How and where to find a darkroom to use if you don’t have space at home?
In big cities there are often several options available. Universities, colleges, and photography centers are all good places to look into. They may rent spaces per hour, require you to sign up for classes, or to become a member.
With labs or photography centers, usually paying a fee or signing up to become a member will grant you access to the space and all the equipment you will need. Many times these places also offer courses that can teach you the first steps. They can be great resources to learn since they are fully equipped with all the tools you need to practice your skills. And often being surrounded by other amateurs or professionals, you can always ask for help if you have any doubts.
Universities and colleges are another good option to look into. These institutions usually have operational darkrooms, and again you can either sign up for classes or become a member. This might also be the most budget friendly option as universities tend to have a smaller fee compared to labs or photography centers.
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More Courses
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How to make a darkroom at home?
When setting up a darkroom, it is crucial to find an adequate space and purchase a good enlarger. Every other tool can be easily found online.
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What is a test strip?
A test strip is a piece of paper with which the correct exposure time for an image can be determined by dividing it into sections of different exposures.
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What is a contact sheet?
A contact sheet is a printed photographic paper that includes on a single page all the photos taken on the roll.
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What does “pre-flashing” mean?
Pre-flashing is done to the whole paper to accelerate the density, without compromising the white. It is used when there is a negative with dense highlights.
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What is split grade printing?
Split grade printing refers to the use of more than one filter when printing your photos in a darkroom, in order to properly expose the highlights and shadow areas.
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What are the different types of photographic paper?
Photographic paper is coated with a light sensitive solution to make it possible to create a darkroom print. Different papers are distinguished by categories such as fixed grade, variable contrast, resin coated, and fiber base.
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How to make a darkroom print
Work in a fully equipped darkroom. Select a negative, put it in an enlarger and focus the frame. Then expose the image for the correct time on the photographic paper. Finally develop, stop, fix, wash and dry.
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What is an enlarger?
An enlarger is a light projector used to make a print of an image that is larger than the original negative or transparency.
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What is Dodging and Burning?
Dodging and burning are darkroom techniques used to make adjustments to different areas of our prints. Dodging lightens an area, while burning darkens an area.