Fine Art Photography: Self-Portraits with Film
A course by Chantal Convertini, Photographer and Artist
Learn to follow your inspiration and capture artistic self-portraits on film, experimenting with the virtues of analog
Like other art forms, photography encompasses many distinct techniques, and each one shapes the creative process in its own way. Thanks to this versatility, photographer and artist Chantal Convertini has found a signature style that she uses to create truly original images. In this online course, make a deep connection with your sources of inspiration and learn how to see yourself in a new light through analog photography and self-portraits.
The aim of this course isn't so much the result as the process itself. Chantal teaches you all the technical aspects you need to capture an analog self-portrait, from choosing the film, setting, concept, and lighting to manual focus and remote shooting techniques. By the end, you'll know how to tap into your inspiration and see yourself on an intimate level through analog film.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 19 downloads
What's included in this course?
Begin the course by getting to know your teacher, Chantal Convertini, as she tells you about the creative journey she followed from painting and drawing to the art of capturing images. She also shares her biggest influences, especially in terms of self-portraiture and analog photography
Next, take a look at the course materials, the characteristics of film, and the inner workings of an analog camera, followed by a brief introduction to self-portraits. Chantal then explains how to use light in your images and where to find inspiration.
Now grab your camera and start searching for your photo. Discover different approaches to analog photography and experiment with key aspects of your composition, from the idea to the space and pose.
After the shoot, prepare your film to be developed. With your images in hand, Chantal shows you how to pick out your favorites and digitally edit them. She also gives you some ideas on what to do with your photos and how to share them with your audience.
- 90% positive reviews (21)
- 1,314 students
- 14 lessons (2h 28m)
- 19 additional resources (9 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: German, English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
- German · Spanish · English · Portuguese · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
Recommended software & tools for this course
Adobe LightroomWhat is this course's project?
Shoot a series of analog self-portraits using different techniques.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone with a passion for analog photography who wants to take an artistic approach to topics like the body, intimacy, and self-reflection in their images. This course is great for all levels, whether you're trying self-portraits for the first time or you want to get more practice and explore new ways to transfer digital images to analog or play with light.
Requirements and materials
Basic notions of photography and how to use an analog camera are required.
For materials, you need a digital camera or a smartphone, a working analog camera (with a fully charged battery, automatic mode, and film) and a computer or laptop. A tripod and a shutter release cable will also be useful, but not essential.
Reviews
Chantal Convertini
A course by Chantal Convertini
Chantal Convertini works as a freelance photographer and artist. Of all the options in her profession, analog photography is her favorite. In her work, she combines documenting and capturing real moments, emotions, poses, and situations with skillful staging and acute self-observation to create self-portraits and other photography formats.
Chantal divides her time between projects, workshops, exhibits, photoshoots, and more personal work. Her client list includes major brands like Polaroid, LAMAREL, Gucci, Omega, Bulgari, Nespresso, Sfera, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Magnum. Her photos have been displayed in galleries in Paris and New York, and she published her first photography book in 2020: Permeable Membrane.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Inspirations
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U2
Film, Self-Portraits, and Light
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Materials
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Introduction to the Analog Camera
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Brainstorming
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Introduction to Self-Portrait
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Light, Poses, and Expression
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U3
The Photoshoot
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Test Images with Digital Camera
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Self-Portraits on Analogue Film
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Pictures with Analog Camera
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U4
The Image Editing
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Have Rolls of Film Developed
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Image Selection and Editing 1
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Image Selection and Editing 2
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What Can You Do with the Pictures?
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FP
Final project
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Fine Art Photography: Self-Portraits with Film
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This course is aimed at people with some basic photography experience who are interested in creative analog self-portraits. Basic knowledge of camera handling and exposure is helpful but not required.
You’ll need an analog or digital camera (ideally with a self-timer), a tripod or makeshift stand, photo film of your choice, and optionally some light sources. A smartphone with a light meter app can also come in handy.
You’ll learn how to plan and create emotional, artistic self-portraits with an analog camera, use lighting intentionally, choose the right film, and manage the entire creative process from concept to presentation.
Analog self-portraits encourage more mindful work, offer a unique look with grain and unexpected effects, and allow for deeper artistic reflection through a slower, more deliberate process.
The course provides methods for creative idea generation, inspiration from everyday objects, reflection exercises, and tips on how to bring personal experiences and emotions into your self-portraits.
You’ll learn to use different light sources (natural and artificial), strategically apply highlights and shadows, and select exposure settings that match various moods.
The course explains the differences between color and black-and-white films, the impact of film type and grain, and how to choose suitable films like Kodak Gold, Portra 400, or CineStill 800T for different lighting conditions.
Adobe Lightroom
The photography course has inspired me greatly and is the best I've taken so far. Thank you so much! ♥
While I do like the aesthetics of Chantal, which inspired me to get the course, I can’t say I learnt much of it unfortunately.
If it were me, I wouldn’t really call it a course but a presentation of her work and process (somewhat).
However the topics were presented well and I’m sure it might be interesting for some but I got bored many times.
Muy buen contenido y excelente profesor.
La visión de Chantal sobre la fotografía es exquisita, muestra desde su punto de vista lo que ha sido en su vida esa experiencia del autorretrato.
I highly recommend this course to those who want to get some inspiration. Chantal is a very artistic soul and knows how to convey concepts.