This is the how you transfer your photograph from one tray to another,
making sure to let all of the excess chemicals drip off before you place it in the next tray.
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Slide the test strip into the developer, making sure it gets completely covered with chemicals. Gently agitate (lift the corner of the tray every 5 seconds) for the duration. In less than 15 seconds you will start to see the image appear on the paper. Leave the paper in the developer for 1 ½ to 2 minutes; making sure it gets fully developed. Even if the photo starts to get too dark, DON'T TAKE IT OUT. It is hard to see everything with only the safe lights and we want all of the detail to appear. It is important to be consistent with the timing so the final results don't get skewed.
Let the photo sit in this tray for 30 seconds to stop the developer from processing.
Place the photo in the fixer. After 30 seconds, the photo is safe to be viewed in the light. For the photo to be archival later, it needs to be in the fixer for 5 minutes. Lack of fixing can make your print to turn purple later down the road.
The fixer is the most toxic chemical, and it cannot go down the drain. Make sure the fixer is not dripping when you are done with this step.
If you want to see your photo in the light, you can transfer it straight to a tray to view outside the darkroom. Once you are finished looking at it, return the print to the fixer for the complete 5 minutes. Again, make sure you drip the excess chemicals when the time is up.
If you printing multiple photos, it is easier to leave your prints in a holding bath of room temperature water until you finish. When you are done printing, empty the current water and put the prints under running water for 10 minutes. During this time you should be moving around the prints making sure they all get rinsed off thoroughly.
Darkrooms have different drying techniques. Some popular methods are:
Ask your darkroom their procedure. Make sure the print is dry before you stack them so they do not get stuck together.
© 2007 Jenna Langer Photography. All Rights Reserved.
jennalangerphotography@hotmail.com