Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 1
Types of film
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Types of film
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Photography
Class: Senior Secondary 1
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7
Theme: The Film
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
This lesson introduces students to the foundational photographic material: film. Understanding different types and formats of film is crucial for any aspiring photographer, as it lays the groundwork for appreciating both traditional analogue photography and the principles that inform digital imaging. While digital photography is prevalent, film photography remains a vital artistic medium and an important historical context.
processing are significantly more expensive.
Nigerian Context: Less commonly used by the general public but historically employed by specialized professionals for architectural photography, fine art landscape photography (e.g., capturing Nigerian natural landmarks or cityscapes), and highly detailed commercial product photography for industries.
Other Film Formats (Historical/Niche): APS Film (Advanced Photo System): A short-lived format introduced in the 1990s, offering easy loading and various print formats (classic, HDTV, panoramic). Mostly obsolete now.
Disc Film: An obsolete format from the 1980s, where negatives were arranged on a flat disc. Known for poor image quality. Types of Film Based on Chemical Composition and Colour Response (Type):
1. Black and White Film (Monochromatic Film): Description: This film is designed to record images in shades of grey, from pure black to pure white. It uses silver halide crystals that are sensitive to all visible light wavelengths but does not differentiate between colours.
Characteristics: Artistic Appeal: Often chosen for its timeless, dramatic, and expressive qualities. Emphasizes texture, form, and light contrast.
Simpler Processing: Historically, black and white film could be processed by enthusiasts at home with relatively simple chemistry.
Tonal Range: Offers a wide range of grey tones.
Grain: The characteristic grain is often celebrated in B&W photography.
Nigerian Context: Black and white photography has a rich history in Nigeria, used by early photojournalists, documentary photographers (e.g., capturing social issues, cultural traditions), and artists to create powerful and evocative images. Many historical photographs of Nigeria are in black and white.
2. Colour Film: Description: This film records images in full colour. It consists of multiple layers of emulsion, each sensitive to a different primary colour of light (red, green, blue). During processing, dyes are formed in these layers to create a full-colour image.
Sub-Types of Colour Film: Colour Negative Film (Print Film): Description: This is the most common type of colour film. After processing (C-41 process), it produces a negative image where colours and tones are reversed (e.g., blue skies appear yellow, dark areas appear light). This negative is then used to print a positive colour image onto photographic paper.
Characteristics: High exposure latitude (forgiving of exposure errors), vibrant colours, and widely available.
Nigerian Context: Dominant film type used by most Nigerians for everyday photography, family events, and commercial purposes from the 1980s until the digital era. Photo labs across Nigeria were equipped for C-41 processing. Colour Reversal Film (Slide Film / Transparency Film / Ektachrome / Fujichrome): Description: After processing (E-6 process), this film produces a positive image directly on the film itself. The developed film can be viewed as a transparency (slide) or projected onto a screen.
Characteristics: Produces very accurate and saturated colours, high contrast, and fine grain. Lower exposure latitude compared to colour negative film (less forgiving of errors).
Nigerian Context: Often used by professional photographers, photojournalists, and artists who required precise colour rendition or intended their images for projection (e.g., for presentations, exhibitions) or for publishing in magazines and books, particularly before digital technology made this easier. Less common for general consumer use due to cost and specialised processing. Other Important Film Characteristics (Briefly Mentioned): Film Speed (ISO/ASA): Indicates the film's sensitivity to light. Low ISO (e.g., 50, 100): Less sensitive to light, finer grain, requires more light or longer exposure times. Good for bright conditions or studio. High ISO (e.g., 400, 800, 1600): More sensitive to light, coarser grain, good for low-light conditions or fast-moving subjects.
Grain: The visible texture in an image caused by the clumps of silver halide crystals in the emulsion. Generally, faster films have more prominent grain. * Emulsion Layers: Briefly explain that colour films have multiple layers, each sensitive to a different colour (blue, green, red). This section provides in-depth explanations of the core concepts related to film types and formats. What is Photographic Film? Photographic film is a strip or sheet of transparent plastic film base coated on one side with a gelatin emulsion containing microscopically small, light-sensitive silver halide crystals. When exposed to light, these crystals undergo a chemical change, forming a latent (invisible) image. This latent image is then made visible and permanent through chemical processing (development, stopping, fixing, washing). Types of Film Based on Format (Physical Dimensions): Film format refers to the physical size and shape of the film, which dictates the size of the negative and, consequently, the potential resolution and detail of the final image. Different camera systems are designed to accommodate specific film formats. 1. 35mm Film (135 Film): Description: This is the most common and widely recognized film format. It comes in rolls, typically 24 or 36 exposures per roll, contained in a light-tight cassette. The actual image frame size is 24mm x 36mm.
Characteristics: Portability: 35mm cameras are generally compact and easy to carry, making them popular for street photography, travel, and everyday use.
Availability: Historically, 35mm film was the most accessible and affordable.
Versatility: A wide range of lenses and camera bodies were produced for 35mm, offering great flexibility.
Grain: Due to its smaller negative size, 35mm film can appear grainier when enlarged significantly compared to larger formats.
Nigerian Context: 35mm film cameras (e.g., Canon AE-1, Nikon FM2, Pentax K1000) were prevalent in Nigerian households and used by local event photographers (e.g., at weddings, naming ceremonies, church events) from the 1970s through the early 2000s before the widespread adoption of digital. Many older family albums contain photos from 35mm film.
2. Medium Format Film (120 Film / 220 Film): Description: Medium format film is wider than 35mm film and comes in rolls. The "120" designation refers to the film's size, not the number of exposures. Image frame sizes vary depending on the camera, common sizes include 6x4.5cm, 6x6cm (square), 6x7cm, 6x9cm. 220 film is similar but has twice the length and no backing paper throughout, allowing for more exposures per roll.
Characteristics: Image Quality: Produces significantly larger negatives than 35mm, resulting in higher resolution, finer grain, and greater detail, especially when enlarged.
Depth of Field: Medium format cameras often have a shallower depth of field at wider apertures, leading to pleasing background blur (bokeh).
Camera Size: Medium format cameras (e.g., Hasselblad, Mamiya, Rolleiflex) are typically larger and heavier than 35mm cameras.
Cost: Both film and cameras tend to be more expensive than 35mm.
Nigerian Context: Medium format cameras were often used by professional studio photographers in Nigeria for portraits (e.g., passport photos, family portraits) and commercial work, where high-quality prints were essential. It was also favoured by discerning wedding photographers.
3. Large Format Film (Sheet Film): Description: Unlike roll films, large format film comes in individual sheets. Common sizes include 4x5 inches, 5x7 inches, and 8x10 inches, though even larger sizes exist. Each sheet is loaded into a film holder, and the holder is then inserted into the camera for each exposure.
Characteristics: Highest Quality: Produces the largest negatives, yielding unparalleled image quality, resolution, and detail. Ideal for massive enlargements.
Movements: Large format cameras (e.g., field cameras, view cameras) feature bellows and articulated fronts/backs, allowing for extensive perspective and focus control (movements like tilt, shift, swing, rise, fall).
Slow Workflow: The process is deliberate and slow, making it unsuitable for fast-paced subjects.
Cost: Film, cameras, and processing are significantly more expensive.
Nigerian Context: Less commonly used by the general public but historically employed by specialized professionals for architectural photography, fine art landscape photography (e.g., capturing Nigerian natural landmarks or cityscapes), and highly detailed commercial product photography for industries.
Other Film Formats (Historical/Niche): APS Film (Advanced Photo System): A short-lived format introduced in the 1990s, offering easy loading and various print formats (classic, HDTV, panoramic). Mostly obsolete now. * Disc Film: An obsolete format from the 1980s, where negatives were arranged on a flat disc. Known for This section outlines practical activities for both the teacher and students, suitable for a Nigerian classroom.
Phase 1: Introduction and Prior Knowledge Activation (10-15 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Display various examples of photographic film (actual film canisters for 35mm, 120, if available; or high-quality images of film rolls/sheets, film cameras, and prints from different film types). Ask students to brainstorm what they know about film cameras or older photographs.
Initiate a discussion: "What do you think is inside these film canisters?" "How do you think old photographs were made before digital cameras?" Connect to students' experiences: "Have you seen your parents or grandparents use film cameras at weddings or parties?" Student Activity: Observe the displayed film examples and images. Participate in the brainstorming session, sharing their prior knowledge and experiences with film or old photographs. Engage in the discussion, asking questions and offering initial thoughts.
Phase 2: Concept Explanation and Guided Inquiry (25-30 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Present the definition of photographic film and its basic components (emulsion, base). Systematically explain the different film formats: 35mm, Medium Format (120/220), and Large Format (sheet film).
For each format: Show examples (physical or images), discuss its characteristics (size, typical usage, advantages/disadvantages), and relate it to Nigerian contexts (e.g., 35mm for family events, 120 for studio portraits). Emphasize the difference in negative size and its impact on image quality.
Explain the different film types: Black and White and Colour Film (including Colour Negative and Colour Reversal).
For each type: Show examples of prints/slides, explain the visual output, discuss their artistic/practical uses, and mention the processing type. Contrast B&W and colour films clearly. Facilitate questions and discussions throughout the explanation. Use visual aids (diagrams of film layers, comparison of print quality from different formats).
Student Activity: Take notes on key definitions and characteristics of each film format and type. Examine provided visual aids (film examples, images of cameras and prints). Ask clarifying questions about the different formats and types. Discuss the differences they observe in the sample prints from B&W vs. colour film, or from different formats.
Phase 3: Application and Consolidation (15-20 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Organize students into small groups (e.g., 3-4 students per group). Provide each group with a set of mixed images (real or printed) and labels for film types and formats.
Pose scenarios: "Imagine you are a photographer at a traditional Nigerian wedding. Which film format and type might you choose and why?" "You are documenting a historical site; what film would be suitable?" Circulate among groups, providing guidance and addressing misconceptions.
Student Activity: In groups, classify the images based on whether they appear to be black and white or colour. Discuss and identify potential film formats that might have been used to produce the images, based on perceived detail, grain, or typical usage. Share their reasoning for film choice in the given scenarios, explaining the advantages of one format/type over another. Present their findings and choices to the class.
Phase 4: Wrap-up and Evaluation Introduction (5-10 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Summarize the main points of the lesson: identification of film formats (35mm, medium, large) and types (B&W, colour negative, colour reversal). Address any remaining questions. Introduce the evaluation questions, ensuring students understand what is expected.
Student Activity: Participate in the summary, confirming their understanding. Ask final questions. Prepare for the evaluation. This section provides scaffolded practice questions directly targeting the performance objectives, with full worked solutions.
Question 1: A photographer in Lagos is setting up a studio to take high-quality portraits for graduations and professional headshots. They want to produce very detailed, large prints. Which film format would be most suitable for this purpose, and why? Name at least two characteristics that make it ideal.
Solution 1: The most suitable film format for high-quality portraits requiring very detailed, large prints is Medium Format (120 film) or Large Format (sheet film).
Explanation: For this scenario, either medium format or large format would be ideal, with large format offering the absolute highest quality.
Medium Format (120 Film): Characteristics: Produces a significantly larger negative than 35mm film (e.g., 6x6cm or 6x7cm). This larger negative size means more image information, leading to finer grain and higher resolution when enlarged, which is crucial for detailed portraits and large prints.
Reasoning: Offers a balance of high image quality suitable for professional studio work and a more manageable workflow compared to large format. Many professional portrait studios in Nigeria historically used medium format cameras.
Large Format (Sheet Film): Characteristics: Provides the largest negatives (e.g., 4x5 inches, 8x10 inches), resulting in unparalleled image quality, resolution, and detail. Offers extensive control over perspective and focus (camera movements).
Reasoning: While requiring a slower, more deliberate workflow, large format delivers the absolute highest quality and detail, making it perfect for critical, large-scale prints where time is not a primary constraint.
Question 2: You are viewing an old family photo album from the 1980s in Nigeria. Most of the pictures are vibrant, but a few appear in shades of grey. a) Identify the type of film likely used for the vibrant pictures. b) Identify the type of film likely used for the pictures in shades of grey. c) Briefly explain one key difference between these two film types.
Solution 2: a) The vibrant pictures were likely taken using Colour Negative Film. b) The pictures in shades of grey were likely taken using Black and White Film. c)
Key Difference: Colour Negative Film: Records images in full colour, and after processing, produces a negative image where colours and tones are reversed. It requires printing onto photographic paper to yield a positive colour print.
Black and White Film: Records images in varying shades of grey (monochromatic). After processing, it produces a negative image in shades of grey, which is then used to print a positive black and white image. It does not capture or reproduce colours.
Question 3: A Nigerian photojournalist is documenting a fast-paced street festival in Kano. They need a camera and film setup that allows for quick shooting and is portable. a) Which film format would be most practical for this scenario? b) Why is this format more practical than, say, a large format camera, for a fast-paced event?
Solution 3: a) The most practical film format for a fast-paced street festival would be 35mm Film. b) Reasons for practicality over large format: Portability and Speed: 35mm cameras are significantly smaller, lighter, and more agile than large format cameras. This allows the photojournalist to move quickly through crowds and react spontaneously to capture fleeting moments, which is essential for a fast-paced event like a festival.
Number of Exposures: A single roll of 35mm film typically offers 24 or 36 exposures, allowing for continuous shooting without frequent film changes. Large format uses individual sheets, requiring a separate film holder to be loaded for each shot, which is extremely slow and impractical for dynamic events.
Ease of Use: 35mm cameras are generally easier and faster to operate, focus, and compose with, enabling the photojournalist to keep up with the action.
This topic on film types has several practical real-life applications and can be integrated into broader understandings of photography within a Nigerian context.
Family History and Archival Work: In many Nigerian homes, old photo albums contain prints from 35mm or medium format colour negative and black and white films. Understanding film types helps students appreciate the historical context of these images. This knowledge is crucial for future preservation efforts, such as digitizing old family photographs or cultural artifacts in community archives, ensuring that memories of past generations (e.g., traditional festivals, family gatherings, historical figures) are not lost. Niche Professional Photography and Artistic Expression: While digital dominates, a growing niche market exists for analogue photography. Photographers in Nigeria might use medium format film for fine art portraits or artistic wedding photography, valuing its unique aesthetic (e.g., film grain, colour rendition, depth of field). Large format could be used for specialized architectural or landscape photography, capturing Nigerian landmarks or detailed cultural designs with unparalleled detail. Students can explore this as a potential entrepreneurial path or a unique artistic pursuit. Understanding the Evolution of Imaging Technology: The principles of film photography, particularly light sensitivity, exposure, and colour separation, are fundamental to understanding how modern digital camera sensors work. By studying film, students gain a deeper appreciation for the technological evolution from analogue to digital, recognizing that current digital cameras mimic many aspects of film behaviour (e.g., ISO settings, "film simulation" modes). This knowledge grounds them in the history and science behind contemporary imaging.