Beginning Film Analog Photography – Natasha Calzatti – Los Angeles

Workshop Overview:

This is a beginner workshop covering the fundamentals of analog film photography. Students will learn to operate their film cameras, master manual exposure, and develop a more intentional, thoughtful approach to making photographs. No prior photography experience is required.

Natasha will start with classroom instruction then a hands-on outdoor shooting session, giving students direct experience with an entire roll of film.

Each student will receive one roll of 35mm film with processing provided by Samy’s Camera.

By the end of this workshop, students will be able to:

• Identify the key components of a film camera and load film correctly

• Understand and apply the exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO

• Use a light meter (built-in or handheld) to determine accurate exposures

• Select appropriate film stock for different lighting conditions

• Apply basic rules of composition

• Understand the film development process conceptually and know how to use Samy’s Camera film processing lab.

• Explain why preserving original negatives after scanning is critical and how to store them properly.

• Explore 35mm and medium format cameras

• Finally, Natasha will give a preview of the second part of these class series: Digitizing Negatives with Valoi or Negative Supply.

This workshop is designed for:

• Complete beginners curious about film photography

• Digital photographers wanting to explore analog processes

• Anyone who owns or has inherited a film camera and doesn’t know where to start

What to bring:

• 35mm point and shoot camera or SLR (manual preferred) or medium format
• Film – 1 roll of 35mm or 120 film included. Students may bring additional rolls (ISO 400 recommended, e.g. Kodak UltraMax, Fuji Superia)

Students will leave understanding the development process. Your negatives are irreplaceable; once processed, you can’t reshoot them. Students will learn how to store and protect them from day one.