Introduction to Analog Photography
Welcome to Film & Darkroom Photography! This week provides a comprehensive overview of the entire analog workflow—from camera to final print.
10-Week Course Structure
This Week's Overview
Session Plan // 01
Film Camera Components
Understanding 35mm cameras
Film Development Process
Tank, chemicals, workflow
Darkroom Equipment
Enlarger, trays, paper
The Printing Workflow
From negative to print
Complete Workflow Map
End-to-end process
Homework Assignment
Shoot your first roll
Film Camera & Essential Components
Understanding your 35mm camera and its mechanical components
The Film Camera
The 35mm film camera is your primary tool for capturing images. Unlike digital cameras, film cameras require manual control of exposure settings and physical film loading. This hands-on approach deepens your understanding of photographic fundamentals.
Camera Anatomy
- Camera Body: Light-tight housing that holds film and protects it from exposure
- Shutter: Mechanical curtain that controls exposure time
- Aperture: Adjustable lens opening that controls light amount
- Focus Ring: Manual control for achieving sharp images
- Film Advance Lever: Advances film to next frame
- Viewfinder: Optical window for composing shots
Manual Controls
- ①Shutter Speed Dial: Controls exposure duration (1/1000s to multiple seconds)
- ②Aperture Ring: Sets f-stop (f/1.4 to f/22 typical range)
- ③ISO Setting: Dial to match your film's sensitivity rating
- ④Light Meter: Built-in meter guides proper exposure
- ⑤Rewind Crank: Manually rewinds exposed film into canister
Pro Tip: Treat your film camera with care—these are precision mechanical instruments. Always advance the film gently, and never force any controls.
Film Development Process
Transforming exposed film into visible negatives through chemical processing
Essential Equipment
- •Developing tank (light-tight)
- •Film reel/spool
- •Changing bag or darkroom
- •Thermometer
- •Measuring graduates
- •Timer
- •Film clips for drying
Chemical Process
1. Developer
Makes latent image visible (5-12 min)
2. Stop Bath
Halts development instantly (30 sec)
3. Fixer
Makes image permanent (5-10 min)
4. Wash
Removes all chemicals (20-30 min)
Critical Variables
- Time: Follow manufacturer specifications precisely
- Temperature: Maintain 20°C (68°F) for consistent results
- Agitation: Regular, gentle inversions ensure even development
- Dilution: Mix chemicals to exact ratios
The Golden Rule of Film Development
"Time, Temperature, and Agitation are your trinity. Master these, and you master film."
Darkroom Equipment & Setup
Essential tools for creating darkroom prints from your negatives
The Enlarger
The enlarger is essentially a projector that shines light through your negative onto photographic paper, creating the print.
- •Lamp House: Contains light source
- •Negative Carrier: Holds film flat
- •Lens: Projects image onto paper
- •Baseboard: Adjustable for print size
Processing Trays
Set up in sequence under safelight illumination:
Developer
1-2 minutes
Stop Bath
15 seconds
Fixer
2-5 minutes
Wash
5 minutes minimum
Photographic Paper
Light-sensitive paper in various grades (RC or fiber-based)
Safelight
Red/amber light that doesn't fog black & white paper
Timer
Electronic timer controls enlarger exposure
The Printing Workflow
Step-by-step process for creating your first darkroom prints
Contact Sheet
Place entire film strip on paper and expose to create a reference print showing all frames at once.
- • Quick overview of all images
- • Select frames for enlargement
- • Archive reference tool
Test Strip
Make a series of exposures on one strip to determine optimal exposure time for your negative.
- • Typically 3-5 second intervals
- • Choose best-looking section
- • Saves time and paper
Enlargement
Project your chosen negative onto paper at desired size, expose, and process through chemistry trays.
- • Focus carefully using grain focuser
- • Frame composition on easel
- • Make exposure based on test strip
Processing
Move print through developer, stop, fixer, and wash with consistent timing and agitation.
- • Watch image appear in developer
- • Stop development at right moment
- • Fix and wash thoroughly
The Complete Analog Photography Workflow
From loading film to final print—your complete journey through analog photography
Stage 1: Capture
- 1. Load 35mm film into camera
- 2. Set ISO to match film speed
- 3. Compose and meter scene
- 4. Set aperture & shutter speed
- 5. Focus and shoot
- 6. Advance film to next frame
- 7. Rewind when roll is complete
Stage 2: Development
- 1. Load film onto reel (in darkness)
- 2. Place in light-tight tank
- 3. Add developer (5-12 min)
- 4. Add stop bath (30 sec)
- 5. Add fixer (5-10 min)
- 6. Wash film (20-30 min)
- 7. Hang to dry with film clips
Stage 3: Printing
- 1. Make contact sheet
- 2. Select frame to enlarge
- 3. Create test strip
- 4. Determine exposure time
- 5. Make final enlargement
- 6. Process in trays
- 7. Wash and dry print
Shoot Your First Roll
Your Assignment
Load a roll of black & white film (Kentmere 400 or Ilford HP5) into your camera and shoot 36 frames. Focus on understanding your camera's controls rather than creating perfect images.
Requirements
- Shoot the entire 36-frame roll
- Practice different aperture settings
- Try various shutter speeds
- Experiment with different subjects
- Bring exposed roll to Week 2
Tips for Success
- •Shoot in good daylight to start
- •Use your meter—trust the needle
- •Focus carefully with manual focus
- •Keep notes on settings if helpful
- •Don't overthink—just shoot!
Remember:
This first roll is about learning your camera, not creating masterpieces. Make mistakes, experiment, and have fun. We'll develop this roll together in Week 2!