Film Materials and Types

• 35mm film is the most common, typically used in amateur and professional photography.
• Medium format film provides a larger negative size, producing high-resolution images.
• Sheet film is used in large format cameras and requires individual loading.
• Film sensitivity to light is determined by its ISO rating. Higher ISO is more sensitive, but results in more grain.
• Film can be colour or black and white, each allowing for different development and printing techniques.
• Slide film or reversal film produces a positive image directly on the film, perfect for direct projection.

Film Processing Techniques

• Developing the film transforms the latent image into a visible negative. This stage is crucial and requires careful control of time and temperature.
• Stop bath immediately halts development, preventing over-development.
• Fixing is equally essential, removing unreacted silver halide and making the image permanent.
• The washing stage removes fixing chemicals to prevent further reactions.
• Drying the film must be done in a clean, dust-free environment to prevent contamination.

Darkroom and Printing Techniques

• Safely working in the darkroom will require understanding of safe light conditions and chemical handling.
• Enlargers project light through the film negative onto photosensitive paper, which can be manipulated to produce varying results.
• Paper comes in various grades and finishes that affect the print's contrast and texture.
• Dodging and burning allow for localised adjustments of the print's exposure.
• The developing, stopping, fixing and washing processes for prints mimic those in film processing but use different chemicals and timings.

Specialised Film Techniques

• Double exposure is a technique where multiple images are layered on a single frame, creating surreal results.
• Pushing and pulling film changes the film's sensitivity, affecting contrast and grain.
• Cross-processing involves developing colour film in black and white chemicals, or vice versa.
• Solarisation, a darkroom technique, creates a partially reversed tone on the print, resulting in a 'glowing' effect.

Film Photography Analysis

• Critical understanding of film-based photography enhances interpretation of meaningful, conceptual and visual elements.
• Analyse the work of established photographers, considering their technical abilities, artistic style, and subjects for inspiration.
• Visual aesthetics, including composition, lighting, and tonal range, greatly influence a photographic image's impact.
• Understanding the historical, social, and cultural context of a photograph will provide deeper comprehension and critical analysis capabilities.