Printing photographs in a dark room — my process

Analog film photography aims at creating tangible physical photographs. When digital files feel shallow and disposable, a genuine old-fashioned silver print elevates photography to a permanent preservation of an event, to a physically unique object, and even art.

But it comes with a cost. It is not easy, it is slow, and it requires time and space not always availably in the busy life we live in.

Each and every print is unique, everybody works in her darkroom in her own way, and there is no right or wrong. This is a snapshot of my process and even more some of my consideration while working in my very humble and primitive, yet functional darkroom.

If you want to see tutorials and “how-to” videos, check these out from Ilford.

[stevenwhite]

Great content and a lovely looking print you made thank you Ari

[paulforster]

Very nostalgic! It took me back over 50 years when I spent most nights in my darkroom- the spare bedroom of my parents’ house. A Durst M600 was my prized possession and I dreamt of the day that I could produce images without dust spots and have perfect control over contrast and exposure without all of the trial and error. It never occurred to me that it would be possible to do it in a fraction of the time.
And now I can do all of that (and more) but yearn for the smell of fixer and thrill of seeing the image emerge in the developing tray. I think that must be an allegory of life!
Great video as always.

[ggaffrey]

Ari, pictoral planet has best darkroom science on YouTube.

[johngskewes]

Thank you for a very nice, candid vlog - thank you so much.

[heinzhagenbucher]

Thank you for showing me this link. Very interesting. I do sometimes 35mm film, but get it developed at my local Photography Shop. I haven't done any prints of them. Maybe one day.
Very interesting to listen to your workflow. 👌

[guillermolastra]

Excellent video like usually, please keep posting !

[dewaynecarver]

Great video! I had a bathroom darkroom for a couple of years before building a permanent one in my basement. The permanent set-up is not as much of a time-saver as I'd expected, and your video shows why. Mixing chemicals and setting up doesn't really take that long - it's the iterative expose-develop-evaluate cycle that burns the most time. Even though my darkroom is "permanent", it's not something you can just pop into and spend 10 or 15 minutes printing. In my experience, I need an hour for printing, minimum, and if I'm there an hour, I'm often there for two or three. Still takes a few minutes to mix chemicals, set up your paper(s), and prep the enlarger at the beginning, then the paper washing and tray cleanup at the end, no matter where you are. That's maybe 20 minutes to a half hour. Even just printing a couple of proof sheets or some 5x7 snapshots will take most of another half hour. I think the biggest advantage of a permanent set up is you don't inconvenience the rest of the house while you are entertaining yourself! My point is, any dark room can be a good darkroom, permanent or temporary. Reassuring to see how you work - guess I'm not screwing anything up too badly. Greatly enjoying your channel.

[mesires]

Hi Ari, thank you for bringing the topic of darkroom printing into your VLOG! I visited a shared darkroom for few years and finaly built a dedicated darkroom in my house last year. I also enjoy the process. RIght now I am printing a series of photos and hope to make an exhibition some time later this year once it is feasible in our country.
Greeting from nearly easternmost part of the Czech republic (Ostrava) to FInland (as I can see on the globe even the westernmost part is still more on East ...) :)

[IainHC]

I would pay 140 euro's for that print Ari! I appreciate the work that has gone into making it!! 🙂Thank you for the link 🙂

[GaetanCormier]

Ahhhh darkroom work! I use my kitchen for that (I have a small appartment) but hey! it works! Even after many years, it always magical to see the image appear on the paper.
Ari, would you be interested in a print exchange?

[utekopka]

Thank you very much Ari for this great video and for sharing your experiences! I practically grew up in a darkroom, with my dad being a passionate amateur photographer allowing me to "help". And I loved being there. Seing a picture appearing slowly in the developer has always been pure magic to me and it still is. I have lately been back to shooting film again and bought an entire used darkroom with a Durst M601 enlarger for a very good price. Can't wait to print my pictures again.
I have a (perhaps stupid) question about one of the loupes you are using. I have the same as the small one and use it on a light table to have a closer look at my films. I am wondering why you put the tape around it.
Again, your videos are fantastic and so are your pictures. Keep doing your good work!

[UncleEze]

You might want to consider buying the Kickstarter Intrepid enlarger. It’s smaller and more compact. Love the explanation. Would love to print exchange if you like. I do 8x10 prints currently on rc paper.

[christopherhowell]

at 75years of age, time is of the essence !... think I will stay digital! huh!

[colinfaulkner]

I feel like you cut yourself short when you say not with my skills and my tools. I view the analog process in the same manner and commitment that perhaps a fine art painter would. Those who appreciate art appreciate the time and effort of human skill to produce the work. And so they are compensated appropriately. It should be no different for you. I do analog work and love it. I don't consider it anywhere near the same plane as computational photography. I really enjoyed your video....great job. Thanks.

[KerryJapan]

There is magic happening when that Image emerges like a ghost from the developer...Sadly for me I have to content myself with wet film developing only...from there I have to jump into the digital world. Japan houses are on the small side..

[jacovanlith]

"Plenty of good videos on printing B&W photos."
You must be joking.