Getting started with darkroom printing

Darkroom printing turns a negative into a print by hand, using light and chemistry rather than a machine. This guide covers what the process involves, what it needs, and how to work through it.

What is darkroom printing?

Darkroom printing is the process of creating photographic prints using light-sensitive photographic paper, a chemical development process, and an enlarger. The process involves projecting an image from a film negative onto photographic paper, then processing it using chemical baths to reveal the final print.

Understanding paper and negative combinations

The chemistry necessary to process a print depends on both the type of photographic paper and the negative used. Each process is covered in depth within this documentation.

Black & white prints are made by projecting black & white negatives onto black & white photographic paper. This combination produces a black & white positive image. The print is developed using three chemical baths: developer, stop bath and fixer.

RA-4 C-type prints are made by projecting colour negatives (typically C-41 processed film) onto RA-4 colour paper. This combination results in a full-colour positive print. The process requires a colour developer, followed by either separate bleach and fix baths or a combined bleach-fix (BLIX) solution.

Every print follows the same steps:

1. Prepare the enlarger: load the negative, size and focus it.
2. Make a test strip to find the exposure.
3. Expose the print.
4. Develop, stop and fix it.
5. Wash and dry it.

If you want a simple first attempt before enlarging, a contact sheet needs no focusing or framing.

Why darkroom print?

Unlike digital printing, which relies on ink or laser technology, darkroom printing allows for hands-on control over the final image through exposure and development techniques. Many find the process itself rewarding. It is slow, tactile work done with your hands.

In the darkroom, light exposes silver halides within the emulsion layer of the paper, creating a latent image, as film does. Developing the print makes that image visible. In black & white it converts the exposed silver halides into metallic silver. In colour it forms dye layers.

The silver in the paper gives a darkroom print its tones and surface. Each print is made by hand, so no two are exactly alike.

Where to print

You can print at home or in a community darkroom.

Creating a home darkroom

Setting up a darkroom at home requires a dedicated space that can be made completely light-tight. A spare room or bathroom can be temporarily adapted using blackout fabric or seals to block any stray light. With careful planning, even a small space can be transformed into a functional darkroom.

Read the safety guidance before you start

You will be handling chemicals and mains electricity in a room with the lights off. The darkroom safety guide covers ventilation, storage and handling.

Printing in a community space

If you cannot set a darkroom up at home, a community darkroom is the usual route. They have the enlargers, trays and washing facilities already set up, so the cost is bench time rather than equipment.

Many cities have one, and many colleges rent bench time to the public. Ours is open to beginners and experienced printers alike.