One of the best things about film photography is that the creative process doesn’t end in the camera. Processing your images in a darkroom is not only great fun, but it also allows you to exercise complete creative control over the final look of your image. We cover some of […]
Yearly Archives: 2017
12 posts
CHOOSING PHOTO CHEMICALS We have a range of photo chemistry compatible for printing/processing all of our resin coated and fibre base papers in trays/dishes as well as in processing machines. If you are new to printing the choice could appear excessive yet each liquid or powder paper developer has its purpose or strengths. For an […]
ILFORD PHOTO offer an extensive range of black & white photographic paper. A photographer’s choice of paper is a subjective decision based on personal tastes and preferences. It can also be impacted by the type of images you shoot and the final look you want to achieve. Papers all have different […]
MAKING A SILVER GELATIN PRINT Take a look inside the darkroom of Master Printer Tim Rudman whilst he shares the methods that he employed when making a silver gelatin print for his latest book Iceland, An Uneasy Calm Tim discusses various techniques including negative preparation, dodging and burning and using coloured filters for contrast […]
TESTING YOUR SAFELIGHTS Safelights are an essential component in any darkroom set up. We recommend testing them annually, as ageing can change the transmission characteristics of the filters. This can cause visible fogging of the print or, more likely, a subtle but noticeable drop in contrast. When setting up your […]
The ILFORD PHOTO Archival Sequence, or Optimum Permanence wash system is a method of processing fibre base papers for maximum longevity while reducing the amount of water and time used. Whilst standard fixing and washing recommendations will give excellent print permanence for all commercial needs. When optimum permanence is needed, perhaps for […]
SPLIT GRADE PRINTING The version of split grade printing described here is that taught to me by the ILFORD head printers, Mike Walden and Terry Offord, and is the simplest, fastest way to make good darkroom prints from pretty much any negative. (The exception is really underexposed negatives to print […]
Retouching is normally done to remove blemishes from the negative or the final print. It can also be used to change the tone or remove unwanted detail. As retouching can be difficult, care is required. ADVICE FOR RETOUCHING The most risky retouching techniques involve removing parts of the image, by […]
A black border often enhances a print and does not involve any sort of mounting or overlay. INK OR TAPE BORDERS The easiest way to produce narrow black borders is to rule them with a pen directly onto your finished print: an India-ink pen gives the most solid line, but […]
MOUNTING YOUR PRINTS Even the most stunning print can look better when it has been properly mounted. Mounted prints are also better protected as they are kept flat with the image separated from the immediate surroundings by unobtrusive margins. There are no hard and fast rules about mounting prints; the […]