This 9-week course has been designed to provide beginners with the basic principles of Film Photography, a discipline also referred to as Analogue Photography. During the course you will be introduced to manual camera operation, darkroom practice, studio practice and the production of black and white prints.
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 18:30 – 21:00 on Mondays for 9 weeks, excluding public holidays.
Activity Summary
- Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 8 in the group
- 22.5 hours of teaching in total over 9 evenings, 18:30 – 21:00
Timetable
- Week 1: 8 September 2025 - workshops start
- Week 2: 15 September
- 22 September - no class
- Week 3: 29 September
- Week 4: 6 October
- 13 October - no class
- 20 October - no class
- Week 5: 27 October
- Week 6: 3 November
- Week 7: 10 November
- Week 8: 17 November
- Week 9: 24 November – last workshop
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.
Staff Delivering on this Course
Photographer Neal Murray has delivered a range of photography courses based on the use of film, these span across the last 35 years. Murray has taught at Gray’s School of Art since 1998. The photographer has a grounding in sound recording as well as film editing and film camera operation. Within his practice he works almost exclusively using black and white film as his starting point. This involves working with the following camera formats: 35mm film, medium format, large format, and pin hole photography.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
This course is suitable for beginners.
Required Age
All students are required to be at least 16 years of age on the commencement of the course.
For Academic Year 2025/2026
Course fee: £280 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:
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:
Any questions?
Get in touch with the Engage Team and we'll do our best to help.