Makeshift Darkroom - Darkroom In Use

DARKROOM GUIDE I TECHNICAL DATA I DIGITAL DARKROOM

THE DARKROOM

A TRIBUTE TO THE CAMERA'S COMPANION

In one sense there are really only two things we need to make fine photographs: A camera and a darkroom. These two have worked together from the beginning and make up the sum total of photography. The first half of photography (the camera) includes everything from the photographer's creative vision to equipment selection, composition, timing, calculation, technique, and the captured image. The second half of photography (the darkroom) concerns everything else "after the shot"; primarily the many steps involved in the execution of the finished photograph. From creative vision to the framed finished photograph, lies the more complete system and practice of fine art photography.

Despite the advancement of the "instant picture" digital age, the "darkroom" principal is alive and well among photographic enthusiasts. Millions of photographers world wide use an array of image editing software to refine their images in the digital darkroom. The "darkroom" aspect of photography has always been in use and always will be, even in spite of the instant picture age. It is an unavoidable conclusion that there will always be an important place for creative image editing control. Every potential image is uniquely different due to any number of problematic and unforeseen variables. These variables make it virtually impossible for camera processing engines or automation alone to always render images as desired. This makes post-processing a powerful and indispensable asset. We all do as much as we can "in camera" but EVERYONE'S work will greatly benefit from post-processing. Thus the darkroom is a place for the dramatic expression of something that goes beyond what the camera recorded. It is the place where fine print quality or image quality may be achieved.

" Perhaps the most important characteristic of my work is what may be called Print Quality"

- Ansel Adams

TECHNICAL DATA

DARKROOM GUIDE I TECHNICAL DATA I DIGITAL DARKROOM

FILM DEVELOPMENT

The Massive Development Chart

Freestyle's Development Chart

ILFORD Development chart
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ILFORD Temp Compensation Chart
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Kodak Development Data
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Agfa Developing Chart

ILFORD B&W Film Tech Page