Summary
This 10-week Film Photography course offers a practical introduction to shooting, processing, and printing photographic film. Designed for both beginners and those with some prior experience, the course focuses on building a broad and adaptable set of analogue photography skills that can be confidently applied to independent practice beyond the classroom.
Throughout the course, learners will develop a strong technical and creative understanding of working with film across a range of formats and styles. You will explore how to shoot using 35mm and other format cameras, gaining insight into exposure, focus, composition, and the aesthetic qualities unique to film-based image making. Emphasis is placed on understanding light, timing, and intention, allowing you to make informed creative decisions rather than relying on automation.
A key component of the course is hands-on darkroom practice. You will learn how to develop black-and-white film from start to finish, including loading reels, processing negatives, and understanding the chemistry behind the process. Building on this, you will produce darkroom prints, learning essential techniques such as test strips, contrast control, dodging and burning, and print finishing. These sessions are designed to help you gain confidence in the darkroom while developing a deeper appreciation for the craft and discipline of analogue photography.
Alongside technical skills, the course encourages experimentation and exploration of different photographic approaches. You will be introduced to a variety of film stocks, shooting styles, and creative methods, helping you to discover what best supports your own interests and practice. Discussions around visual language, sequencing, and intent will support you in developing a personal and thoughtful photographic output.
As the course progresses, increasing emphasis is placed on applying your skills to real-world film photography. You will be encouraged to plan and shoot work independently, By the end of the 10 weeks, you will have produced a small body of analogue work and gained the technical confidence, practical knowledge, and creative understanding needed to continue working with film independently.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
14 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
10 Weeks
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
On completion of this course, you may wish to continue developing your photographic skills through a range of progression routes. You may choose to move on to our Digital Photography course, where you can build on your creative understanding by developing industry-relevant digital camera skills, image editing, and workflow techniques. This pathway allows you to combine analogue knowledge with contemporary digital practice, broadening your versatility as a photographer.
Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto one of our Photography qualifications, which are available from Level 2 through to Level 6. These courses offer a more in-depth and structured exploration of photography, supporting the development of technical expertise, creative practice, visual research, and professional skills. Whether your ambition is to pursue photography as a career, progress into higher education, or further refine your personal practice, these progression routes provide clear and supportive pathways tailored to a range of experience levels and career goals.
Employment Opportunities
This is a commercial course and does not provide direct entry into employment. Instead, it is designed to add valuable practical skills, knowledge, and experience to your current or developing photography portfolio, supporting personal development and progression into further study or creative practice.
Key information
Qualification obtained
Film PhotographyFees and funding
There is no funding attached to this course and the fee stated above is payable by all students, irrespective of their personal circumstances.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no equipment requirements for this course. If you own a working 35mm film camera, you are encouraged to bring it along. Tutors can provide practical guidance and tips to help you use your camera confidently and effectively throughout the course.
What will I learn?
Throughout the course, learners will develop a strong technical and creative understanding of working with film across a range of formats and styles. You will explore how to shoot using 35mm and other format cameras, gaining insight into exposure, focus, composition, and the aesthetic qualities unique to film-based image making. Emphasis is placed on understanding light, timing, and intention, allowing you to make informed creative decisions rather than relying on automation.
A key component of the course is hands-on darkroom practice. You will learn how to develop black-and-white film from start to finish, including loading reels, processing negatives, and understanding the chemistry behind the process. Building on this, you will produce darkroom prints, learning essential techniques such as test strips, contrast control, dodging and burning, and print finishing. These sessions are designed to help you gain confidence in the darkroom while developing a deeper appreciation for the craft and discipline of analogue photography.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There are no industry placements or field trips associated with this course.
How will I learn?
All learning on this course will take place in a studio and classroom environment, with a strong emphasis on teacher‑led, practical skills development. Sessions are designed to be hands-on, allowing you to learn through demonstration, guided practice, and supported experimentation. This approach ensures you gain clear, practical insight into the core processes and techniques of analogue photography.
Most learning activities will focus on doing rather than observing, giving you regular opportunities to apply techniques as they are introduced. However, it is important that you take notes throughout the course to support your understanding and help reinforce key technical processes, terminology, and workflows. These notes will become a valuable reference as you continue to develop your practice independently.
The skills taught during the course are intentionally structured to be transferable across all formats of analogue photography. While you may work with specific cameras or materials during sessions, the principles you learn—such as exposure control, film handling, processing, and printing—apply broadly to a wide range of analogue formats and approaches. By understanding these core foundations, you will be well equipped to adapt your skills to different cameras, formats, and creative contexts both during and after the course.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
There is no assessment or marked work as part of this course.