Ever wanted to learn how to shoot, develop and print your own black and white film photograph? For the first time, Noirfoto’s community darkroom is offering a two weekend, three day film workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The workshop will include three courses: Capturing the Image, Developing the Negative, and Creating the Print to give you a full understanding of the art of black and white film photography from beginning to end. 

All courses will be taught in English with Vietnamese translations available.

Classes will be taught by American fine-art photographer and filmmaker Bret Hamilton & Noirfoto darkroom manager and professional portrait photographer, Pham Tuan Ngoc. 

Course description:

Capturing the Image:
- This course will provide you with everything you need to know to go out with your camera, envision a photograph before you take it and control your camera’s settings in order to create a brilliant photograph. In one half-day class, we will cover loading and using your film camera, judging light conditions, exposure theory and photo composition. 

Developing the Negative: 
- This course will take place on the following Saturday to provide you with a complete understanding of film development in Saigon’s only public darkroom, Noirfoto. Students will bring the film that they shot the previous week into the darkroom and develop it themselves in order to learn the entire process of negative development and achieve a deeper understanding of the film medium.

Creating the Print: 
- On the last class, students will chose one photo to print on photo film paper in Noirfoto’s darkroom. Each student will learn the creative process of analogue printing, learning to test, dodge and burn their photos to find the perfect exposure and contrast that results in a final photo print that will be ready for framing and exhibition. 

// REQUIREMENTS //

No previous photography experience is required. Our course is designed for all levels of photographers, from amateur instragrammers to professionals looking to expand their knowledge of the medium. A film camera is HIGHLY encouraged, however we will have some cameras available for rent if you do not have your own. 

// COST //

The three half-day, two weekend workshop will include one roll of black and white 135mm or 120mm film, all chemicals, photo paper for one print and two half-days in the darkroom for 1.990.000 VND.

Sessions can also be purchased and joined individually for 1.000.000 VND. 

In order to ensure personalized time for each person in the darkroom, classes will be limited to 5 students per course. We feel this will allow us to provide more detailed and personalized lessons and the ability to answer any specific questions that you may have during class. 

For questions please contact Bret Hamilton (behamilton0309@gmail.com)or Pham Tuan Ngoc (tuanngoc.photography@gmai>l.com).