Black & White Darkroom Photography

The Certificate of Achievement in Black & White Darkroom Photography emphasizes black and white darkroom processes providing students with the knowledge and skills to work with traditional gelatin silver methods and alternative processes. The core program courses provide a foundational knowledge using film based cameras including 35mm, medium format and large format. Along with advanced developing, processing, and printing techniques in a traditional darkroom to produce photographic works with a fine art aesthetic. Throughout the program students will have the opportunity to participate in photography exhibitions and develop a portfolio of black and white photographs.

The true demand for a certificate in black and white darkroom photography is a relative unknown. There are currently no equivalent film based photography certificates being offered in the Bay Area region. Anecdotally, a large amount of Chabot College students that have gone through the photography program have requested a certificate emphasizing darkroom practices. Three completer's a year would be a good start once the degree program is initiated and is expected to go up from there.

The Certificate of Achievement in Black & White Darkroom Photography is designed for students interested in pursuing a career as a fine art photographer using traditional film photography techniques. The degree provides students with the opportunity to develop the techniques, visual sensibility, historical understanding, and best practices working with film based photographic processes. The principle component of the program is studio and lab activities that explore black and white photography through individual expression, critical thinking, and an awareness of film photography's historical and contemporary issues.

The required courses (PHOT 2A, PHOT 2B, PHOT 2C, PHOT 2D) provide foundational skills working in a darkroom environment using multiple processes and formats. In addition to the four required courses, there are eight additional courses that students may select from for the six elective credits including; PHOT 1A (Digital Photography I), PHOT 3A (Introduction to Studio Lighting), PHOT 4A (Color Theory for Photographers), PHOT 5A (Photography Portfolio), PHOT 6A (Photoshop), PHOT 20 (History of Photography), ART 23 (2-D Foundations), ART 2A (Introduction to Drawing). The additional courses provide flexibility for students allowing them to refine their film photography skills in the studio, or add complimentary digital photography courses. 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
PHOT 2A	Black and White Darkroom Photography	3	1
PHOT 2B	Advanced Black and White Darkroom Photography	3	1
PHOT 2C	Alternative Process Photography	3	1
PHOT 2D	Large Format Photography	3	1

The Chabot College Photography Advisory Board supported the submission of the Certificate of Achievement Black & White Darkroom Photography as a Regional CTE Program. I was unable to find an appropriate place to upload the Advisory Board minutes, however they are available upon request. Thank you.

DeAnza College, Photography Program. Daniel Smith, supported. Laney College, Photography Program. Michael Mejia, does not support black & white photography as a CTE program. Las Positas College, Photography Program. Deanna Horvath, supported. San Francisco City College, Photography Program. Erin Denney, under review. Solano Community College, Photography Program. Sarah Barsness, no feedback.