Learn to process black and white photographic film
Shoot a roll of black and white film and develop it in traditional chemicals, learning two ways to view the images on your film (analogue and digital). Learn the process at City Lit so that you can set yourself up for doing it confidently at home.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Going out on a short photo walk with your expert tutor to capture the street life of the west end. Back at the studio (with lots of help from your tutor) you’ll learn how to load your film in total darkness, mix up the photographic chemistry, find out your development time and process your film yourself. Every step of the way your tutor will be explaining ways you can modify the process at home, whether that’s using what you already have or affordable ways to buy minimal equipment.
Your tutor will also help you feel confident in safely handling and disposing of the chemistry, washing, drying and storing your film. You will learn about ways you can either digitise your film or make a contact sheet onto photographic paper.
When you pull out your reel of developed film it’s a magic feeling that never gets old.
After completing this course you will feel confident to go away and do the process on your own.
What will we cover?
Shooting a roll of black and white film in a mindful way, observing and thinking
Loading and re-winding film in your camera
Loading film onto a spool and getting it into the processing tank in total darkness
Learning about photographic chemistry - standard and more ecologically friendly options
Developing, fixing, washing and drying film
Making an analogue contact sheet on photographic paper
Options for digitising your film
Storing and organising your negatives
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Load, shoot and process black and white film
Understand the principles of using a light-sensitive surface
Leave with the information and knowledge to set up film processing in your home or studio
Understand Health and safety requirements when using photographic chemistry
Learn lo-fi ways of making a contact sheet at home
Measure and mix chemicals for film and paper
Store and catalogue your negatives
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an intermediate course. You should already know how to use your own film camera and make correct exposures. The tutor can help with queries on composition, locations and viewpoint but you are responsible for working your camera. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including location photography, presentations, demonstrations, practical exercises, group and individual assistance.
The studio is fully wheelchair accessible. Part of this course is offsite in the local area. You will need to be able to walk 500+ metres during the photo walk. You will need warm/waterproof clothing as you will be outside for some time.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a standard roll of black and white film. We recommend Ilford HP5 400 as the perfect option for an autumn/winter day. Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. If you wish to borrow a 35mm SLR from the college you should be confident that you’ll be able to use it. City Lit has tripods, which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The perfect next course might be Learn to Scan your Negatives, Transparencies and Prints.
In addition, if you’re interested in hands-on photography, why not try out Alternative Processes, Pinhole Photography, or Experimental Photography? Or perhaps Street Photography or Documentary Photography are more your thing? Browse the City Lit website for inspiration.
Catriona Gray is a photographic artist and teacher from London. She has worked in photography for 26 years and has a breadth of experience from documentary and portrait photography, to fine art darkroom printing, analogue photography and alternative photographic processes. She has taught photography for over 10 years for various institutions including Westminster University, NHS hopsitals, healthcare and addiction recovery facilities, Darkroom London and Zoom In. She believes in learning through doing, and making lots of mistakes. Push yourself, try something different, flip things around, get uncomfortable.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/learn-to-process-black-and-white-photographic-film3030697Learn to process black and white photographic filmhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/creative-nature-land_VY998-1024.jpg199199GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Photography editing & printing22851132170217031228511321702<p>Shoot a roll of black and white film and develop it in traditional chemicals, learning two ways to view the images on your film (analogue and digital). Learn the process at City Lit so that you can set yourself up for doing it confidently at home.</p>003030580Learn to process black and white photographic film199199https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/creative-nature-land_VY998-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-09-18T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Art & designVY336199199Learn to process black and white photographic film159129199Catriona Graylearn-to-process-black-and-white-photographic-film/vy336-2627<p>Shoot a roll of black and white film and develop it in traditional chemicals, learning two ways to view the images on your film (analogue and digital). Learn the process at City Lit so that you can set yourself up for doing it confidently at home.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-18 00:00:00<p>Going out on a short photo walk with your expert tutor to capture the street life of the west end. Back at the studio (with lots of help from your tutor) you’ll learn how to load your film in total darkness, mix up the photographic chemistry, find out your development time and process your film yourself. Every step of the way your tutor will be explaining ways you can modify the process at home, whether that’s using what you already have or affordable ways to buy minimal equipment.</p><p>Your tutor will also help you feel confident in safely handling and disposing of the chemistry, washing, drying and storing your film. You will learn about ways you can either digitise your film or make a contact sheet onto photographic paper.</p><p>When you pull out your reel of developed film it’s a magic feeling that never gets old.</p><p>After completing this course you will feel confident to go away and do the process on your own.</p><p>Shoot a roll of black and white film and develop it in traditional chemicals, learning two ways to view the images on your film (analogue and digital). Learn the process at City Lit so that you can set yourself up for doing it confidently at home.</p><ul><li>Shooting a roll of black and white film in a mindful way, observing and thinking</li><li>Loading and re-winding film in your camera</li><li>Loading film onto a spool and getting it into the processing tank in total darkness</li><li>Learning about photographic chemistry - standard and more ecologically friendly options</li><li>Developing, fixing, washing and drying film</li><li>Making an analogue contact sheet on photographic paper</li><li>Options for digitising your film</li><li>Storing and organising your negatives</li></ul><ul><li>Load, shoot and process black and white film</li><li>Understand the principles of using a light-sensitive surface</li><li>Leave with the information and knowledge to set up film processing in your home or studio</li><li>Understand Health and safety requirements when using photographic chemistry</li><li>Learn lo-fi ways of making a contact sheet at home</li><li>Measure and mix chemicals for film and paper</li><li>Store and catalogue your negatives</li></ul><p></p><p>This is an intermediate course. You should already know how to use your own film camera and make correct exposures. The tutor can help with queries on composition, locations and viewpoint but you are responsible for working your camera. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.</p><p>You will be taught using a range of techniques including location photography, presentations, demonstrations, practical exercises, group and individual assistance.</p><p>The studio is fully wheelchair accessible. Part of this course is offsite in the local area. You will need to be able to walk 500+ metres during the photo walk. You will need warm/waterproof clothing as you will be outside for some time.</p><p></p><p>Please bring a standard roll of black and white film. We recommend Ilford HP5 400 as the perfect option for an autumn/winter day. Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. If you wish to borrow a 35mm SLR from the college you should be confident that you’ll be able to use it. City Lit has tripods, which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class.</p><p>The perfect next course might be <strong>Learn to Scan your Negatives, Transparencies and Prints</strong>.</p><p>In addition, if you’re interested in hands-on photography, why not try out Alternative Processes, Pinhole Photography, or Experimental Photography? Or perhaps Street Photography or Documentary Photography are more your thing? Browse the City Lit website for inspiration.</p>PhotographyPhotography editing & printingvirtual159199129VY336NONEFri18/09/26 - 25/09/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:302 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetCatriona GrayBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-18T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Art & design199199Learn to process black and white photographic filmlearn-to-process-black-and-white-photographic-film/vy336-2627<p>Shoot a roll of black and white film and develop it in traditional chemicals, learning two ways to view the images on your film (analogue and digital). Learn the process at City Lit so that you can set yourself up for doing it confidently at home.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-18 00:00:00<p>Going out on a short photo walk with your expert tutor to capture the street life of the west end. Back at the studio (with lots of help from your tutor) you’ll learn how to load your film in total darkness, mix up the photographic chemistry, find out your development time and process your film yourself. Every step of the way your tutor will be explaining ways you can modify the process at home, whether that’s using what you already have or affordable ways to buy minimal equipment.</p><p>Your tutor will also help you feel confident in safely handling and disposing of the chemistry, washing, drying and storing your film. You will learn about ways you can either digitise your film or make a contact sheet onto photographic paper.</p><p>When you pull out your reel of developed film it’s a magic feeling that never gets old.</p><p>After completing this course you will feel confident to go away and do the process on your own.</p><p>Shoot a roll of black and white film and develop it in traditional chemicals, learning two ways to view the images on your film (analogue and digital). Learn the process at City Lit so that you can set yourself up for doing it confidently at home.</p><ul><li>Shooting a roll of black and white film in a mindful way, observing and thinking</li><li>Loading and re-winding film in your camera</li><li>Loading film onto a spool and getting it into the processing tank in total darkness</li><li>Learning about photographic chemistry - standard and more ecologically friendly options</li><li>Developing, fixing, washing and drying film</li><li>Making an analogue contact sheet on photographic paper</li><li>Options for digitising your film</li><li>Storing and organising your negatives</li></ul><ul><li>Load, shoot and process black and white film</li><li>Understand the principles of using a light-sensitive surface</li><li>Leave with the information and knowledge to set up film processing in your home or studio</li><li>Understand Health and safety requirements when using photographic chemistry</li><li>Learn lo-fi ways of making a contact sheet at home</li><li>Measure and mix chemicals for film and paper</li><li>Store and catalogue your negatives</li></ul><p></p><p>This is an intermediate course. You should already know how to use your own film camera and make correct exposures. The tutor can help with queries on composition, locations and viewpoint but you are responsible for working your camera. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.</p><p>You will be taught using a range of techniques including location photography, presentations, demonstrations, practical exercises, group and individual assistance.</p><p>The studio is fully wheelchair accessible. Part of this course is offsite in the local area. You will need to be able to walk 500+ metres during the photo walk. You will need warm/waterproof clothing as you will be outside for some time.</p><p></p><p>Please bring a standard roll of black and white film. We recommend Ilford HP5 400 as the perfect option for an autumn/winter day. Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. If you wish to borrow a 35mm SLR from the college you should be confident that you’ll be able to use it. City Lit has tripods, which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class.</p><p>The perfect next course might be <strong>Learn to Scan your Negatives, Transparencies and Prints</strong>.</p><p>In addition, if you’re interested in hands-on photography, why not try out Alternative Processes, Pinhole Photography, or Experimental Photography? Or perhaps Street Photography or Documentary Photography are more your thing? Browse the City Lit website for inspiration.</p>PhotographyPhotography editing & printingconfigurable
