Let There Be Night

There’s something strange and wonderful about capturing the darkness, says Denver Darkroom director Standish Lawder, whether a scene is illuminated by streetlight, moonlight, or — better yet — the thousands of tiny bulbs that make a Ferris wheel glow. Tonight, Denver night photographer emeritus Chris James will lead a Darkroom workshop titled Night Photography at Elitch Gardens. With the help of an Elitch’s guide, James will take amateur photographers to the best behind-the-scenes and rooftop vantage spots in the park.

“Night photography has a special allure in which the familiar becomes romantic and mysterious and the ordinary becomes extraordinary,” James says. “If you can see it, you can shoot it.”

He’ll teach novice artists that all they need — and should bring to the workshop — is a camera with an open shutter capability and a tripod. The workshop began with a lecture yesterday evening; the trip to Elitch’s takes place tonight from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The total cost of the workshop is $200 for newbies, $125 for those who have already taken a Denver Darkroom night photography class. Tag-a-longs (folks without cameras) can pay just $40 to join someone taking the course. For information and to sign up, go to www.denverdarkroom.com.
Oct. 10-11, 6-9:30 p.m., 2008