Darkroom Black-and-White Photography

You will learn about:

• Lighting and settings for photographic work
• Framing and composing successful photographs
• The exposure triangle (shutter speed, film speed and aperture)
• Developing black and white film in light-tight daylight tanks
• Choosing negative images for positive prints
• The principles of silver-based darkroom chemistry
• Darkroom technique and safety
• Making a first print, or perhaps two

This is a practical, hands-on photography course, and you’ll use a camera and photographic equipment to make photographs, including black and white prints.

Teaching methods include:

• Formal instruction
• Discussion
• Practical demonstration
• Hands-on practice with guidance

You’ll be encouraged and supported to develop skills and experience you can carry on using after the course.

This is an introductory photography course, and you don’t need any photographic experience to enjoy it. If you’ve used a digital camera (other than your phone), the camera will feel somewhat familiar, but the process is very different. By the end, you’ll have photographs on film and prints on paper that can last for decades, plus skills you can keep using after the course.

Please bring:

• A sketchbook or notepad and something to write with
• An apron, overall, or old clothes you don’t mind getting stained or messy
• Washing-up gloves
• While not essential, a light meter app on your phone is very useful. Light Meter Pro by David Quiles is recommended and is available at a modest price for Apple or Android
• Enthusiasm for the subject and a willingness to learn!

For safety, you must wear flat shoes, as the darkroom floor can get wet.

Important information

• Please DO NOT buy a film camera for this course — we have some for you to use.
• If you already own a 35mm film camera you’d like to try, please bring it along. (If it uses a battery, it’s worth taking it to a local camera shop beforehand to check it still works.)
• Many of the older cameras people have tucked away in cupboards and attics still work well, so don’t be shy about bringing yours in. If you’d like to buy a film camera, your tutor will be happy to help you choose the right style for you.

Once you’ve completed this introductory course, you could build on your darkroom skills with a follow-on photography course. Your tutor can advise on next steps that suit your interests.

All materials are included in the course fee. You’ll have enough to shoot and develop one 35mm black and white film, and to make one or two successful 10×8″ black and white prints.

The course will be delivered by Wendy Stone. Wendy is a lifelong photographer who has continued to work with film, mechanical cameras and silver-based photographic chemistry.