BELLINGHAM — Whether it’s an image of a guitarist in spandex and a racing helmet or a singer running the stage of Cap Hansen’s bar, Chris Fuller’s music photographs have chronicled the rise and fall of Bellingham bands, venues and owners.

The local photographer has been shooting photos in Bellingham for more than nine years, contributing his work — often free of charge — to publications like What’s Up! magazine and GoBham.com.

Last week, Fuller unofficially opened The Darkroom, a photo gallery and darkroom space where he plans to showcase mostly local photographers’ work.

The Darkroom, at 310 W. Champion St., isn’t operational yet, but it’s open to check out. It should be ready to roll by mid-April. To contact Fuller and The Darkroom, call 961- 3860.

What spawned the idea for The Darkroom?

“After Hand-to-Mouth (a former Bellingham art gallery Fuller helped found) got open, I pretty quickly got a following, a reputation. I started growing this idea of a Hand-to-Mouthstyle photo place, a photography- only gallery and working darkroom space. As far as I know, there’s nothing like that in town.”

Why provide a place to process film and prints in an age that’s moving toward digital?

“I personally believe film will always be around. I know there are people out there who are really interested in the photography process. A lot of people made the switch to digital and they’re finding it’s not as cheap as they thought, considering a nice computer for digital editing, printers, paper and new cameras to keep up. I just like (film) better. I don’t think digital color tone has really matched film, especially when it comes to skin tones.”

What services will The Darkroom offer?

Fuller said customers can pay by the hour to develop film and make their own black-andwhite prints from those negatives. He’ll also offer facilities to print from color negatives. Three people can be in the black-and-white darkroom at once, and one person at a time can print color on sheets up to 30-by-40 inches. Prices aren’t set yet.

The front space will be a gallery, emphasizing local photographers but with room occasionally for regional or out-of-state artists. Fuller also will offer lessons in black-andwhite and color processing and printing.

What kind of photos are you looking for?

“Any type of photos, but I want to have show-quality, framed prints. That narrows it down to people who are really interested.”

Will you allow digital prints?

“I can’t really avoid it, but I’d like to avoid it as much as possible.”