WORKSHOP THE BASICS OF ANALOGUE PHOTOGRAPHY (16 hours)
by Germano Serafini
Photography is the medium par excellence that allows us to bring “a fragment of the present” into the future, giving us the possibility not only to record a particular moment or vision of life but also to leave a testimony of our historical period to the next generations.
General informations
The workshop is for those who feel the desire to begin photographing starting from analogue.
I’s for those who want to discover the magic of film, the beauty in its resulting aesthetics and take a traditional approach to this world.
Photographing with film means working with the sensitive material (the negative) and with this support capturing light in the most possible conscious way.
Using the analogue mode you give to your body time to acquire the necessary skills to interpret reality, to recognise light even without equipment, to develop your photographic eye and to be able to identify among the infinite possibilities of action, those that give the best results, in terms of coherence with your intentions and needs.
This workshop aims to build a solid foundation for becoming an independent photographer by acquiring self-confidence, competence and developing a vision that goes beyond mere technique. It is the first step towards the free interpretation of reality!
The workshop duration is about two months with weekly lessons.
NB. The workshop will start with a minimum of 5 participants (maximum 10) and is aimed at motivated people with their own analogue equipment (camera and at least one lens). Everyone must have the possibility to find, develop and digitally acquire (privately or in a professional laboratory) the films that will be shot during the course.
It is possible to have the workshop privately. In this case it will be structured according to the specific needs of the student, with methods and times to be agreed on. Workshop The basics of analogue photography
Mode of action
The workshop is developed to be conducted online and includes theoretical lessons and many practical exercises – to be carried out between lessons individually – in order to accompany the students step by step in the management of their own photographic camera.
Students will be followed individually to developed in each one with specific paths their personal interests.
At the beginning of each lesson we will analyze the material produced by the students as exercise of the previous lesson, then we will continue with the topics of the day.
In the last part of the workshop, with a constructive critical approach, the selection of each student’s work will be examined and defined the possible ways to developed.
For further information write to: info@romanoserafini.com (indicating Name, Surname, telephone number, email and title of the workshop).
Click here for information about the teacher Germano Serafini
Topics covered
1. Introduction to film photography 2 hours
- Overview of the history of photography and its evolution
- Light, our ally
- Development of the photographic eye
- Making a “photographic card”
- A lifestyle (e.g. learning to ride a bike)
Exercise LAB 1: Development of the photographic eye
2. Analog camera study 3 hours
Discussion of experiences
- The wonder of mechanical functioning and its possibilities
- The differences between cameras
- Standard formats (135 and 120) and large format cameras
- Time, Aperture, ISO/ASA
- The controls with their functions and settings (introduction to Exposure time)
- The light meter and the right exposure
- In-depth study on “Exposure time”
Exercise LAB 2: Approach to the photographic medium 1 – “Exposure time”
3. Studying optics 2 hours
Discussion of experiences
- Everything starts with the pinhole
- In-depth study on Diaphragm
- Types: wide angle, normal, telephoto
- The importance of the 50 mm lens
- Hints on mechanics, lens functionality and quality
- Lens glass composition, surface treatments, sharpness versus softness
- Creative use of broken/defective/poor optics
Exercise LAB 3: Approach to the photographic medium 2 – “the Aperture” (Diaphragm)
4. Time of exposure, aperture, ISO/ASA (second in-deep study) 2 hours
Discussion of experiences
- Time and its infinite expressions in photography
- The diaphragm and its peculiarity of seeing into infinity
- Depth of field and focusing
- ISO/ASA, symbol of film sensitivity and the “texture” of images
- Learning immediately from experience (the importance of notes)
- Loading and rewinding film
Exercise LAB 4: Approach to the photographic medium 3 – “The conscious shot”
5. Read and capture the light 2 hours
Analysis of works
- Light is our form of “writing”, darkness is our “notebook”
- The interpretation of light, its colour differences and white balance
- Choosing light according to need
Exercise LAB 5: Approach to the photographic medium 4 – “the Light”
6. Our memory: The films 2 hours
Analysis of works
- Black and white (BN), colour
- Types, differences, possibilities
- The rebirth of the analogue market, the “flagships” and the new films generation child of technology
- How to choose the right film according to needs
- Photography as an expression of our creativity
- Defining a personal theme to be developed in photography
Exercise LAB 6: Approach to the photographic medium 5 – “Freedom of expression”
7. Evaluation and constructive critique of the works 3 hours
- Group discussion on the selection of each participant images
- Technical and critical approach to the shots
- Explanation from mistakes
- Possible ways
- Art photography and commercial photography
For further information write to: info@romanoserafini.com (indicating Name, Surname, telephone number, email and title of the workshop).
Click here for information about the teacher Germano Serafini