Film-based photography at CCSF

Instructor information

Instructor: Naomi Vanderkindren

Contact: Canvas message are preferred. Use your Canvas inbox to send me a message. (alternative contact: nvanderkindren@ccsf.edu). During the semester, I usually respond within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. If you have questions between semesters, response time may be longer. Please see the department website for program details: ccsf.edu/photo.

Office Hours: Hours change each semester. Use CityZoom on Canvas or send a message to schedule a meeting.

Course information

PHOT81A/B/C BW photo

This darkroom photography series includes three sections. Each one allows students to advance their understanding of darkroom photography. The entire series is AS degree applicable in Photography and AA-T in Studio Arts. Satisfies CCSF GE Area E.

Start with 81A. Introduction to the principles of black and white film photography, including the development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology, and an introduction to film processing and darkroom printing. Emphasis on critical issues in photography within the context of contemporary art, contemporary media, and photo history. The department may provide some materials and camera access.
Continue your journey with 81B. Building off of skills attained in 81A, students learn intermediate principles of black and white film photography, including the further development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology and intermediate film processing and darkroom printing. Emphasis on creating portfolios within the context of contemporary art, contemporary media, and photo history. The department may provide some materials and camera access.
Master your skills and portfolio with 81C. Building off of skills attained in 81B, students learn advanced principles of black and white film photography, including the further development of technical and aesthetic skills, elements of design and composition, camera technology and advanced-level film processing and darkroom printing. Emphasis on creating portfolios within the context of contemporary art, contemporary media, and photo history. The department may provide film cameras.

Course information

PHOT83 View Camera

An introductory course in large format photography for professional and artistic use. Students will explore the unique applications of a manual 4x5 view camera, including perspective correction, and selective focus. Course will cover techniques needed to properly expose and process large format film, and produce digital files from negatives. Cameras and accessories are available to students.

Registering to classes and waitlists

Registration

Visit this page to register for CCSF courses. Check your CCSF student email regularly for updates on registration.

Pre-requisites

To waive the pre-req visit the CCSF Pre-requisite Challenge Process page.

Waitlist and add codes

Before the semester begins, students may add to a waitlist on Web4. If a spot becomes available, students are notified automatically. Students will then have 48 hours to register before the spot is given to the next student on the list. To learn more about waitlists at CCSF, read the Wait list FAQ for Students
Some classes do not have waitlists (PHOT81ABC). If the course does not have a waitlist and is full, please send me an email message and I will add you to my personal list. My personal waitlist will not add you to the official online waitlist. Please continue to check MyRam for openings as that is the only way to guarantee a spot in the class.
CCSF no longer uses add codes. Add codes have been replaced with Class Add Request. Students can submit a Class Add Request through their myRAM Portal after the course begins. Permission to add late will be granted only if the instructor deems it is still possible for the student to catch up and succeed. Here are the instructions.

Prerequisites

Some courses have a required prerequisite. This ensures that students are prepared and ready for the challenges in that course. If you have acquired sufficient knowledge to succeed, you may also request to have prerequisites waived. Here are three options.

Option 1: Fill out the form on this page to submit your request to waive the prerequisite. You will need to upload transcripts or information about previous classes (such as PHOT81A). If you are not sure if a previous course qualifies, email the instructor or department chair for information.
Option 2: Follow this link to view our current department representative and schedule a PHOT51 prerequisite challenge test. The challenge test will demonstrate your knowledge of current topics in PHOT51.
Option 3: Learn more about prerequisites. This page has more options to explore the CCSF Pre-requisite Challenge Process page.

Resources for supplies, labs, information

For estimates of development times: http://www.digitaltruth.com/
Looking Glass, Berkeley lookingglassphoto.com
Glass Key https://www.glasskeyphoto.com
B&H Photo: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
Freestyle Photography: http://www.freestylephoto.biz/
Harvey Milk Photo Center: http://harveymilkphotocenter.org/

What you can explore at CCSF

Once trained, students at CCSF have access to a large group darkroom. It is equipped with Omega 4x5 condenser enlargers and two cold light enlargers. Some enlargers have enhanced capacity for mural printing (by arrangement). Students can utilize seven private film processing rooms and one film-loading room. The department also has two film forced-air dryers (one reserved for sheet film), archival print drying screens, large format dry mount presses, mat cutters, and print mounting accessories.

Lab equipment

CCSF provides all necessary lab equipment, such as film processing tanks. Students can also purchase and use their own. The image shown here shows tools for small format film processing. CCSF has metal film tanks and a few plastic ones.

The darkroom

In PHOT81A, you will learn how to make prints in a traditional darkroom using film you exposed and processed yourself. Students in PHOT81B and PHOT81C will refine skills and reach higher level mastery.

PHOT83 students will see a basic demonstration of the darkroom, but training is not provided in this course. To learn darkroom printing, enroll in PHOT81A.

Cameras

CCSF Photography department has cameras to borrow.

PHOT81A students will learn using a 35mm film camera. Advanced students have access to more advanced cameras, such as medium format models.
PHOT83 Students will learn the unique applications of a large-format rail camera. Students may also use a personal camera if it has full controls.

Supplies & course materials

Provided for you

The department will provide supplies essential for completing most course assignments.
PHOT83 students will need to purchase printing paper/ink for the final portfolio.
If you make many mistakes or want to create personal work, you may need to purchase your own materials. For suggestions, look at the list at the end of this page.

Supplies you need to bring

PHOT83 students will need to purchase printing paper/ink for the final portfolio. Estimated cost is $20.
Gloves for film processing (if supply runs out)
A small towel (to dry wet equipment)
Film and paper beyond what the department can supply (see the suggestions at the end of this page)
A large envelope or paper to protect assignments when you submit.
A locker deposit. Lockers are available when you leave a $10 deposit. You receive your deposit back when you clean it out at the end of the semester. Lockers are issued after the department orientation.

Examples of common supplies

If you want to buy more supplies, the list below will help you choose.

When purchasing materials, always shop around for the best prices, and ask for a student discount. Buy local when possible.

Film

Here are some examples of 35mm films.

Negative sleeves

These protect your film after it's processed. There are many different types to choose from.

Binder box

This binder has a wall all around the sides to help keep dust and contaminants off your film. Not waterproof, but really good for avoiding dust on film.

Film

Here are some examples of 4x5" films for PHOT83 students.

Black and white films

Color films

Photo paper

There are many kinds of photo paper to try. There are many good brands. For beginners, you will want to choose Variable Contrast RC paper. Advanced students will probably want to try Fiber paper for a more professional and archival look.

Paper is available in many sizes. Most students start with 5x7 or 8x10 inch paper. Advanced students may want to try 11x14, 16x20, or 20x24 inch. All these sizes can be printed in our department. Students can even print mural size pictures with 40-inch rolls (mural printing is by arrangment).

Presentation supplies

Mat board for presentation. Choose the best products you can afford, but consider your purpose and how long you want it to last.

Linen tape creates the hinge on your overmats.

Photo corners these can be peel-and-stick or wet-and-stick. They come in paper or plastic types, and many sizes.

Dry mounting tissue can be used to dry mount prints. It's permanent, so buy the best quality you can afford.

Get curious about photography

Do you ever wonder how photography was discovered? It all started with a simple camera called a camera obscura. Watch this video to learn how it works.

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