Seven-Step Process for Developing this Creative Concept

1. Define the Communication Problem:

Black and white photography is being eliminated from many education programs because of the cost. It is still a desired art form, but it is a process to learn how to print black and white photographs in the darkroom. While many people are going straight to digital, knowing how to develop in the darkroom is very helpful in learning concepts in photography. There are many steps to darkroom printing, and it can be hard to memorize.

2. Define the Target Audience:

Can be used for all ages, male and female, and understandable for people as young as 14 years old (reading level is 6.4 on the Fog Index). Interest in photography, and they already have knowledge of photographic basics like exposure, shutter speed, aperture, etc. Basic mathematic skills and elementary education.

3. Define the Objective:

Create a reference for people wanting to learn how to prink black and white photographs in the darkroom.

4. Define the Strategy:

Make a guide to printing in the darkroom, splitting up each step into different sections. Display the information clearly and simply so the users can find the information they are looking for. Use images to help user visual the process.

5. Define the Content:

Include information about setup, supplies, process, evaluating, and advanced techniques. Provide links to other sites for further information, and to increase credibility. Images on each page illustrating what the information is saying. Use lists, tables, and subheadings to separate the information.

6. Define the Appropriate Medium:

A website is the best medium because people will most likely come across this information when they are searching the Internet. It also provides links to other sources, making it easy to find all the information they are looking for in a short period of time.

7. Create the Concept:

Standard top navigation on all pages, with title on top and links to each page. The page you are on will not be a link. Heading of the page below the navigation bar.

Home page with an introduction to the topic and outline of everything included on the website.

Setup - displays a table with the materials and components of a darkroom. Explains what the chemicals are and how they work. Link to website selling Ilford paper. Image displaying a standard darkroom layout.

Placing the negative - list with subheadings describing the steps. Image of a photograph enlarger with the parts labeled.

Composing and focusing - list with subheadings describing the steps. Image of lens showing aperture ring and different sizes of f-stops.

Test strip - list with subheadings describing the steps, emphasis on important information. Image showing how you move the cardboard to expose the test strip.

Developing - list with subheadings describing the steps, emphasis on important information. Image of moving paper from one tray to another, caption with image. Link to website selling blotting books.

Final print - Describes how to evaluate the test strip and make final print. Image of an example of a test strip, with caption.

Final thoughts - conclusion, mention advanced techniques. Link to split filter printing and types of paper. List of links to external sites with advanced and alternative techniques. Image of an alternative technique and caption.

Links - list of links to supporting sites, including my photographic website, instructional sites, and a general photography site.





© 2007 Jenna Langer Photography. All Rights Reserved.