members (Supporter level +)

The price includes instruction, all materials, beverages, and lunch.

View our Workshop Cancellation Policy for FAQs.

If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please email info@mediumphoto.org.