Beginners Darkroom Photography

This course introduces the fundamentals of black and white darkroom photography, focusing on the practical processes of developing film and producing photographic prints. Working with 35mm black and white film, you will learn how negatives are transformed into finished images through a series of hands-on darkroom techniques. You will be guided through the key stages of analogue photographic production, including film processing, contact sheet creation, and darkroom printing.

Please ensure the following is not edited or removed: You will be taught in specialist art and design studios and through practical demonstrations, one-to-one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

Learners are responsible for purchasing their own materials. You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes. Learn more about the materials required for this course here. Please do not purchase any materials until your course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a device with an internet connection.

Learning in this course is hands-on, and your skills will develop through practice, discovery, and engagement with materials and techniques.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Use a 35mm analogue camera to apply a range of photographic techniques and approaches within an art and design context.
• Demonstrate an understanding of exposure, light, and time through the processing and printing of black and white photographic images.
• Apply critical thinking and decision-making skills to select, refine, and present visual work effectively across a range of contexts.

For learners new to the darkroom, or those returning after a break who want to refresh their practical darkroom skills such as processing black-and-white film and making prints in the darkroom, rather than learning photographic composition or camera technique.

Learners with an enthusiasm for creative exploration or have a natural appreciation for colour, texture and form may find this course particularly rewarding. A willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

For learners new to the darkroom, or those returning after a break who want to refresh their practical darkroom skills such as processing black-and-white film and making prints in the darkroom, rather than learning photographic composition or camera technique.

This course welcomes those with a vivid imagination and enthusiasm for creative exploration. This hands-on course requires no formal background in art or design.

Learners are responsible for purchasing their own materials. You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes. Learn more about the materials required for this course here. Please do not purchase any materials until your course is confirmed to run.

There is no recommended reading with this course; however, your course teacher will guide you to relevant sources.

Reading, listening and communication skills are essential. You must be comfortable learning in English. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course start date, unless the course is full or cancelled.