A beginning college level art class designed to teach the use of an manual 35 mm SLR film camera, development of black & white negatives and the making of black and white prints in the darkroom. If the student does not own a suitable camera prior to taking this class, he/she may wait until the first class meeting prior to purchasing one. Creativity is emphasized. This class meets for six (6) hours a week.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Designed to introduce the beginning photography student to basic film and darkroom photographic skills.
- The camera
Demonstrate the functions of and effectively use a SLR (Single Lens Reflex) manual operated film camera
- Black and white film
Demonstrate an understanding and utilization of black and white film as an image recording medium
- The camera's shutter speed control
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of how speeding up or slowing down the shutter effects the photographic image
- The camera's aperture control
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of how open or closing the camera's lens with the aperture control effects the photographic image
- Film processing
Demonstrate proper film loading and developing including the proper use and sequence of the chemical developing process
- Darkroom
Understand basic darkroom protocol
- The enlarger
Demonstrate the ability to load film into the enlarger and expose photographic paper for printing
- Darkroom chemistry
Demonstrate proper hands on processing techniques of black and white prints through the chemical baths
- Contrast filters
Utilize contrast filters on variable contrast photographic paper to change the aesthetic quality of images
- Darkroom safety
Practice proper darkroom safety techniques when using photographic chemistry
- Photographic presentation
Employ a mat cutter to properly mat and present photographs
- Photographic aesthetics
Analyze, discuss and contrast different themes in one’s work and how these fit into historical and/or contemporary ideas of photography.
Assessment and Requirements
- Class participation
- Class discussions
- Class critiques of student photographs
- Portfolio review
- Quizzes and exams as determined by the instructor that are to be described in the class syllabus
Determined by instructor