Introduction to Film Photography Course

Learn film photography with our photography short courses in Sydney!

Introduction to film photography is a course designed to break down the concepts of 35mm film photography and the development of your own images. This compact course is suitable for both technical and experimental learners looking to grasp an understanding or advance their already existing skill set of film photography. This course will offer a mixture of guided, practical work, including defined tasks, as well as opportunities for experiential learning. This course also features a short theoretical introduction to film photography by exploring the works of major Australian film photographers David Moore & Max Dupain. The course will empower students to confidently use a film camera, choose the correct film, develop it and express themselves through the visual medium.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this film photography course, you should be able to:

• Confidently operate a 35mm SLR or rangefinder camera 
• Identify the type of film needed to achieve their artistic goals
• Identify the functions and features of a film camera
• Be able to confidently assess and compose a scene by adding depth of field, motion or blur
• Develop their very own film at home

Course content

What will be covered in this photography course?

Camera Operation

• Loading and unloading film
• Adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
• Metering for Exposure
• Understanding the functions and features of a 35mm SLR or rangefinder camera

Film Selection

• Understanding different film stocks and how to use them
• Identifying the type of film needed to achieve artistic goals

Composition and Techniques

• Understanding the zone system
• Adding depth of field, motion, and blur
• Utilising different lens and focal lengths

Film Development

• The process of film development
• Mixing chemicals and developing negatives
• Printing photographs

At-Home Development

• Understanding the process of developing film at home
• Safety in the darkroom
• Final Project: students will apply their knowledge and skills to develop and print their own photographs.

Intended audience

Who is this photography course for?

Film photography involves hands-on instructions and requires a tutor with specialised knowledge. Film photography is making a major recurrence, and people of all ages are developing an interest in film photography. A student would enrol in this Introduction to film photography course because they'd like to build on their general understanding of film photography or because they are completely new to the practice and endeavour to learn the basics. Students new to the subject will embrace a mixture of theory and tailored practical work to help them grasp the fundamentals quickly, while more experienced students will be fostered to challenge themselves and experiment with new techniques.

This course is designed for those who have not shot on film before. However, some knowledge of photo basics is assumed e.g. lens apertures, ISO and shutter speed. This film photography course is for anyone who wants to add analogue shooting to their kit of skills.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

What to bring to class

• Please bring to each class (including those in the classroom): your 35mm or medium format film camera plus 2 rolls of appropriate film (24 exposures, 400 ISO, 35mm or 120).
• Lens of your choice (either a zoom lens or a fixed focal length prime lens).
• This film photography course is not suitable for digital cameras and is only for analogue cameras that use loadable, roll film.
• We do not provide cameras for students so please make sure yours is tested and working. If unsure of the suitability of your camera, please get in contact with customer.service@sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au and we will be able to direct your question to the course tutor.