Photography for the Beginner with Neal Murray

Film Photography/Analogue Photography is a process whereby photographs are produced using light-sensitive rolls of film. The process uses chemicals to capture an image, typically on paper or film.

At the start of this course you will be introduced to different manual cameras and their formats. This will mainly involve the use of 35mm film and 120 medium format cameras. Participants are asked to provide their own camera for the duration of the course however you are invited to use any manual format. Throughout the course you will be taught how to operate both camera and lens controls as well as how to produce correct exposure techniques.

In addition, you will learn about the importance of precision with time, temperature, and the dilution of chemicals. Furthermore, you will be taught how to load films onto spirals ready for development - a technique actioned in complete darkness. Afterwards, using our darkroom you will learn how to develop your film whilst working under red light conditions. Using a device called an enlarger, you will be taught how to operate its controls in order to alter size, focus and contrast via different filters. Using this method, you will make contact sheets, enabling you to test various exposure times and contrast with the aim to produce your own black and white print.

Learning Methods

This course will be delivered on campus from 18:45 – 20:45 every Monday for 6 weeks. Please note there will be no class on Monday 17 April and Monday 8 May as they are Bank Holidays.

Activity Summary

• Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 8 in the group
• 12 hours of teaching in total over 6 evenings, 18:45 – 20:45

Independent Study

Students are encouraged to create and maintain a personal sketchbook which reflects their own creative practice involving the documentation of processes, learnings, and inspirations.

Participants will require their own film camera with manual control for the duration of the course.  Typically, a 35mm SLR or medium format camera will be required but this will not be essential to start the course. Advice regarding cameras will be provided during the first class.

After guidance, course participants will be expected to shoot film between classes, ready for development.

Participants are required to purchase their own film and photographic paper following the first class. 

Assessment

This course is not formally assessed.

For Academic Year 2022/2023

Course fee: £190 per person

The fee is to be paid as part of sign up process and prior to the first session.

After completing the registration form, you will be directed to the payment page. Your place on the course is not confirmed until payment has been received. If you have any difficulties locating the payment link or if you have registered for this course but have not completed the payment form, please contact us for a direct link to pay which will bypass registration.

Additional Costs

Participants will require their own film camera with manual control for the duration of the course. Typically, a 35mm SLR or medium format camera will be required but this will not be essential to start the course. Advice regarding cameras will be provided during the first class.

Participants are required to purchase their own film and photographic paper following the first class. 

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• Accommodation and living costs
• Printing

Course Cancellation

If minimum participant numbers for this course are not met, the course will be cancelled and participants will receive a full refund.

If you have registered and paid for your place on the course, but now wish to cancel, please email engage@rgu.ac.uk at least 48 hours prior to the first evening session commencing.

Disclaimer

For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in advance. For further information see: