shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
The thing I appreciate most about darkroom printing… is the amount of thinking and concentration.
It’s like being in a different place, one task in mind, and the drive to attain the unattainable perfection.
The dark, the solitude, amplifies this tension between myself and that final version of the print that beckons, yet remains elusive: “Just one more try…”
Click on the image above to read more.It’s like being in a different place, one task in mind, and the drive to attain the unattainable perfection.
The dark, the solitude, amplifies this tension between myself and that final version of the print that beckons, yet remains elusive: “Just one more try…”
Clint Troy
Well-known
Printed 20 16x20 fb selenium toned prints yesterday. I know what you mean.
John Bragg
Well-known
I am truely envious. One day I shall return to the dark for hours of sheer concentration and a few prints for my efforts. Until then it is the scanner for me !
Bill Clark
Veteran
I'm so happy I have a garbage can in my darkroom! Ha!
Silver Gel prints still look better, at least for me, than digital prints. Many times digital prints are made with color paper & chemicals. Ink Jets are close!
mbisc
Silver Halide User
sepiareverb
genius and moron
For me it is the calm of the mind. That and the quiet, but for the burble of the water. All this of course when the album has ended, and all the great dancing while rocking those trays is on a temporary pause.
Bill Clark
Veteran
Same feelings!
Good job writing your thoughts.
Vics
Veteran
The only thing I'd change about my darkroom (utility room) Is to make it dark in the daytime. I'm so tired by the time I start printing (Hate the daylight savings time) that I can only work an hour or so. That's my spring project make it so I can print at ten in the morning!
sepiareverb
genius and moron
Thanks!
Being able to print anytime the mood (or more likely the schedule) strikes is indeed a treat.
My last darkroom before this one was perfect in regard to lightproofing. Windows I could open at night without worry that there would be ANY light coming to bother me unless there was a meteor incoming. Printing while listening to a pond full of wood frogs or peepers singing is a real treasure.
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
"Just one more try..."
I know that feeling...
I know that feeling...
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
20 of the same photo or 20 different ones?
Any chance we can see one or two?
Just snap a digital image like I did above.
The last thing I'd want to do is to scan my prints.
maddoc
... likes film again.
I so wish for a permanent darkroom setup, next week we are moving to a new place and it means even setting up a makeshift darkroom in the bathroom will become nearly impossible ... 
Need to figure something out ...
Need to figure something out ...Clint Troy
Well-known
20 Different ones, of course!
Here's one from a few weeks ago, another session where I printed 20 16x20s FB selenium and toned...
This particular image is 15x15 on a 16x20 sheet. Rolleiflex 3.5F, HP5@1600
Attachments
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
I so wish for a permanent darkroom setup, next week we are moving to a new place and it means even setting up a makeshift darkroom in the bathroom will become nearly impossible ...
Gabor, it took me 1.5 years planning, getting the parts bits-by-bits, and mostly waiting for things to come together -- things like life, money, you know, silly stuff like that
-- to setup this second darkroom. It's worth it.
I don't miss the color darkroom at all, but I do miss the B&W darkroom. It's been 15 years since I've been in one. Maybe someday again...
ibcrewin
Ah looky looky
Awesome print!
Although I only print about 2-3x a year in my basement, I love it. I find it WAAAAY more satisfying than scanning.
Although I only print about 2-3x a year in my basement, I love it. I find it WAAAAY more satisfying than scanning.
KM-25
Well-known
I did color a bit while in the ship's darkroom in the navy, not as fluid and easy a process as black and white for sure, I don't miss it either.
But as for black and white....man, there is nothing better than seeing this show I am doing ( Silver & Ice ) come together so nicely. I love that I can not receive an email in my developing tray, a text on my enlarger or order a book from amazon on my timer.....it is what it is and all it will be.
In seeking out the best ten 10"x10"'s and single 12"x24", I have spent 6-10 hours a day this week in the darkroom, it's been fantastic! Now to print the mailers for my show on Ilford Postcard paper....
newspaperguy
Well-known
I too miss the solitude.
filmfan
Well-known
I am with you 100000%
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
I learn B&W printing from others via reading and talking briefly with a few local printers. Never had a chance to do color printing, and probably never will, which suits me just fine. The simple yet elegant quality of B&W fascinate me more, plus there are numerous things like alt. processes that can be pursued if I want extra challenges.
Lith printing is one of my favorites. I'm gearing up to do it again soon (waiting for a possibly suitable paper to arrive).