BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY:

Introduction to the Darkroom Development

Home Setup Placing the Negative Composing and Focusing The Test Strip Developing The Final Print Final Thoughts Links

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Developing your own black and white photographs in the darkroom is a great way to learn about photography and the process beyond taking the picture. For me, the darkroom is a place where I can relax, listen to music, and immerse myself in my work. Many people will tell you there is nothing equal to watching your image majestically appear on the paper! This article will teach you the basics of darkroom printing. It can be a tedious process, but the final result is well worth the time.

These instructions are a beginner's guide to developing in the darkroom. Many of the supplies come in different variations, but we are going to start with the standard materials to ensure a successful workflow.

Contents:
  1. THE SETUP
    1. Materials
    2. Darkroom Components
    3. Chemicals

  2. PLACING THE NEGATIVE
    1. Picking a Good Negative
    2. Setting Up Your Negative

  3. COMPOSING AND FOCUSING
    1. Opening the Lens
    2. Composing
    3. Focusing
    4. Evaluating
    5. Stopping Down the Lens

  4. THE TEST STRIP
    1. Preparing the Paper
    2. Exposing the Paper
  1. DEVELOPING THE PRINT
    1. Developer
    2. Stop Bath
    3. Fixer
    4. Wash
    5. Dry

  2. THE FINAL PRINT
    1. Evaluating the Test Strip
    2. Making the Final Print

  3. FINAL THOUGHTS
    1. Advanced/Alternative Techniques

  4. LINKS


© 2007 Jenna Langer Photography. All Rights Reserved.
jennalangerphotography@hotmail.com