Classic Photography Pod course

1-2-4-8-12 WEEKS 

Contact hours: 96 hours class + open studio

Schedule: 2 classes per week of 4 hours each

The Introduction to Classic Photography course is a basic course for teaching students how to shoot, develop and print black and white photographs. It is not a digital course, but primarily a darkroom course using traditional methods. It is characterized by a large room given to practical experience and tuning of skills acquired.

The first lesson begins with the learning of the various parts of a 35mm camera and it's lenses; the proper functioning of the camera; and how all the parts affect the images that are produced. Students will then have lessons on developing their own film in the various chemical baths. Once they have attained negatives, the processes involved in printing will be shown and the student will then be able to print their own chosen images in the school darkroom. After attending the first classes students get the necessary knowledge to use the facilities on their own. Open studio time is scheduled to allow the finishing of ongoing projects and assignments given by the teacher. Other classes may take place outdoor.

This course allow the student to have a good knowledge on the camera and its functioning. Moreover introduces to the darkroom and its various processes. At the end of the course the student is able to shoot photographs in a conscious way, to develop films on his/her own, to print b&w pictures in the darkroom alone. The student will also have a basic of photographic composition and lead to develop a critical eye in Photography.

By the end of the course the student will have produced a good number of good black and white prints.

As a beginning short course no specific prior experience is expected. A sincere interest in taking photographs is of primary importance. A photo camera with manual possibilities is necessary. (It may also have automatic exposure control but the student must be able to determine and learn to control the exposure)

Students will have detailed information about the materials to buy and where during the first day of class. As pre-information, the following personal supplies are necessary for being able to do the required work:

• A photo camera with manual controls
• At least 12 rolls of black and white film
• At least 100 sheets of photo paper multigrade type 18x24 cm
• At least 20 sheets of photo paper multigrade type 24x30 cm
• A sufficient number of plastic sleeves for film filing
• a pencil type Staedtler Lumocolor Non Permanent (ex Omnichrome 108)
• a pair of scissors

Consider the option to hire a photocamera at school. Photo materials can be purchased in a photo store for professionals located in Florence.