BRAND NEW CLASS
BRAND NEW CLASS
class by Sarah Black An Introduction to Film
Super 8 footage by Cara Mand
Have you ever seen an analog film photograph printed? It hits differently.
There are good reasons for the resurgence of film photography. This class takes you from film-curious to confident, with your first few rolls under your belt, and the knowledge and fire to continue in this most beautiful photographic medium.
COURSE LENGTH4 weeks
class start date7th Sept 2026
INVESTMENT$300 / $400
Independent / Guided
Sarah Black Are you the family documentarian, an artist, a working photographer or a hobbyist, wondering whether analogue processes might offer a way to connect more deeply with your photography practice or provide an opportunity to broaden your portfolio offerings?
Film is the OG photography, and it has so much to offer, whether you are considering going all-in, shooting hybrid, or simply interested in a holiday memory-making approach for your family archives.
There is so much hype and information out there, but where to start? We will break down the barriers and create an approach to shooting film that works for, and with you.
If you are having a creative lull, or forgotten why you picked up a camera in the first place, you might be encouraged to know that learning film has re-inspired many others just like you.
Shooting film offers an opportunity to slow down, experience and press the shutter from within a moment, rather than outside of it. In an age which demands us be ever more busy and productive, where growth is the catchcry and distraction the norm, the creation of photographic art on film offers itself up as an antidote.
Or maybe you just want to try something new? To play a little, for no good reason at all? Either way, this class is here to kickstart your film journey.
Sarah BLACk -
Getting comfortable with film basics so you can choose how to apply them.
Understanding exposure on film.
How to meter to get the look you want.
The features and limitations of different film stocks, formats and cameras.
The meaning of terms like pushing, latitude and rating film, and how to use them in your practice.
The development and scanning process demystified, as well as the role of labs.
How to troubleshoot your own film scans.
How to lean into the lessons of not-knowing and shooting blind.
How film can rescue you from ‘golden hour’ entrapment and allow you to shoot all day long
Photography as a more experiential practice – how to slow down and feel more deeply into your photography.
This class is suitable for beginners as well as those who’ve started and stalled (hi, I see you there!).
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The course includes 3 weeks of content held over a 4 week period (ie it includes a 1 week break). You can expect:
A supportive and inclusive learning environment
Daily lessons on a wide range of topics from the history of film, through metering, film stocks and creativity, with examples and breakdowns of the what/how and why.
Easy to reference visuals introducing film concepts and capabilities.
Regular check-ins/interactions with Sarah.
1 x Live Meet & Greet for all students (recorded if you can’t attend live)
3 x Live Q&A Sessions for all students (recorded if you can’t attend live)
2 x assignments (and one bonus assignment!) designed to move you (gently) past any roadblocks and through those first few rolls of film.
Video content guiding you through the nuances of basic film practices.
Insights into how Sarah uses film in client work, art practice, and family archiving.
Students will have access to class materials for 12 months.
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1. A functional 35mm or medium format analogue camera. You will possibly learn more if your camera has some manual function, but we will work around whatever you have (point and shoot, auto, manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, an SLR, a rangefinder…whatever)
2. Batteries and film for the camera ready at start of class (instructions provided pre-class).
3. A working knowledge of basic photography fundamentals, including depth of field, ISO, aperture and shutter speed. You don’t have to be an expert, as these topics will be touched on, but if you are a complete beginner to photography this course may not be the best starting point, as some basic knowledge is assumed.
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Interactive classes are held online and registration opens seasonally.
Guided students can participate fully in class, by asking questions, submitting assignments, and getting personalized feedback from your teacher.
Independent students have full access to class content and can participate in class discussions —they just don’t get teacher critique and feedback on images or assignments.
“Even though I learned film fundamentals in a college darkroom it wasn’t until our family embarked on a 3 month trip in a motorhome up the west coast of Australia that I really went all in on film.
As a chronic digital over-shooter, I was worried about how many digital raw files I would have to edit on my return. So I bought two film cameras and threw caution to the wind.
I have never looked back. “
SARAH BLACK
MEET THE TEACHER
Sarah
Black
Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’ve been film-obsessed for over ten years. There’s no place I won’t take a roll of film and an open mind.
It’s the honesty and immediacy of film that appeals to me. I’m a deep feeler, which suits the vagaries of this medium, especially when you throw some vintage cameras into the mix.
One of the things I inevitably end up talking about when I’m teaching is how embodied film is. What does that even mean?
Well, it means that I believe there is a connection between the physical way a photograph is made and the weight and feeling of the photograph that is created. And that is what part of my teaching is about, because in the end I think it is more meaningful than attention to f-stops and film stocks.
To be honest I’m not particularly technically minded, which is ironic because often film does require you to lean more heavily into the mechanisms and processes of photography … but if I can become comfortable with a more hands-on approach to the mechanics of film photography, then anyone can.
I really went all in on film when I travelled for 3 months across Australia. As a chronic digital over shooter, I was worried about how many digital raw files I would have to edit on my return. So I bought two film cameras and threw caution to the wind.
Many mistakes, cameras, and learnings later, I remain obsessed. I live in Melbourne, Australia, on the unceded land of the Wurundjeri people. Our home is busy, with 4 teenagers, a dog and 2 cats, and often, a few extras. And loud - perhaps this is why I am drawn to the more meditative analogue processes and quiet time in the darkroom?
Image of Sarah by Anya Maria
Sarah is currently studying for a Masters of Fine Art, at RMIT University in Melbourne. Her practice centres around alternative film development and a more multi-disciplinary approach, weaving photography with other artforms.
Any questions? Email your teacher directly here and they will get back to you.
Alumni Student? We’d love to have you back! Email your teacher here and they will send you a link.
Interactive Class Registration NOW OPEN
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