Advanced Darkroom Photography (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Special Information

Materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• An analogue film camera of your choice

• A roll of film for that camera (black and white)

In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicative tools, materials and equipment:

• Ilford Multi-grade Resin coated paper

• Rolls of 35mm of black and white roll film (Ilford HP5 for hand processing or Ilford XP2 for machine processing)

• An A4 sketchbook or journal

• Files for keeping negatives and prints

• 35mm film camera preferably with manual settings

• A range of lenses for 35mm camera

• A medium format camera for studio session

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

1. Introduction to Course; Negotiate Class Timetable; A presentation of contemporary photographers and their work.

2. Black-and-White Darkroom Refresher; Film Processing Demonstration, Introduction/Refresher to Using Filters, Tray Printing with Resin Coated Paper and Techniques for Washing/Drying Prints.

3. Refining Printing Techniques.  Techniques include; Tray Processing with Fibre Prints and Split Grade Printing.

4. Alternative printing methods including; Photograms, Solarisation and Liquid Light printing techniques.

5. Individual tutorials – this will be a chance to discuss work from the last four weeks. Class is given an editorial brief to complete for final session.

6. Investigate lighting techniques for Photographic Portraits in the Photography Department’s Lightwell studio.

7. Demonstration – printing a Giant Photographic Enlargement (over 1 metre square).        

8. Continue work on Self-negotiated Project.  An opportunity to process any films taken over the last eight weeks.

9. Work on final prints for mounting.

10. Mounting Presentation.

11. Final printing session – Class Pin-up.

Teaching method(s)

The teaching will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration. Over the course, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor.  Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

For work required to be undertaken after the class hours are complete, the course tutor will set students a ‘directed study plan’ which can be undertaken without the need for specialist workshops or access to models.

Directed study will include research into a range of suggested artists and their associated movements to engender a contextual awareness. Students are expected to demonstrate how their research has informed their work through annotated sketchbooks, a visual digital journal and practical outcomes. 

The Directed Study Plan will include preparing evidence of research and practical work to form an appropriate presentation for assessment.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary printing methods and the skills needed to produce high quality prints, supported by contextual research and references.

• Show a confidence in experimenting with various alternative photographic processes and demonstrating a knowledge for employing appropriate techniques when photographing in various controlled and uncontrolled conditions and situations.

• Evidence appropriate judgement to document, select, edit and present a body coherent works, demonstrating a confidence in darkroom printing.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• GILLANDERS, R., 2004, The photographic portrait: techniques, strategies and thoughts on making portraits with meaning, Devon: David & Charles

• BARTHES, R., 1994, Camera Lucida: reflections on photography, New York: Hill and Wang

Web Sources

Assessment

Details of the Art and Design assessment requirements can be found on the short course website. Please click on the following link for more information: Submission and Assessment Information

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.