Newspace Center For Photography

I had one class there, and was frankly disappointed. The handouts for the class was printed very poor, the color printer was running out of ink, so the printout is bad. Somehow it felt like the instructor wasn’t paid enough to really want to teach us, sure he does but, I don’t feel like I learned much. The field trip was mediocre. One class was on history of photography, really? Couldn’t I just wiki that and learn about the history of photography on my own? Why teach that?
For what I was paying, it was disappointing. I’m taking my next photography at PCC, sure I’ll go back, because there’s another instructor I want to take a class with, but for now, I’m done paying NewSpace.

New Space again displays little business sense and gives the genuine perception of being so, so cheap to the point of ripping off students. They charge $ 10.00 «registration fee» for each class and they charge $ 5.00 fee if you cancel the class. If however, they cancel the class, ought they not give you your money, back plus $ 5.00. Should that not cut both ways. Why would they even do this. They are not making a bunch of money and it is not a deterrent. If someone needs to cancel it is probably for a good reason. When asked, their answer was, «other schools do it». Well, I thought they were a bit more community minded, apparently not.
They are a business out for $$$. If a number of their instructors were not so damn arrogant, it would possibly make it easier to swallow. I swore off New Space as did a good number of people I have spoken with. There are a number of better institutions as well as private instructors who do a much better job for you. Seek them out and let this place go… they so need a make over!

I learned about Newspace not long ago when I spotted their catalog in a restaurant and after leafing through it, decided I was going to take a class. The class I chose was all about the DSLR. As an aspiring photographer I thought it would be a good idea to master my camera before trying to hold myself out as a professional, or at least learn what the most important features are.
When I walked in, the person behind the counter greeted me with a smile and proceeded to take me on a guided tour. You know, like where was the classroom, the bathrooms, etc. The instructor, Stuart Millenberg was amazing. He was a master of the information, he was patient, and he made the class fun. Now I know what all the buttons are for and which features are absolutely necessary to use my camera competently. I’ll definitely be back for more.

I am a very keen photographer and have taken a number of classes and field trips. What sets Newspace apart is the quality of the instructors and the facilities available. Being able to spend a day with one of Portland’s top photographers soaking up their knowledge is almost priceless. I regularly use the lighting studio on a rental basis and find everything I could possibly need here. The staff are also exceptionally friendly ad helpful. The classes are not cheap but you pay for what you get, high quality, and it is a not for profit.

I’m a very experienced photographer in both film and digital. I’ve taken a couple of field trip classes at Newspace, with mixed results.
First class I took was excellent, a truly unique opportunity to photograph a local arts group. I felt I was put in a position to take great photographs and enjoy the experience, and that’s what happened. The fee for the trip was reasonable.
Second class was an outdoor class, and the class description promised some instruction, tips, and insights before the actual trip as the first meeting. Went to that, the instructor showed some photos, which were OK but nothing earth shattering. His instructions basically summarized as «dress for the weather.» Hmm. Next class would be my driving myself to a location and taking pictures, and the third class would be showing the pictures to the rest of the class. OK, this is basically a Parks and Rec level field trip with very little added value. In fact, a P&R class like this would run about $ 40 and would include transportation. This class was several hundred dollars and had little value. Disappointing, to say the least.
I also had a problem with the business side of things, I signed up for a class that I was unable to attend, and asked if I could get partial credit towards another class. Never heard back from them.
I’ve taken classes elsewhere, and would recommend PNCA classes to any level of photographer. The faculty are professional, and I’ve had very rewarding classes there.

I have taken all of my fundamentals of photography and lighting classes at Newspace and loved it. The class instructors are Portland’s best and most creative photographers, and its a great privilege to be offered the chance to be under their instruction.
The studios are the very best offered for beginner and professional photographers alike. They offer plenty of camera/​tripod equipment, lights, and very spacious. Newspace is the best kept secret of Portland photographers.

Newspace is the best spot ever for printing your own photos!
If you are competent at printing, they have the best b&w darkroom setup imaginable. It’s a little pricey but definitely worth it. Better yet, there’s a really quick Kodak machine that does all the developing for you after you expose the paper. It’s quick, dry and done when it exits the machine after a few minutes.
This place is a real gem. Go there, support this local business, and realize this is probably the best darkroom you’re going to ever find unless you build your own (which I personally doubt would be half as good).

DIY. I don’t know if Portland is the Do-​It-​Yourself capitol of the world, but it sure does seem like it.
I started hankering for a creative hobby about 3 years ago and found photography to be my outlet of choice. I didn’t want to just snap pictures and have Fred Meyer take care of business. NO. I wanted an old school camera (that I didn’t know how to use) and black and white film (that I also didn’t know how to use) and to develop film and photos all by hand. Once I knew how to take pictures and took a few darkroom classes (thanks Community Education at PCC!) I needed a place to keep on developing (short of making my bathroom into a darkroom). Enter Newspace.
Since this non-​profit opened it has continued to expand with a multitude of learning experiences ranging from introductory darkroom classes to facilitating NW Documentary Center’s film workshops. They also have a gallery on the first floor that gracefully houses a new photography exhibit each month.
Their darkroom facility is always well stocked and is continually being updated. You can develop on RC paper (there is even a machine that can develop this kind of print in 3minutes!) or fiber paper. Gotta love archival quality!
Not only do they manage to help me with my DIY desires with a fully outfitted space, they manage to make it quite homey with a kick-​ass staff of volunteers. They are all super friendly, knowledgeable, and quick to give you a hand (or a helpful suggestion, if that is what you want). The community feel of this place is divine. Home-​spun Portland flava!
If you are looking for a place to fulfill your darkroom dream, new to black and white photography or not, let Newspace provide you the tools to sustain it.
Check out their website for darkroom rates (by the hour, or purchase a block of time at a reduced price), upcoming classes and workshops, and gallery exhibition information.