Alternative curriculum strategies can be used to conduct an effective photography program without the expense usually associated with a darkroom. Three methods can be used to eliminate the need for a darkroom facility: outside vendors, an emulsion that can be user-processed without access to a darkroom (slide or transparency film), and emulsions that self-develop outside the camera (instant print film). All three strategies emphasize the picture-taking rather than the mechanical processes of producing a viewable result. If an outside vendor is used, students need instruction on how to seek out services, how to evaluate services, and how to place orders. Advantages are a wider range of services, lower costs, better quality, and time for other aspects of photography. Disadvantages may be cost, turn-around time, and loss of control over end result. Advantages of the user-processed emulsion are the need for some darkroom experiences, reduced time, lower costs, and control over end result. Disadvantages are processing errors, variations, and no quality controls. Advantages of instant print film are immediacy, low cost, and good results. A disadvantage is that the cameras using this film are usually automatic for exposure control and sometimes for focusing. (Resources and sources are cited.) (YLB)