3-Week Darkroom Class Plan
Film Photography & Darkroom Workshop
Week 1: Introduction to Film Photography and Shooting
Main Goals:
Introduce students to film photography as both a cultural and artistic medium
Discuss why film still matters in a digital age
Teach the basics of the Canon AE-1
Practice loading film and shooting a first roll
Begin thinking about creative approaches to photographing
Intro Lesson: Why Film Matters (15–30 minutes)
How Film Shaped Culture:
Early photography was formal, expensive, and exclusive
Kodak’s roll film in 1888 made photography accessible to everyday people
Throughout the 20th century, film photography became central to documenting family life, journalism, social movements, and artistic expression
Film helped people explore new ways of seeing, remembering, and telling stories
If helpful, show a few historic or iconic film photographs and briefly discuss what makes them impactful.
Why People Still Shoot Film Today:
Guiding discussion question: Why use film when digital cameras and phones exist?
Key points to highlight:
Film has a distinct look with characteristic color, grain, and contrast
The slower process encourages intentional shooting
There is value in waiting for results instead of seeing images instantly
Negatives and prints are physical objects, not digital files
Many artists choose film for the discipline, mood, and hands-on experience it offers
Discussion Prompt Ideas:
What kinds of photos do you take with your phone?
Have you ever printed a digital photo? Why or why not?
What might feel exciting or challenging about using film?
How might film change the way you take pictures?
Camera Instruction: Canon AE-1
Topics to cover:
Parts of the camera
How to load film
ISO setting
Shutter speed, aperture, and focusing
Using the light meter
Troubleshooting common problems
Students should practice with a dummy roll and get comfortable changing settings.
Creative Photo Brainstorming:
To help students consider what to photograph, offer themes or prompts:
Light and shadow
Texture and detail
Portraits
Architecture or objects
Mood or emotion
Movement and stillness
Encourage experimentation and remind them that there is no “wrong” subject.
Assignment for Week 1:
Shoot one full roll of film. Students should try to be intentional, experiment with different lighting, and think about composition. Taking notes or sketching ideas is optional but encouraged.
Instructor Prep Checklist for Week 1:
Finalize your focus for the intro section
Prepare any images you want to show
Make optional AE-1 cheat sheets
Have practice rolls ready
Prepare brainstorming prompts or examples
Week 2: Developing Negatives and Viewing Film
Main Goals:
Teach the complete film development process
Introduce safe darkroom practices
Show how to handle, store, and review negatives
Film Development:
Topics to cover:
Darkroom safety and etiquette
Developer, stop bath, and fixer
Using reels and tanks
Temperature control and agitation
Timing each step
Begin with a full demonstration, then students develop their own rolls.
Handling Negatives:
Cutting and sleeving film
Labeling and storage
Keeping negatives clean and dust-free
Viewing Negatives:
Using a light table, loupe, or bright surface
What to look for: exposure, contrast, sharpness, composition
Identifying which frames may print well
Instructor Prep Checklist for Week 2:
Check all chemicals and mix fresh solutions if needed
Prep reels, tanks, thermometers, and timers
Make development process reference sheets
Have archival sleeves and scissors ready
Set up viewing stations
Week 3: Darkroom Printing
Main Goals:
Introduce the printing process
Teach enlarger operation
Understand exposure, contrast filters, and paper choices
Complete final prints and hold a group critique
Printing Process:
Topics to cover:
Enlarger basics
Focusing, cropping, and positioning negatives
Making test strips
Adjusting exposure time
Using contrast filters
Paper types (RC vs. fiber, gloss vs. matte)
Demonstrate the process, then students select one or two negatives to print.
Paper Development:
Developer, stop bath, and fixer in tray order
Proper timing
Washing and drying prints
Final Presentation and Critique:
Each student shares their prints
Discuss what worked, what surprised them, and what they’d like to try next
Encourage reflection on process, challenges, and discoveries
Instructor Prep Checklist for Week 3:
Test enlargers and replace bulbs if needed
Check paper stock and chemistry
Prepare drying racks or flattening setups
Have a simple darkroom workflow sheet
Pull a few strong print examples to show
Optional Wrap-Up Ideas:
Create a small class zine
Hang prints for a mini gallery
Scan best prints for students to share
Provide information about local darkrooms or next steps for continuing film work