Photo Fundamentals
Students in Photography 1 are learning the fundamentals of the art through the use of manual 35mm cameras and black and white film. They have moved through the process of taking photos, keeping in my mind the principles of composition, art, and design, to developing their film and prints in the darkroom. This is a time-intensive process in which students have no idea how their images have turned out until the end, unlike digital photography where they see results right away.
It is no easy feat to load a roll of film, that can very easily slip through your fingers, onto a reel in pitch-black darkness! Once that task is accomplished, they move to the sink (with the lights now on) to begin adding the chemicals that will transform their roll of film into printable images. The development process involves a lot of agitation, tapping (to dislodge any air bubbles in the film), and closely watching the timer to keep track of the time needed for each of the several necessary steps. Once the film has been developed, it is hung to dry. Then the film is cut into strips and put in negative sheets, which are used to print contact sheets allowing students to get a firstfull look at the images that they took. The final step is to print the images that they feel best fulfill the criteria of the assignment and participate in a critique with their classmates.
It is a time-consuming, but ultimately satisfying process that teaches methodology, collaboration, thoughtfulness, patience, and empowerment. And it produces a tangible product that will last a lifetime.
Stephenie Koerne is a Graphic Designer, Photographer, and Educator but better known as Jill-of-all-Trades. When not juggling work tasks, Stephenie wiles away the hours working on her photography and other art projects, collecting toys (as showcased in her office!), and reading. She loves dogs, cats, and cupcakes and pink is her signature color.
