Learn to control light

Where to start

Many people have been shooting for years without fully understanding why one photo comes out well exposed and another, taken in the same spot, doesn’t. The answer is always the same: light, time and sensitivity. Three variables. Nothing more.

In this workshop we work on exactly that: the relationship between aperture, shutter speed and ISO, and how to control them to get the exposure you want. We use analogue cameras because they force you to think. There’s no screen to confirm it and no app to correct it.

Key contents

• The camera as a light box: parts and how it works
• Aperture: opening, depth of field and bokeh
• Shutter speed: time, movement and camera shake
• ISO: sensitivity, grain and trade-offs
• The exposure triangle: the relationship between all three variables
• Reading light: the light meter and your eye
• Practice: shooting in manual mode with an analogue camera

What’s included

• Use of the studio
• Analogue camera available if you don’t have one
• One roll of 35mm B&W film
• Refreshments (coffee or tea and fruit)
• Study notes in PDF format

What to bring

• Your own analogue camera if you have one (not required)

Not included

• Development of the exposed roll — available in the B&W Development workshop or as a one-to-one session.