Print Center & Lighting Studio

darkroom
Students working in the CA 4006 darkroom.

The Print Center and Darkroom are located in CA 4006.

The Lighting Studio is located in CA 4010.
The cyclotron is located here and is normally open for student use during the fall and spring semesters by appointment only. 

  • The studios are closed whenever the university is closed, including holidays or inclement weather. 
  • Hours very each spring and fall semesters. 

Print Center and Darkroom Schedule

Day Time
Monday 8 AM - 2 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM  - 5 PM, 6 - 8 PM
Wednesday 9 AM - 1 PM, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Thursday 9 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday 10 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday  Closed
Sunday Closed

Print Center Policies and Guidelines

  • No food or drink allowed in CA 4006.
  • Large format printing is available by appointment only.
  • Any student enrolled in a class authorized for printing can use the print center. You must be on a class print roster to print or check-out equipment.
  • Be respectful of other students and the print center monitors.
  • Print and equipment privileges will be revoked for misusing the facilities.
  • The computer lab inside the print center, CA 4006A, is reserved for Photo Imaging majors only. Non-Photo Imaging majors should use the computers in Lab CA 4012
  • Lighting equipment rentals are separate from camera equipment rentals. Please see the Lighting Equipment Loans section below for more details.
  • The last day to return camera equipment is announced by email before the end of the semester. Returns will be made by appointment.
  • Walk-in for camera equipment rentals.
  • Camera equipment may be checked-out for up to 1 week.

Printing Information

  • In order to print, students must be on a class roster submitted to the print center coordinator by their instructor.
    • Names and print allowances will be listed in a print log that monitors uses to keep track of printing
    • No new printing requests will be accepted no later than 30 minutes before the print center closes
  • JPEG, PDF or TIFF files only
  • Email your file(s) to towsonprintcenter@gmail.com as a Google drive shared file (not an attachment, as the file size will likely be too large)
  • Have your image sized and color corrected and print ready.  Monitors do not prepare files.
  • Use the Adobe 1998 RGB color profile
  • Optimal print resolution is 300 dpi. Submitting images with lower resolution will reduce print quality.
  • Our computers and printers are color calibrated but checking your image color or making a proof is encouraged.
  • After printing, save the file as a print version so it can be easily printed again.
  • Printing larger than 17" on the shortest side is only available for approved classes.  Ask your instructor to determine eligibility. 

Paper and Pricing

  • Various matte and photographic papers are available in various sizes.
  • You may supply your own paper if provided in advance of printing and will be billed a $1.00 per square foot ink usage fee.  Example:  an 8.5x11" sheet = $.56 per sheet

Ink and Paper Provided by the Print Center

 Sheet Size Paper Type Price per sheet
 8.5 x 11" Ultra Premium Matte or Premium Luster Photo $1.25 
 11.7 x 16.5"          Ultra Premium Matte or Premium Luster Photo  $3.00
 13 x 19" Ultra Premium Matte or Premium Luster Photo  $4.00
 17 x 22" Ultra Premium Matte or Premium Luster Photo  $6.00

Ink and Paper for Large Format Printing
(only for approved classes)

Before arriving, please inquire about our current inventory. Paper availability fluctuates and stock is not guaranteed.

Photo Tex or Lex Jet Print and Stick (Up to 60" Wide)

Size Price
Up to 60" Wide $3.50 per Square Foot
 16 x 20" $7.75 per print*
20 x 24"  $12.00 per print*
 30 x 36" $26.25 per print*
 30 x 40" $29.00 per print*

Ultra Smooth Fine Art Paper

Size Price
Up to 44" wide $4.00 per Square Foot
 16 x 20" $8.75 per print*
 20 x 24"  $13.25 per print*
 30 x 36" $30.00 per print*
 30 x 40"

$33.25 per print*

Transparency / Clear Film Paper

Size Price
 Up to 24" wide $4.00 per Square Foot
11 x 14"  $4.50 per print*
 16 x 20" $9.00 per print*
 20 x 24"  $13.50 per print*

Canvas Satin & Silk Organza Paper

Size Price
 Up to 44" $4.00 per Square Foot
16 x 20"  $8.75 per print*
20 x  24"  $13.25 per print*
 30 x 36" $30.00 per print*
30 x 40" $33.25 per print*

Student Provided Paper**

Size Price:  $1.00 per Square Foot
 8.5 x 11" $0.65
11 x 14"  $1.10 per sheet
13 x 19"  $1.75 per sheet
 17 x 22 $2.60 per sheet

*Prices are estimates. When calculating printing costs, all paper consumed to create the print is included. To ensure students don't run out of print funds, we recommend instructors allocate slightly higher funds in anticipation. 
**Student provided paper must be approved by the print center. It must be coated for inkjet printing or it will damage the printers.

lighting
Students and faculty preparing a shoot in the lighting studio.

Lighting Studio Schedule and Lighting Equipment Rentals

Day Time
TBD TBD
  • Student must bring a valid TU ID to CA 4010 and be enrolled in a qualifying class to check out lighting equipment through the lab monitor.
  • Lighting equipment may be checked out for up to 1 week.
  • Privileges can and will be revoked for late returns.
  • Students are responsible for all equipment checked out to them.

Scheduling Studio Time

To schedule time in the lighting studio, please fill out a request on our You Can Book Me site.

Photography Studio Protocol

In order to ensure a safe and productive environment for all users, please adhere to the following protocol:

Eligibility

  • Only students who have completed ART236 LIGHT course or received equivalent training are permitted to use the studio.
  • Prior registration for studio time may be required, depending on the policies of your institution.

Studio Access

  • Access to the studio may be granted during designated hours as specified by the institution or department.
  • Please present your student ID or any other necessary credentials upon entering the studio.

Equipment Usage

  • Handle all equipment with care and respect. Any damage caused due to negligence may result in penalties.
  • Familiarize yourself with the operation of all studio equipment before usage. If you're unsure, seek assistance from a staff member or instructor.
  • Return all equipment to its designated storage area after use. Failure to do so may inconvenience other users.

Studio Etiquette

  • Keep noise levels to a minimum to maintain a conducive environment for concentration and creativity.
  • Respect the space and belongings of others using the studio.
  • Clean up after yourself. Dispose of any trash or clutter properly.
  • Food and drinks are generally prohibited in the studio to prevent spills and damage to equipment. Follow any specific rules regarding consumables set by the institution.
  • Safety Guidelines:
  • Follow all safety protocols and guidelines provided by the institution.
  • Use caution when handling electrical equipment to prevent accidents.
  • Report any malfunctioning equipment or safety hazards to a staff member immediately.

Photography Sessions

  • Plan your photography sessions in advance to make the most of your studio time.
  • Be mindful of other users' schedules and avoid monopolizing the studio space for extended periods.
  • Respect the privacy and artistic integrity of other photographers' work in progress.

Clean-Up

  • Before leaving the studio, ensure that all equipment is properly stored and any personal belongings are taken with you.
  • Wipe down any surfaces you've used and dispose of any trash in the appropriate receptacles.

Feedback and Suggestions

  • Your feedback is valuable in improving the studio experience for all users.
  • Feel free to share any suggestions or concerns with the studio staff or administration.

By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a positive and productive environment for everyone using the photography studio. Enjoy your creative endeavors!

Contact Us

Email: towsonprintcenter@gmail.com
Phone: (410) 704-4546

Please make calls during open hours.