The Silver Light is a hands-on, youth-focused analogue photography program designed to introduce participants to traditional photographic techniques. In an era dominated by photoshop and AI-generated images, many young people have limited opportunities to engage with the tactile, creative, and technical aspects of photography in its purest forms. Working with film cameras, developing negatives, and creating prints in the darkroom offers youth a unique chance to slow down, focus on what they're doing and develop patience, technical skill, and artistic expression. The program provides a screen-free, creative winter activity that encourages self-expression, problem-solving, and engagement with a timeless art form.
Participants will learn to:
- Operate film cameras and capture images using traditional photographic methods: finding a subject, composing a story within a single photograph, framing and exposing properly all without relying on a phone or digital screen.
- Develop film negatives using chemical processes in a fully equipped darkroom.
- Create photographic prints using enlargers, photographic paper, and chemicals.
Timeline and Location
The program will run every Tuesday and Thursday from the first week of November through the end of April, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Youth of Today Society.
The program can also be delivered directly in schools by setting up a temporary darkroom in a suitable classroom. A classroom darkroom requires specific conditions and some advance preparation, so this option would need to be discussed and arranged with the school ahead of time.
The Instructor
The program will be led by an experienced photographer with expertise in both film and digital photography, darkroom techniques, and engaging with and teaching youth. The instructor will provide demonstrations, hands-on guidance, and mentorship throughout the program.
| Grade Suitability | Gr 10-12 |
| Maximum Class Size | 5 students |
| Time Required | 2-6 hours, no prep |
| Material Required | Artist will provide material. |
| Material Cost | $25 per students |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Communities | All |
| Special Notes | A longer version of this program can be created. |
The Youth of Today Society (YOTS) is a non-profit society devoted to strengthening the lives of Yukon youth. The Youth of Today Society provides support, advocacy, information and training opportunities to the Yukon's most disenfranchised young persons. Centered in Whitehorse, YOTS assists youth and young people between the ages of 15 and 24 from all over the territory through a variety of services. Programs at the Youth Centre range from a feeding program to career training in diverse fields such as graphics, sign-making and musical recordings. Youth come to the centre to discover interests, receive mentoring and counseling and connect to other community supports.
Program Instructors:
Lancelot Burton: Multi-Disciplined artist (Adult), with 30 years of experience in visual and media communications. Proficient in graphic design, visual arts, and multi-media production. Lancelot assists training youth for digital and visual arts applications for the Shakat Journal and ShakatMedia productions.
Nishka Pajor: Multi-media production artist, photographer- teaches students the strategic points to developing photo and film projects to represent their voices. YOTS initiatives are designed to integrate Elders within videos through interviews, hands-on and land based learning. Nishka is highly skilled in her craft and has taken part in both the junior and senior REM programs.