In today's world the vast majority of photographs are shot using a digital camera. Most of these images look alike and it is getting harder and harder for Photographers to stand out and have their work noticed!

Using film can be a (relatively) easy method of creating images that command attention, mostly because they don't look like what we are used to seeing on websites like Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and others.

Already film is beginning to make a massive comeback (did it ever leave?). At portfolio review meetings, like FotoFest and PhotoLucida, photographers using film and so-called alternative processes are in demand.

Film should be seen as a medium in its own right, not a 'replacement' for digital. Using film can provide an attractive workflow to the seasoned digital shooter. With film you pick your look ahead of time. This forces you to think and plan; leaving with a 'point of departure' when you go out to shoot. The best part: You'll be wasting no time setting a custom white balance, camera preferences or processing your RAW files etc…

Film is surprisingly easy to use even if you have no experience with it.

This course is about shooting creative imagery often using incredibly simple cameras. Your course fee includes free rental of the VPW film camera collection. We'll be using Holga cameras for most of the classes but we'll also have medium and even large format cameras that you can sign out and use during the course. You will also have access to our high-resolution film scanners, so for those who cannot do without Lightroom and/or Photoshop, there will be a way to get your images digitized.

The goal of this course is to introduce you to the fascinating world of film photography. You will be sure to leave with some amazing imagery.

Session 1 :

Course and assignment overview.
Introductory lecture about using film and film cameras. Film types, specialty emulsions, camera types and formats.

Session 2 :

Creative portraiture shoot using a Holga and black and white film. Note: the camera will be provided to you, you don’t need to bring your own.

Session 3 :

Creative portraiture shoot using color film.

Session 4:

Review of previous two shooting sessions. Lecture on high ISO, pushing and pulling film, as well as cross processing. Photo assignments given.

Session 5 :

Street Photography shooting session using high ISO, pushing and pulling, as well as cross processing. You may also be using some rare film kinds for additional creative effects (such as tungsten and near infrared film.)

Session 6 :

Landscape Photography shooting session (location will be discussed in class). Demonstration of working with a large format 4x5 view camera to photograph architecture.

Session 7 :

Review of previous two shooting sessions. Lecture on using motion and long exposures of up to 10 minutes to create stunning image effects.

Session 8 :

Urban Shooting session utilizing motion and long exposures.

Session 9 :

Night Photography shooting session (note: this session may be scheduled outside of regular class time to allow the group to go out during darkness).

Session 10:

Final review and critique of student work created throughout the course. Opportunity to print images digitally that have been scanned throughout the course.

Level:

Intermediate. NO previous experience shooting film is required. However, you have to have an understanding of fundamental photography principles like aperture, shutter speeds and ISO. Experience using an SLR camera (including a digital SLR) would be beneficial but is not required.

Enrollment:

Maximum 14 participants.

Equipment Needed:

Optional: Bring your camera (if you own a film camera).
Optional: additional lenses, camera flash, tripod.

We Provide:

Detailed course notes in binder.
Film camera for student use.
All lighting equipment and professional models when shooting in a professional studio/location setting as part of this course.

Early-Bird Discount:

Most of our courses and workshops offer a 10% discount is applied automatically if you register before the Early-Bird Discount deadline date listed in the registration table below.

Some courses and workshops offer a discount if you're among the first 3 people who register. This discount will replace the 'standard' Early Bird Discount mentioned above, and will be applied automatically during the online registration process (as long as it is available). Check the course/workshop listing page for more details.

Group Discount:

A 5% discount will be appplied if 3 or more people register at the same time for the same workshop. (All 3 tuitions must be paid for by one credit card to be considered a group registration.) Please follow the instructions on the online registration page.

In order to provide the best learning environment possible VPW keeps class and tour sizes limited to 10-15 people (depending on the workshop). This is but one reason that we count on you to attend your chosen class or tour, once you have registered for it.

If you must withdraw for any reason please be aware of our refund policy as follows:

For our Local Lectures, Seminars, and Workshops valued at or under $100, VPW is unable to provide a cash refund. Transfers are limited to one transfer to either the same event at a later date, or a different event of equal value. VPW requires 48 hours written notice in order to make such a transfer (email notice is acceptable). The event you are transferring to must occur within 6 months of the original event you registered for. A $15 fee will be applied to all transfers.

For our Local Workshops, 1 to 5 days in length and our Local 4 to 10 Week Courses, VPW requires 30 days written notice (before the event start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. (Email notice is acceptable.)

For our Master Photographer Series workshops, 1 to 5 days in length, VPW requires 60 days written notice (before the workshop start date) of your withdrawal in order to provide a refund. VPW may retain 15% of fees paid or $150 minimum in processing your refund. If the tuition is less than $500 the minimum fee drops to $75.

Within 45 days of the Master Photographer Series workshop date all fees paid are non-refundable.

For our Photo Tours (national and international), the following charges will apply:

• If you cancel up to 3 months before the tour start date and we can fill your space, your reservation (or deposit) fee will be refunded
• There is no additional cancellation fee up to 8 weeks before the start of your tour
• From 8 weeks to 4 weeks before the tour: 25% of your balance
• From 4 weeks to 1 week before the tour: 50% of your balance
• From 1 week to 72 hours before the tour: 75% of your balance
• If you cancel within 72 hours of the start of the trip, no refund can be paid
• Transaction charges incurred on accepting and refunding payments will be deducted from the refund amount
• In the (unlikely) event that we cancel the Photo Tour, all monies paid will be refunded in full

We highly recommend that you take out travel insurance to guard yourself against monies lost due to unavoidable cancellation by either party.

Transfers (for all events over $100): If you wish to transfer to a different workshop date, VPW requires a minimum of 30 days written (email) notice. All transfers are based on availaibility, and subject to approval by VPW staff. For courses/workshops with tuition above $101, the transfer fee is $35.

Transfer Fees as based on event pricing:
Tuition of $100 and below, the transfer fee is $15
Tuition of $101 and above, the transfer fee is $35

VPW can give no refunds:

If you registered for any event valued at or under $100
If you do not show up for your registered course.
If you register for a course beyond or below your skill or ability level.

Refunds for all events valued at $101 and above (excluding Master Series Workshops):
If a student wishes to cancel their registration for any of VPW's events, and has provided written notice within the appropriate timeframe, a refund less a $50 administration fee will be provided.

Course Cancellation:

Occasionally, we may have to cancel a course due to low enrollment. In this case, we will issue a full refund of all monies paid to VPW up to that time.

Instructor Replacement:

In the event that a listed instructor is unable to participate because of a change in his or her professional schedule, we will replace the instructor with someone of equal or similar credentials. If we cannot find a replacement in due time before the course is about to start, a particular class may have to be rescheduled.

Liability

In the event that we cancel your course, for any reason, the extent of VPW's liability is limited to the return of all monies paid. We will do everything we can to register you in another equivalent course. VPW will not be responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses of any kind.

Please note: An administration charge of $50 applies to all refunds

Read complete refund and liability policy

The Creative Film Photography in the Digital Age Course is taught by the following instructor:

Read Marc's Biography

Please choose your course date from the registration table below.