As a new member of the Midwest team, one of the things I was excited to learn and try was the darkroom! I had only ever seen them in movies and heard about the experience from my mom, who had access to one in high school. Other than that, it was just my imagination filling in how the film comes to life and what it took to get it there.
Luckily for me, within my first week here, Madison, one of our amazing sales associates, reached out to everyone, letting us know she would be taking a darkroom day to develop some film and would be willing to teach anyone interested in the process. So, I got to join her! She first let me take a few photos with her film camera to help finish off the roll. I didn’t have much experience, but once she showed me the science behind the lighting and settings, it was easy and fun to use.
After the roll was finished, we took it into the darkroom and practiced how to transfer the film roll to the canister. This would be done in complete darkness, so getting comfortable with the feeling and process was key to a successful transfer.
The Film Development Process
After a few tries with some practice film, we turned off the lights, and I made the transfer with the real film roll we had just shot. It was a very unique and fun experience to test skills with just touch and muscle memory. I was a little nervous at first, but Madison gave me plenty of time to practice and helpful tips. Once the film roll was transferred and successfully stored in a light-tight developing tank, we started prepping the chemicals needed to begin the development. Madison showed me the chemical charts and walked me through the science behind the process and how different film rolls call for different measurements of chemicals and time exposed to the chemicals. The development process consisted of agitating the film with different chemicals for a set amount of time.
Starting with the developer, then draining and adding in the stop bath, then draining that and finally pouring in a fixer to remove any unexposed halides and make the film permanent. For each chemical, you slowly turn the tank in a circular motion so that the chemical reaches each part of the film. Once that was all done, we washed it out with water and then took it out to dry. We have a drying machine that takes about an hour or so.
Printing Process with Negatives
Luckily, Madison had some film negatives already developed and ready to be printed! So, I chose a photo from her negatives, and we talked through the paper printing process. We first prepped the chemical trays that would develop the film prints. Then set up the projector in the darkroom and chose a metal cover that allows you to only expose the picture negatives you want to project on the special light-sensitive paper. Once it was set up, we turned off the main light and turned on the darkroom safelights, as the paper itself is light-sensitive and regular lights would mess with the exposure. The extra paper was even stored in a light-sealed case, which was a small detail that made me realize how delicate this process is!
We got the film negative lined up and did a practice test on a small strip of paper to see what exposure time would be best. Every few seconds, we would cover up more of the strip to see the difference between the exposure time and darkness of the photo. Once we decided on a good exposure time, we got out a full sheet of light-sensitive paper and set the new exposure time. After the exposure was done, we transferred the paper to the chemicals and repeated a similar process as before with the negatives. Having it sit in a tub of developer, stop bath, and fixer for a set amount of time. However, with the paper, you gently lift and lower the bin, so the chemicals wash over the paper consistently.
Burning and Dodging the Print
Once that was completed, we placed the print into the water filter tank to let it rinse the chemicals out for 10 minutes. After the rinse was complete, we hung it to dry on the drying line hanging from the ceiling in the darkroom. After we let it dry for a few minutes, Madison taught me the technique of burning and dodging, which is one of her favorite parts of the process. This was a bit different than the dodging and burning process I was used to in Photoshop, but it allowed for the same results! We decided to burn the middle of the image as the exposure was a little too light for our liking. The great thing is this process is all about creative preference! I loaded up another piece of paper and set the exposure time. After the initial exposure, we set it again and covered the areas we didn’t want to be exposed further in the burning process. Then we repeated the chemical process again, let it rinse for 10 minutes, and hung it up to dry. After a bit, we compared the photos to see how the burn turned out. There was a little change to it, and I realized there was also a glare in the photo itself that played a part in making the center brighter than the rest. However, it was still cool to see the difference and how this process would be used in future print processes!
Overall, I really enjoyed learning a new skill, especially because it’s still related to photography, and loved seeing the delicate process and effort that goes behind developing and printing photos from negatives. I would highly recommend anyone interested in photography or photo printing to learn how to do it yourself! It allows for a greater appreciation of our quick and modern printing process now and the amazing science behind how it all works!
Develop Your Passion!
Never developed film before but want to learn from an experienced developer? you’re in luck! Madison is hosting a Film Developing class this September to teach others and allow them the experience I had! You can learn more about the class here! (insert class link)
If you’ve developed film before and are just looking for a space to develop, Midwest Photo offers Darkroom Rental time here in the store! You can view the schedule and pricing here (insert web link).
Lastly, if you love photography and want to try film photography, Madison will also be having a Photography Film Walk with film camera rentals (if you don’t have your own) August 25th! She’s also giving out a free B&W film roll to each attendee! If you join the walk and use your film that day, you can have it developed by Midwest Photo, develop it yourself with a Darkroom Rental, or learn in Madison’s development class! There are so many fun options to practice and learn some new film photography skills!
Whether you’re interested in film cameras, development, printing, or learning new skills, Midwest Photo has plenty to offer! Visit us to try out some film cameras and find the best investment for you, Or join a class to dive deeper into the art of film photography!
For more questions or to explore further, call or visit our store—our team is here to help!
