Darkroom process is part of the study that I have to go through of the course. I am fascinated to find out what it is and the needs. My first impression of the darkroom was a very red and dark place shown in the movie. The space was quiet and spooky. It has a few sinks and a bunch of photos hanging high on the line. For the first time of entering, there were tons of warning signs on the door, š«š·āā ļø, then a strong smell coming out from the inside. Basically, I felt like entering an anatomy room, which makes me anxious.
I was told to makeĀ my own contact sheet on a photographic paper. Surely, everyone has been told how to do.Ā This is new to me as I never observed the transition from ānothingā to āsomethingā in the chemical bath. I used to own this paper before wrapping with a black sleeve, thinking that it is used in a regular printer without knowing its properties. Never knew that thisĀ paper should not be exposed to light when not using it.
I learned that 2, 2, 4 and 8 second exposure gives me 4 (2, 4, 8 and 16 second) different exposures look on the test strip, which is 1 stop in between each exposure. In addition, I manage to perceive the look/effect of 0.5 stop in a full-stop without wasting additional photographic paper. For example, exposed 3 second in between 2 and 4 second, or exposed 12 second in between 8 and 16 second will give me half of a stop; in between the range. This is a pre-visualise image from between the two sides, when you lookĀ onĀ your test strip.
This technique was used in dodge and burn for my retouching as well, to save paper. But it is better to do a test strip for the precise effect. Once these are understood, you can do anything you want. Donāt follow the rules. You can ābakeā your photograph to anything you like.
Overall, darkroom is fun for all of us whoĀ started film photography. I recommend everyone get in the darkroom at least once. Music in the dark, I'm always blasting music and singing in between waiting for exposures, developing and washing. Plus, there are other more techniques and tricks to learn too.
