Darkroom Work (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

There is no substitute for the magical appearance of a black and white image on photographic paper in the darkness of the darkroom. Digital printing methods cannot beat a skillfully printed black and white print in terms of quality, durability and, especially, experience. Making a silver gelatine print is a combination of vision, creativity and skill. A successful print is a conscious interpretation of the content of the negative by the artist.

In this course you will learn how to print authentic silver gelatin prints from your own black and white film negatives in the darkroom. We will focus on producing a finished black and white print in an archival quality. During the course we will also make images on fibre paper and go through the steps of finishing the print, such as: reducing, toning and spotting.

On completion of the course, students will be able to print silver gelatin prints from black and white film negatives in an archival quality. They will be able to find the basic exposure time using test strips, control image contrast, and make local corrections through additional exposure, shading and veiling. The student will master the post-processing of a finished print: reducing, toning and spotting. Colour film will also be developed during the course, but prints will not be printed.

WORK SAFETY will be carefully reviewed and examined at the beginning of the course, mandatory! It is important to understand the risks of working with chemicals, both to yourself and the environment. We emphasize an ecological way of working.

Attendance is compulsory, especially during the first two weeks of the course.
Please bring protective clothing, a work jacket (no woollen sweater), preferably also your own chemical-resistant rubber gloves.
Note: No contact lenses! If you are pregnant, please contact the teacher before the course or if you have e.g. asthma, please discuss with the teacher.

TIMETABLE:
Tue 26.11.
10 - 16 Intro & Environmental and occupational safety in chemical work.

Wed 27.11.
11 - 12 Environmental and Occupational Safety in Chemical Work Exam
13 - 16.30 black and white film development

Thu 28.11.
10 - 16 Colour film development

weeks 49-50 and 2 - 3 black and white darkroom work, timetable to be confirmed

Thu 16.1.2025
10 - 16 Final review

February 2025: Wall Gallery exhibition

Objective

The student
- knows the basic concepts and materials of black-and-white darkroom work.
- knows how to produce richly toned and archival black and white photographs in a darkroom.
- recognises the expressive possibilities of black-and-white photography and is able to utilise them in their own work.
- is familiar with work safety issues and sustainable practices in darkroom work.

Content

The course concentrates on black-and-white film photography and analog black-and-white printing of photographs through practical work and theory. During the course, the students consider the expressive possibilities of black-and-white photography and apply the knowledge in their own photographic expression.

Materials

In the ItsLearning learning environment and handouts

Teaching methods

Attendance is compulsory, especially during the first two weeks, otherwise 80% attendance and completion of the assigned tasks.

- Lectures and demonstrations
- Exercises
- Development of your own films and images, independently and in classroom situations. Basic course materials from the school, you can also bring your own photographic papers/films.
- Starting your own darkroom diary

International connections

Attendance is compulsory, especially during the first two weeks.

Familiarisation with the environmental impact of chemical work and occupational safety risks, including an exam which must be passed.
Working together and independently, weekly group discussions. As the course progresses, independent work is possible in the evenings and at weekends after the initial week, provided that the student demonstrates mastery of the basics of darkroom work and occupational safety.

Student workload

Environmental and occupational safety in chemical work - exam
Development of black and white and colour films
Printing black and white films in the darkroom
Contrast control of black and white prints
Local exposure corrections, veiling
Post-processing of photographic prints

Further information

ItsLearning learning platform, email