I thought I would share some practical advice that I recently gave to a friend in regards to getting started with black and white film photography in the darkroom.
I have helped my friend get his Jobo system setup and able to develop black and white negative films, C-41 color negatives, and E-6 positive films. His true passion is black and white photography, and this is what I will be discussing today.
I have helped him establish the proper EI (exposure index) for the films that he wanted to try out and then choose a developer for these films. If you want to learn the process for testing your B&W film, I have an entire video workshop dedicated to this topic.
Next, we had to establish development times for his films and then proper proof printing times for his contact sheets.
You are welcome to connect with me on my personal Facebook account where I provide behind the scenes updates for my friends and family that I don't share anywhere else. |
If you are new to darkroom printing, then it may not be obvious, but it is a lot of work to test and ultimately establish consistent and repeatable processes that you can trust creatively.
This is one of the key reasons why photographers used one or two films and developers. There is nothing that can replace the experience of consistently using a film and developer combination.
My friend has been going out and exploring his local landscape and exposing many rolls of 120 medium format film. He is in the beginning stages of what I talk about quite often (simplifying and minimizing variables).
He is quickly realizing his love of trying many films is becoming a burden and creates too many variables to master at this time.
He recently sent me photos of his proper proof contact sheets and I asked what his proofs are telling him? While, it is more difficult to make adjustments (exposure, development) with roll films, there will be a theme and trends that emerge in your work over time.
These trends and themes are something that you earn over time and no one else in the world can do this for you. Do you want to give yourself the best possible chance at creating negatives that you can print in the darkroom that meet your creative vision? Then use one film and one developer until you really get to know it first hand...Why else would you invest so much time, energy and money?
My advice to new black and white films photographers that want to create high-quality darkroom prints is simple:
ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING LIBRARY
Read Testimonials from photographers and collectors from around the world.
Buy Your Photography, Video, & Technology Gear at No Additional Cost To You From B&H Photo
COLOR FILMS, DEVELOPERS, DARKROOM GEAR
Fujichrome Provia 100F - Fujichrome Velvia 100 - Fujichrome Velvia 50 - Kodak Portra 160 - Kodak Portra 400 - Kodak Ektar 100 - Fujicolor Pro 400H - Fujicolor Crystal Archive Silver Gelatin RA4 Paper - RA-4 Color Print Processing Developer & Processing Chemicals - Color Darkroom Enlargers
ILFORD B&W FILMS & DEVELOPERS
Ilford HP5 Plus- Ilford FP4 Plus - Ilford Delta 100 - Ilford Delta 400 - Ilford Delta 3200 - Ilford Pan F Plus - Ilford XP2 Super - Ilford SFX - Ilford ID-11 - Ilford DD-X - Ilford Microphen
KODAK B&W FILM DEVELOPERS
Kodak Tri-X - Kodak T-Max 100 - Kodak T-Max 400 - Kodak Portra 160 - Kodak Portra 400 - Kodak Ektar 100 - Kodak P-3200 - Kodak Ektachrome - Kodak D-76 - Kodak XTOL - Kodak HC-110
DARKROOM SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
Jobo CPP-3 processer - Ilford RC Pearl Paper - Ilford RC Glossy Paper - Ilford Multigrade Fiber Paper - Ilford Stop Bath - Ilford Rapid Fixer - Neutral Fixer - Kodak Photo-Flo - Hypo Clearing Agent - Darkroom Trays - Chemical Storage Jugs - Nitrile Gloves - Film Archival Storage Sleeves - Archival Storage Binder - Archival Print Storage Boxes
Note: I participate in affiliate programs where I earn a small commission on some select products that I provide links for on my website at www.timlaytonfineart.com. When you use these links, I earn a small commission and there is no additional charge to you.